With each fourth year in America, fall brings tides of both overwhelming political hoopla and paralyzing apathy to college campuses with students tending to fall in one group or the other.
Some act like the particular election we experience in college will forever shape the world and try to make sure everyone knows the gravity of the situation. Usually included in this group are the people who shout about how either candidate will ruin this country and make it unrecognizable, although if they’re using these sorts of hyperbole, they are probably insufferably ignorant of most of the politics and issues.
Others of us—surely the larger group—are turned off by all the posturing and voice raising and simply tune out what is going on in the world of politics, especially during the summer and fall leading up to a presidential election. Many of the students in this group have been badgered by a friend from the first group into a deep, deep indifference or even into actively despising the government and all forms of participation in it. Others simply don’t feel they have the time in their days to read or watch news and follow current events.
This fall, we need to care about the election. We need to be actively participating in the political discourse that is shaping the country’s future. Students should care about their values and their future when deciding whom to lend support to, regardless of the election being federal, state or local, but particularly in a presidential election.
The following information was found at www.whitehouse.gov and www.mittromney.com.
- The Candidates and the Issues -
Abortion: Pro-choice (Obama), Pro-life (Romney)
Tax increase on top one percent: Pro (Obama), Anti (Romney)
Further investment in nuclear power: Pro (Obama & Romney)
Taking measures to reduce possession of nuclear weapons in Iran: Pro (Obama & Romney)
Increased gun control: Pro (Obama), Anti (Romney)
"Obama" care (universal healthcare): Pro (Obama), Anti (Romney)
Reform of legal immigration system: Pro (Obama & Romney)
Same-sex marriage: Pro (Obama), Anti (Romney)
Two-state solution for Israel and Palestine: Pro (Obama & Romney)
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