Looking back on the year — and looking forward into the future — it’s hard not to have a pessimistic view of things. The job outlook is slim pickings, a toxic slime threatens our coast and the kids are fatter than ever.It certainly feels like we’re in a slump — and the people agree. About three out of every five Americans believe the country is heading down the wrong track, depending on which poll you use.Ask them why they hold such a jaded view of American prosperity and you’ll get a variety of answers. Ultimately, however, these complaints share one common thread: It’s someone else’s fault.In the age of 24-hour cable news, it’s unsurprising this sentiment is so pervasive. We have been conditioned to things in terms of black and white, left or right, us and them. People like Glenn Beck and Keith Olbermann gloat about their success in the ratings. They capitalize on extremist views by pitting Americans against one another. No matter your political affiliation, after watching either one of these programs, you’ll walk away an angrier person — either because you agree with their frustrations or you resent their propaganda.This system hardens some while alienating others.Of course, the ideologues are the most vocal. These partisans are the ones that threaten their senators over the phone and seek viewpoints that reinforce their own. They’ve created a system that couldn’t pass jaywalking legislation without a filibuster and a rider amendment to build a maglev train in North Dakota.All the while, the other half of Americans sit on the sidelines, lamenting the state of discourse in our country. They shrug their shoulders and describe themselves as “apathetic.”Meanwhile, they continue to complain about how the system is broken.I understand the frustrations that result from the entirely ineffective system, but I believe withdrawing from it is just a convenient excuse.While many would say they are apathetic because of the way things are, I believe the way things are can be traced to our collective apathy.Withdrawing from the system contributes to the problem. It takes the discourse from the level-headed people in favor of the ideologues.These people are the enemy of the state. Left or right, anyone who blindly subscribes to an ideology threatens the prosperity of our country.Instead, I say to those who are apathetic – stop making excuses for why you aren’t involved and aware. Stop harboring a defeatist attitude.The best treatment for your apathy is being informed. As they say, we get the government we deserve. An informed public gets a political system that doesn’t appeal to partisanship and political gain. Instead it appeals to results.Not only should you seek out higher quality information — the kind that doesn’t involve a busty woman behind a fiberglass desk and fancy graphics — but you should also seek out alternative viewpoints.When someone tries to make a political point, you are then in a better position to call them out — which you should do. Those who contribute to partisanship are just as guilty as those who refuse to put a stop to it.Don’t let apathy become an excuse for not doing your civic duty.Any idiot can point to a problem, describe it to people and leave them angry. However, it takes effort to recognize a problem and then — through your own thinking — understand the best way to address it.No one said an effective government is easy to acquire. And it isn’t a duty that is given to some; we all share the burden.I think that on most days I’m with the minority of Americans who continue to be optimistic about where our country is going. Although there is no denying that we live in frustrating times, America has a spirit that can’t be replicated in a Chinese factory.We’ll be back on the right track when people wake up, shake off their partisan labels and vote based on merits, not on politics.Mark Macmurdo is a 23-year-old history and economics senior from Baton Rouge. Follow him on Twitter @TDR_mmacmurdo.—-Contact Mark Macmurdo at [email protected]