VOL. XVII, NO. 10
MARCH 26, 1976
My Turn
We Bear Responsibility To Uphold Democracy
We Bear Responsibility To Uphold Democracy
By THOM O'DONNELL
The future of democracy in America is at a critical turning point, and this generation of Americans bears the responsibility of either upholding 200 years of democracy or throwing it away.
Approximately 300 MW seniors are eligible to vote in primary and general elections. How many did? Of the millions of eligible Americans only about 65 per cent are registered to vote, and little over 40 per cent voted in this last primary. Using this same percentage figure, it is safe to assume that only about 80 MW students voted.
One senior I talked to. who by his own request will remain nameless, said that one vote doesn't matter and that he would only be choosing between two crooks anyway. Both of these arguments I consider a crock of bull: if everyone votes, then a candidate may be chosen who is not a crook: and every vote does count - in 1867 President Andrew Johnson missed being impeached by only one vote. This should illustrate the importance of each vote.
The future of democracy in America is at a critical turning point, and this generation of Americans bears the responsibility of either upholding 200 years of democracy or throwing it away.
Approximately 300 MW seniors are eligible to vote in primary and general elections. How many did? Of the millions of eligible Americans only about 65 per cent are registered to vote, and little over 40 per cent voted in this last primary. Using this same percentage figure, it is safe to assume that only about 80 MW students voted.
One senior I talked to. who by his own request will remain nameless, said that one vote doesn't matter and that he would only be choosing between two crooks anyway. Both of these arguments I consider a crock of bull: if everyone votes, then a candidate may be chosen who is not a crook: and every vote does count - in 1867 President Andrew Johnson missed being impeached by only one vote. This should illustrate the importance of each vote.
Another senior said that she didn't bother to vote because it was only a primary election. The primary elections are even more important than the general elections: if very few people vote in the primary, then we're liable to have two clowns running in the general election: and then it's too late.
The Student Council and Class Council elections are coming up soon, and this is a prime time to get to know how the voting machines work if you've never used one before. If our generation gives up our most precious right - that of the ballot, then perhaps no one will ever celebrate 300 years of democracy, for it may not last that long.
The Student Council and Class Council elections are coming up soon, and this is a prime time to get to know how the voting machines work if you've never used one before. If our generation gives up our most precious right - that of the ballot, then perhaps no one will ever celebrate 300 years of democracy, for it may not last that long.