Paving a Road to His Future: Kenton Ngo, Blogger & Next Generation Politico

A lot of bright kids hear their parents or teachers dote on them, exclaiming, "He's going to grow up to be President," or, "She's the future of America." That is a nice boost to a kid's ego and a simple way to nurture a healthy sense of self-esteem, but few children ever actually take those words to heed. Choosing a political future lacks the attractiveness of the life of an athlete, a movie star, or even an artist.

Too, the life of a public official promises a tough beginning, generally fraught with tedious, intense study of history and public policy. It also demands a fierce sense of competition, the likes of which will not be found in the average locker room. Then there is the need for a strong will, cast-iron ethics, and exhaustive self-promotion (without allowing the ethics to rush).

Top that off with the need for a separate career to propel a person into position for a political post, and the number of kids willing to travel down the road to public office drops dramatically. The kind of commitment a person needs for that life is a tall order for most adults, and it is even tougher for a teenager. Many youth-rooted political aspirations flag in college; most of these same aspirations never make it out of high school. It is not surprising that most bright kids you meet consider politics stale and uninteresting.

But then, you haven't met Kenton Ngo.

At fifteen, this Springfield, Virginia, high school sophomore is not just forging a path to a future political career- he is paving a road to that end. His industrious nature, tireless attitude, unobtrusive style, and brimming intelligence almost assure his name a place on a future election ballot. A quick look at his current résumé lets you know that this young man is the real deal. He is active campaigner for political candidates whom he endorses.

He is a founding member of an Amnesty International club at West Springfield High School, as well as being a member of the forensics team- that's speech and debate team for the layman- and is headed for a national competition after placing third in District competition. Kenton also serves on a student congress, debates policy, competes in extemporaneous debate and oratory competitions, and plays violin in his school's orchestra. This is quite a list of accomplishments, but what may be his benchmark achievement- and one that paints a clear portrait of his beliefs- is his blog.

Amazingly, Kenton has been an active political blogger since the 2004 election season. And in December, 2004, he began 750 Volts, his blog website dedicated to informing, educating, and even amusing readers about events, key figures, and policy in Virginia and our nation's capitol. Note that I said 'December, 2004.' That's correct; this teen started a political blog at the ripe old age of thirteen.

I became aware of Kenton's blog when I conducted an Internet search for a blog that might offer some clarity to the 2006 midterm election campaign in Virginia. Even those with only a basic knowledge of the recent election, Virginia was a hotly contested state that ultimately changed the state's color from red to blue. The principal players in that election were George Allen and Jim Webb, and I wanted to cut a clear path through all the mud slung freely by party members on both sides. I happened upon 750 Volts, and was fascinated and entertained by what I found on the site. The information was fresh, timely, and presented intelligently and with a measure of humor.

I visited the site on numerous occasions in late summer and early fall, but never thought to learn more about the site's creator. The blogosphere is teeming with sites of every size, shape, and color these days that I seldom dig under a blog's epidermis. That changed, however, when I saw a reference to the website for 750 Volts in a Norfolk newspaper article. That Virginian-Pilot story reported Kenton's current age, and I was instantly intrigued. How could a fifteen-year-old have such a firm grasp on issues and current events that would allow him to post some of the best political writing I had read outside of a nationally recognized periodical?

That question wormed around in my head for a few weeks until I decided to dredge up an answer. And who better to ask than the young man himself. Despite his heavy schedule, Kenton was gracious and granted me an interview. Not only did he speak with me about his efforts, but he also shared some of his insight and observations on the parallel world that is politics. The following is a transcript of our discussion:

WG:I know that the origin of the name of your blog site, 750 Volts, was derived from some transit sign that you saw, but how does the name tie in with the site?
KN:It was actually on the train. 750 Volts is the amount of current in the Washington Metro third rail. It doesn't really have anything to do with Virginia politics.

WG:Who else, if anyone, is involved in your effort? Friends, classmates, family members?
KN:I do all the writing and maintenance. Friends and classmates occasionally drop by to comment.

WG:So, law and politics are among your plans (as I have previously read). Any ideas where you might wish to go to college? What about law school?
KN:I do want to go to law school. I'm not really sure where, but I'll make a list of possible choices during the next few months.

WG:What career path do you have in mind when it comes to working your way into public office?
KN:I'd like to be a lawyer.

WG:When did you first realize that law and politics were your calling? Why?
KN:I'm not really sure. I just realized that I have a right just like everyone else does to fight for what I believe.

WG:How much of your non-scholastic time is consumed by your work on 750 Volts? Include travel time for attending public meetings or hearings; preparation for your blog; research of issues or candidates/elected officials; site maintenance; responding to emails; etc.
KN:On average, anywhere from 1 to 11 hours a week. It depends on when I have time and what the news cycle is like.

