2008 Woodie Awards
Now's the time to pick and choose your presidents, platforms
Issue date: 2/5/08
Section: Editorial
Skyrocketing tuition. Affordable housing. The crumbling economy. The War in Iraq. Health care. Global warming. Alternative energy. Gay and lesbian rights.
Those are issues that matter to us today and will matter even more to us in the months to come.
Or maybe other issues - stem cell research, decriminalization of marijuana or abortion rights.
Today is your chance to tell your future boss, the president - black, white, man, woman, Republican, Democrat or Independent - what matters to you. Your voice may be one of only hundreds of millions, but it's a voice nonetheless.
It is the combined, collective clout of millions of Americans united who will determine who will replace President Bush (only 349 days left!).
It's evident that this election, political apathy isn't so much an issue. Especially with Barack Obama and Ron Paul proving that young voters can and do care about politics and are willing to get actively involved.
Twenty-four states, including Minnesota, will make today perhaps the most important day until Nov. 4. By late tonight or early tomorrow, we'll get a better idea of which candidates are more viable for their respective parties.
Today we have the opportunity to defy the polls, media speculation and punditocracy clouding the hyped presidential race.
Today, voice what you have to say on your own ideals, not what the media, your neighbor or your buddy tell you to vote for. If you feel you are best aligned to the views of Mike Gravel or Ron Paul, caucus for them, or even wait until March 4 for the Green Party's caucus. Some say that would be wasting your vote on someone who stands no chance, but it's not - it's showing you will stand up for something you truly believe in. That means the mainstream candidates are at fault and should adjust to the views of those in the minorities.
There are as many reasons to not go to the caucuses as there are to go. But not to go is ignoring an important part of the democratic process we often take for granted.
If your excuse is:
• It doesn't matter what I have to say.
It does, because what voters say today will influence which candidates are elected in the coming months.
• I don't know I should support.
You can find out today; the caucuses would give you some insight and they might be a chance to understand each party's platform a little better.
• I don't know how to caucus.
Once you get there, it will make more sense, and other supporters will help you.
• I don't have time.
At the very least, there are no MSU night classes. Find a family member or friend to go for you.
• I don't like any of the candidates.
Then go to the caucus and say why and what should be changed.
Those are issues that matter to us today and will matter even more to us in the months to come.
Or maybe other issues - stem cell research, decriminalization of marijuana or abortion rights.
Today is your chance to tell your future boss, the president - black, white, man, woman, Republican, Democrat or Independent - what matters to you. Your voice may be one of only hundreds of millions, but it's a voice nonetheless.
It is the combined, collective clout of millions of Americans united who will determine who will replace President Bush (only 349 days left!).
It's evident that this election, political apathy isn't so much an issue. Especially with Barack Obama and Ron Paul proving that young voters can and do care about politics and are willing to get actively involved.
Twenty-four states, including Minnesota, will make today perhaps the most important day until Nov. 4. By late tonight or early tomorrow, we'll get a better idea of which candidates are more viable for their respective parties.
Today we have the opportunity to defy the polls, media speculation and punditocracy clouding the hyped presidential race.
Today, voice what you have to say on your own ideals, not what the media, your neighbor or your buddy tell you to vote for. If you feel you are best aligned to the views of Mike Gravel or Ron Paul, caucus for them, or even wait until March 4 for the Green Party's caucus. Some say that would be wasting your vote on someone who stands no chance, but it's not - it's showing you will stand up for something you truly believe in. That means the mainstream candidates are at fault and should adjust to the views of those in the minorities.
There are as many reasons to not go to the caucuses as there are to go. But not to go is ignoring an important part of the democratic process we often take for granted.
If your excuse is:
• It doesn't matter what I have to say.
It does, because what voters say today will influence which candidates are elected in the coming months.
• I don't know I should support.
You can find out today; the caucuses would give you some insight and they might be a chance to understand each party's platform a little better.
• I don't know how to caucus.
Once you get there, it will make more sense, and other supporters will help you.
• I don't have time.
At the very least, there are no MSU night classes. Find a family member or friend to go for you.
• I don't like any of the candidates.
Then go to the caucus and say why and what should be changed.
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