Political Corner
Voting
Andrew Michel
Issue date: 10/29/08 Section: Final Approach
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Life itself is about choices. One chooses whether or not one will learn, take action, or think. To relinquish that right to let someone else decide the future for you without fighting against it is one of the most grievous acts of treason against the human soul. Anyone has the ability to choose, whether for the better or the worse. The question is: Will you stand this year for your right to choose?
Ideally, everyone would take up the torch and carry on the idea that allows them freedom of choice. How could anyone deny themselves the exercise of such a basic right? It seems odd that voter participation is often less than even 50 percent. It astounds me to learn that so many have a choice in deciding who would lead their banner, yet do not involve themselves in the process.
Have you ever heard someone criticize the government? Voter involvement data shows that about one in three of those people do not even exercise their right to decide whom they get to criticize. We are rapidly becoming a nation of disembodied voices. We would criticize, and then move to inaction. We would complain, yet do nothing to reverse the source of our complaint. We say we would choose, then do not do so. How can that one in three of people sleep at night? How can the rest sleep knowing those others are out there?
Do you have insomnia?
The right to vote is not only the right to choose, but also the right to apply one's knowledge. As college students, those who would learn at a higher level than others, we have an even greater calling to choose. We are better informed, so we have the ability to make a better, more informed decision. Yet, in the last federal election, less than 50 percent of college students cast a ballot. Is it not frightening to think that many voters are poorly educated? Dare we let the plurality be the misinformed masses?
Let me put it this way: How many people do you know that can recognize the name of an actor from the 1980s? Now, how many people do you know that can recognize the name of the governor of Arizona, or even a Senator thereof? Why in the name of all that is good in this life should we know the name of a man or woman who would put on a facade to entertain, and remain ignorant to the names of those who put on a facade and decide how high our tax rates will be?
No reason can exist for such foolishness.
It is said that freedom is not free. When the price is simply driving to the polls on a Tuesday in November, how can anyone decide against buying it?
I challenge each and every person who is of age to exercise their ability to learn; find out about the candidates, not only for president, but for other federal offices, and for state offices, too. Vote. Your pocketbook depends on it. Your lifestyle depends on it. Your freedom depends on it.
In Iraq and Afghanistan, lives depend on it.
Keep your right to choose. Choose action. Vote on Nov. 4.
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