WG:How did you conceive of your blog campaign? And what motivates you to continue?
KN:I figured it was the best way for me to get involved, and let out all the opinions I had. I saw the blogging wave during the 2004 campaign and decided to get involved. I'll probably be motivated to continue until I run out of things to say or find a better outlet.

WG:Any particular blog piece that you are especially fond or proud of?
KN:I do like the mapping posts. It really is true that a picture says a thousand words. Pieces on events are often fun too (the Shad Planking comes to mind).

WG:Do you often read the political blogs of others? If so, do those ever influence or swing your opinions or content in any particular direction?
KN:Other blogs, on occasion, do influence what I write about (we bloggers pick up stories from each other). My opinions usually stay my opinions, though.

WG:When you started 750 Volts, what did you hope to achieve? And have those goals or aspirations been fulfilled?
KN:I didn't really have any higher goals for the blog--it was just for fun, so I'd say, yes.

WG:How long have you been doing this?
KN:I've been blogging seriously since December 2004.

WG:Are most people, adults particularly, surprised by your dedication and enthusiasm for this endeavor?
KN:People that know me aren't terribly surprised I'm into this. The surprise factor is gradually wearing off.

WG:What do your peers think of this project?
KN:Some think it's pretty cool. Others think I'm this super-nerd, and still others don't know.

WG:Do you receive scholastic credit for this work?
KN:No.

WG:While it sounds like you have a full schedule, what do you do just to relax?
KN:Sleep, surf the rest of the internet, talk with friends, etc.

WG:Because of your work and research, have you formed any strong leanings or beliefs toward any party or platform? Or do you prefer to blog objectively?
KN:I don't profess objectivity at all. I only profess accuracy. My beliefs place me rather firmly in the Democratic camp. The purpose of my blog isn't to be unbiased--it's my blog, after all.

WG:Have you ever encountered serious dissent or discontent with the information you disclose in your blogs? What was the nature of the dissent? And why do you suppose that occurred?
KN:We're seeing, in Virginia especially, that the blogosphere has grown to the point where there is the occasional flame war. Blogging politics is swimming with sharks--there's a lot of passion in it on all sides. It's hardly an echo chamber.

WG:Do you try to remain neutral in your reporting and investigations, or are you more apt to journal based on observation, opinion, and reflection?
KN:I don't try to remain neutral--I wouldn't blog if that was my job. I try to put my ideas forward, and put a personal spin on things.

WG:Have you considered political reporting or journalism as an alternative career path?
KN:I want to shape policy in the future instead of writing about those who do. I couldn't sit on the sidelines.

WG:So what happens to 750 Volts when you begin college? Will you pass on the torch to someone else? Will you sell the site? Or will you continue the program yourself?
KN:It's doubtful that 750 Volts will be around when I move on. There are so many other blogs out there that there are going to be 5 blogs in my place when I'm gone. I don't think anyone would want to buy the site, either. If I'm still blogging in college, the focus might change a little bit depending on where I am.

WG:Do any other young people ever contact you with solid input or commentary? And how many of your peers are as politically active and concerned as you are?
KN:I'll be honest and say not many. Young people aren't necessarily uninformed, they just haven't found a reason to get involved. There are a few young people out in the blogosphere, however.

WG:Any distinct fans of your work? Any consistent pundits? And of these two groups, what are the opinions like for those posting responses?
KN:I don't really get dedicated 'commenters' devoted to coming every day to put in their two cents, so I wouldn't really know.

WG:How many blogs have you posted to date? An estimation will suffice.
KN:I'd say over 800 now.

WG:What is your parents' take on all of your work? Are they as equally involved in political action as you are? Do they influence your work? Or, do they give you latitude in your pursuits?
They give me lots of latitude in politics. They vote, but don't have the time or KN:the need to volunteer or blog.

WG:What's the general reception of officials and audience members when you appear at public forums? Surprised or oblivious?
KN:Initially it was surprise, now they're used to me.

WG:Is there any subject that you prefer not to tackle in conjunction with your work?
KN:I will write about nearly anything and everything except religion. Politics is a matter of public policy. Religion is a private matter.

WG:Do you feel that the youth of our nation, say, in or near your age set, are more politically involved than previous generations seem to have been? If so, what contributes to this new level of involvement, in your opinion- the Internet, the current depth of modern education, more readily accessible news and information due to an enhanced media, or is it something else?
KN:I would think so. It's getting easier and easier for anyone to get involved in politics these days.

WG:Do you think that the voting age should be lowered to keep pace with the more informed youth that may not be of legal, constitutional voting age? Why? And what would the benefit of this be?
KN:I'd say no. I don't think you should be able to vote unless you're legally an adult, and can sign contracts on your own and the like. If they raise or lower the age of consent, then the voting age should be tied with it. You shouldn't be able to vote if your parents still have to sign off for you, and you should be able to vote when you can sign off for yourself.

WG:If the voting age were to be lowered, what do you think the youth voting turnout would be like? Why?
KN:Low. I don't see any reason from history to believe otherwise.

