On voting

As I walked through campus on the eve of the 2008 presidential election, I heard a conversation break out between two gentlemen close behind me. They were crudely discussing the candidate I support, as shown by a campaign button on my backpack. I slowed my pace and turned back to see them looking at each other and smiling.
I walked on and they continued. “Most of his supporters don’t even know what they’re talking about.” I stopped so we were step in step and, with my blood about to boil, I told them they were very clever young gentlemen, and we went our separate ways.
Let me begin with the therapeutic declaration that my views are backed firmly by my own education, community work and life experiences. Assuming that neither one of you supports a candidate, let alone a self-formed political ideology, I must tell you — it’s not too late! Pick up a newspaper, go to a website, put anything with words in front of your eyes and you will probably learn something. I realize that “Where the Wild Things Are” may be your most scintillating piece of Americana, but do us all a favor and learn something about today and tomorrow. From all of us, righties, lefties, independents, that have taken the time to learn, we sincerely do not thank you for your contribution to the American political culture.
Remember, a hasty attempt at an educated vote is, in all cases, better than none at all.

Joe Doll
University student