By Paige Cook
Elm Staff Writer
With election day right around the corner, everyone on campus is excitedly awaiting Nov. 2; a day for the people to be heard! There are in actuality many students, many people in general, that do not vote—for a variety of reasons—which is foolish. Always vote! Voting gives a voice to the opinions, fears, hopes and needs of the people, and allows the community to decide their future leaders and policies. Voting gives people a choice. Regardless of party affiliation, having that choice and taking advantage of the right to vote is essential.
The choice given to voters on Nov. 2 is between the Democrats, who are working to move America forward and Republicans, who want to return to the failed policies of the past. Republicans have been associated with a rather interesting group: the Tea Party movement. They are a conservative group of people great at providing some entertaining news stories, while at the same time frightening many of the educated people of the world. The Tea Party has had members including Christine O’Donnell, who was unfamiliar with the Constitution (“Where in the Constitution is separation of church and state?”). There is also John Raese the West Virginian candidate and the use of his ad with “hicks,” and the unforgettable Sharron Angle who is apparently not opposed to violent overthrow of the government (she started the “Second Amendment solution” train of thought). Democrats usually agree that such people should never gain control in the legislature.
The kinds of people that should, however, be in control are people like Martin O’Malley, who is running for governor of this fine state. He is moving Maryland forward one smart decision at a time. Another big name in the Democratic election this year is Congressman Frank Kratovil. Last week the College Democrats hosted a lecture with Congressman Kratovil (who represents this district) entitled “Reclaiming A Middle Ground in Washington,” where he shared with the college community his dedication to the beliefs and values that the Democratic Party holds dear.
A staple of the Democratic party is the conviction that wealth and privilege should not be an entitlement to rule. The United States has become one of the most prosperous countries in the world and the Democrats are fighting to repair a decade of damage and help the economy grow. Democrats are focused on rescuing the economy, in the long run, to help all Americans.
As members of the college community, efforts made by the Democratic Party to help students are a hot topic. The Obama administration has helped students by reforming the federal student loan program and making college more affordable, in addition to strengthening elementary and secondary education. President Obama signed into law student loan reform, a historic measure to make college more affordable for students and families and save American taxpayers roughly $68 billion over 10 years. For elementary and secondary education the Democrats passed the Recovery Act, which helped states to improve teacher effectiveness and student academic performance.
Party affiliation notwithstanding; remember to make your choice and Get Out the Vote on Nov. 2.