WG:How important is it for today's youth to be politically active and outspoken? Why?
I don't think many youth feel that they make a difference, or why it matters. KN:But as I see it, if you don't run this country, who will? Will you complain when the government is wrong, or are you going to do something about it?

WG:Knowing what you know now, is there anything that you would have done differently in starting your blog and your work? What and why?
KN:Hmm... I wouldn't really say I'd have done much differently. I'm satisfied the way things have turned out.

WG:Based on your observations and your knowledge base, what do you think about the current political climate in the U.S.? And the rest of the world?
KN:Some are complaining that America is divided more than ever, but I think America has always been divided, and that it's a good thing. A country completely united is a dangerous thing--dissent is healthy. I think the climate in the US and the world is the same as it's always been--everyone's fighting for their own interest.

WG:With a new Congress (one that appears to be more liberal, and a bit more poised to be progressively effective) coming, and with only two years left for the Bush administration, what do you see happening in this country? And what will the ripple effect be like as a result?
KN:On a larger scale, the conservative movement as we know it is dead. The uneasy marriage of the libertarians and the social conservatives that brought the Republicans charging to power was bound to come undone, and when the Republican Party abandoned economic libertarians in favor of a more Southern, religious conservatism, libertarians left in droves. Especially in the West, those who value smaller government that gets its nose out of people's lives are finding themselves revolted by the constant demands of social conservatives, not to mention civil liberties violations.

Instead, what I hope to see now is the rise of a new progressivism--one that fights for equality and liberty for all instead of restricting rights, and fair economic policy.

WG:What do you think are the more important issues facing our government and the constituency?
KN:Americans are too willing to give away our civil liberties in return for temporary safety. Giving up our freedom is surrendering to the terrorists, for this is exactly what they want us to do. They wish that we were no longer free. Sacrificing what we are as Americans goes against every principle we founded our country on, and 50 years from now we will look back at our rash surrender with shame.

The impact of global warming is staggering. This is our planet, and as far as we know, we don't get another one. This issue isn't talked about nearly enough in the political sphere. If we don't act now, it may be too late.

WG:Hypothetically speaking, if you were in office today, what would your term in office be like? What would you focus on? What would you work to change?
KN:There are so many things, but here are a few things:

I would fight for equality for everyone, no exceptions, under the law. It's sad to see an America so eager to restrict the rights of gays and lesbians. Every generation finds a scapegoat.

I'd fight for relief for the working poor. It's getting harder and harder in America to get ahead and fight for the American dream. Not everyone is succeeding, and those that are succeeding do better and better. A reordering of the tax structure is necessary to make it [taxation] more progressive, and to provide a more reasonable living wage.

I'd reform the electoral system. It's clichéd to say that the election system is unfair and laden with money. Nonpartisan redistricting that insures incumbents have to respond to their districts is long overdue. I'm a believer in instant runoff voting so that third parties, instead of being stifled and spoiling the votes of their own cause, can actually participate.

Our civil liberties should be sacrosanct. Why should we surrender liberties voluntarily to fight those who wish to take them?

You only get one planet. That's all that needs to be said.

Health care is one of the top reasons the working poor and middle class can't get ahead. A lack of affordable, good health care has a huge ripple effect. It forces families to put off treatment, resulting in emergency room visits that drag down the system as a whole. It sucks up income that could be put toward savings or college funds that would allow children to get ahead. One accident, one illness can destroy a family. Life expectancy goes down and workers can't work. I believe in a national health care system that pools together and gives everyone care.

I'd work to end the death penalty and reform the criminal justice system. Too often poverty is an indicator of guilt. The death penalty is an arbitrary tool that has no rational reason between who lives and who dies. Representation of the indigent, especially in Virginia, is abysmal. Everyone should have a fair chance in court, but when the government refuses to pay high enough for defense lawyers, many simply go somewhere else. Drug addicts take up space in prison, and they come out still addicted, untreated.

WG:Do you have any political heroes, present or past? Why?
KN:Ben Franklin. He's everything I wish I were. A learned, multi-talented, all-around genius who deftly navigated the waters of politics, fighting for liberty, above all else.

WG:Who do you think are the political personalities to watch in the future?
KN:I don't want to get caught making predictions. I do hope that I'm among them.

WG:Any thoughts you'd like to share with the reading public?
KN:In all you fight for, never forget why America was founded. Opinions come and go, but the facts are paramount. Never forget those who are less fortunate. Ignorance is hell--dare to know.

WG:What would the ideal political career path be for you?
KN:I'd go where I'm needed and where the people send me.

WG:Any political topics you'd like to comment on?
KN:Well, that's why I have a blog!

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If you would like to read more of what Kenton has to say on the issues and events on the political front, visit his blog at http://www.kentonngo.com/750volts/. I suggest that you do make that visit; you'll learn a thing or two, plus you might have the opportunity to say, "Hey, I used to read Senator Ngo's blog."