Today's students just do not care. They take no interest in the politics of our country or in world affairs. Apathy, in the younger generation, is on the rampage.

Statements such as the above have been said about the teens of every generation. We have all been accused of the same general fault; to our elders we appear apathetic. We just don't seem to care.

Apathy is not only limited to teens. In the 1976 election only 54.4 percent of the voting age population took the time to vote for President. For the House of Representatives election only 49.5 percent of the eligible persons bothered to vote. Adult apathy is on the rise. Rather than being critical of teens and their apparent apathetic condition, our elders should be concerned with the apathy, shown by declining voters, in their own generation.

In each generation there are the individuals who don't care, but they are the smaller percentage. This has been proven by the actions of all of us at Maine West this year. This being an election year, we have all had a unique opportunity open to us: the chance to work and campaign for a political candidate. Many Maine West students have taken advantage of this opportunity.

There is much evidence of student involvement in the election at Maine West. Walking down the hall it is possible to see Abner Mikva buttons and T Shirts and John Porter buttons and posters. Congressman Mikva has a

student coordinator for his campaign here at Maine West. Mr. John Porter also has students at West working on his campaign. Through their enthusiasm, they have pursuaded many students to become involved in the election.

Messrs. Mikva and Porter, in cooperation with Mr. Eric Edstrom and the Social Science Department, have taken the time to speak to the students at Maine West. At the program, many students asked questions that proved they had taken the time to research the candidate and their views on certain issues. The questions asked proved that today's teen, at least the particular segment enrolled at Maine West, rather than being apathetic, are concerned.

We have taken a very active interest in the election this year. Many of us have very definite opinions on whom we consider the best candidate to be. We have read the statements of those seeking public office, and we have made a decision regarding our personal choices.

Our interest and concern stem further than the election to take place on Nov. 7. It extends far into the future, for the world we will manage as adults. Our interest and concern today, turned into action, will help to make the world waiting for us better.

We have shown an interest. We have taken the time and became involved. Apathy may be on the rampage, but here at Maine West, students have disproved the old familiar statement, "Today's student just does not care."