By Wyeth Larson
Imagine, if you will, a Congress dressed like NASCAR drivers. Each congressman or congresswoman wears a uniform decorated in the emblems of each company that has sponsored their campaigns or their legislation and at the end of each legislative session thanks the sponsors and the fans (that would be you, the voter).
Shouldn't it be the other way around?
The companies put NASCAR drivers in the driver seat, but we put members of Congress in Congress.
Shouldn't they be wearing uniforms with our names on them?
The election in 2008 is an opportunity to begin to change the White House and Congress, to make them work for us.
The race (no, not NASCAR) for the presidency for 2008 has set many precedents, the most important and most noticeable being the number of candidates vying for their parties' nominations.
On Friday, Sept. 7, one such candidate, Barack Obama, made a stop through Portland for fundraising and awareness. The University of Portland College Democrats had the opportunity to volunteer at the event, for two hours prior to Obama's speech, in exchange for free admission.
A diverse group of UP sophomores, juniors and seniors, republicans, democrats, moderates and independents all came to hear Obama speak. People who typically do not take interest in politics were able to attend the event thanks to the opportunity from the club. Students who are not members of the club also were present and got an opportunity to see just one of the many options for this important presidential race.
To me, the involvement of students in this event highlighted two important issues in current politics. There is a need for young people to be involved in politics, and there is a desire among young people to be involved in politics, and yet there are often no clear avenues which they can pursue to begin involvement.
Politics is a messy business, but it doesn't have to be. Remember that those in power work for you, the voting citizen. The people in the government should fear you. You can take away their power. Fear is power, as this administration has shown time and again. Without voicing our opinions, they may as well not exist, and the politicians will continue to run wild and corrupt on both sides of the aisle.
So what can you do to make your voice heard? First of all there are two wonderful clubs here on campus, the College Democrats and Republicans, where like minded people can gather and discuss current politics.
But politics should be more than partisan scheming. Issues need to be tackled head on and by both sides, which is why these two clubs should and will meet to discuss issues.
Furthermore, a wonderful movement, Focus the Nation has taken hold on this campus. Climate change is an issue regardless of your partisan affiliation, so get active. Check out the video "Too Hot Not to Handle" in BC Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24. Your time spent working on these issues shows that you care. It is just one of a myriad of ways you can get involved, proving to your representatives that you care about these issues, and they should pay attention.
Wyeth Larson is a junior biology major.
