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 The Well-Informed CitizenBy EMILY ONDRACEK
By the time most readers see this column, the election will be over. Some will be unhappy with the outcome.One might wonder, "Could I have done more to help my candidate or candidates?" At the moment there is nothing to be done, but we can begin preparing ourselves for future elections.
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| Emily Ondracek |
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In a democracy, there are no issues that are not important to all citizens. There should be no differentiation between men and women, white and black, east and west, wealthy or poor. Many times in our society, issues are categorized according to special interest voting groups—such as "women's issues," for example—which only leads to segregation. Identifying one's self by gender or race, instead of simply as an American, allows politicians to pander to special interest groups in order to receive their votes. We need to realize that there is no one group that should feel victimized or feel they have the right to special treatment, because we are all citizens of a united nation. We are all living under the same laws, with the same responsibilities. Our issues should be faced and considered together—or perhaps rethought and considered on an individual level, as to the justice or necessity of the issue. If each person takes his or her responsibilities in a serious and educated manner, fairness and justice should be the end result.Citizens cannot do a service to their country by voting if they are not educated about the important issues at hand or dangers threatening their nation and their freedom. There are many sources through which we can become educated, including newspapers, books, television, and radio. However, we must know that a perfectly unbiased newspaper article, book, or television broadcast does not exist. We must gather our information, hear what our official candidates are saying, and ultimately come to our own conclusions. It is very easy to come to conclusions based on another person's opinion, and not determine the correct decision for yourself.
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In a democracy, there are no issues that are not important to all citizens.
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Individuals can make a difference on Election Day. However, it is not the day we vote for the candidate who caters to our special interest, but for the one who will provide for the greater good, now and in the future. (In which manner did you vote?) Nor is it the day we vote for those whom our teachers, celebrities, politicians, or parents think we should. We must not accept the views of anyone else because we think they are smarter or know better than we who should be elected to lead us and represent us. Ours is one of the few nations that provide for the individual's rights and freedoms to such a great extent. We must not become lazy and passive, but remain vigilant and active in guarding our treasures.During the four years before the next presidential election, we each have the opportunity to become further educated about the issues facing us as professional musicians, dancers, actors, parents, or citizens in general. Some beliefs may be re-evaluated and others may become more firmly set in our minds. Do not wait until primary elections to learn about the candidates. Do not simply watch the presidential debates to see which candidate looks better on television or speaks well, even without saying anything (content is more important than delivery or sex appeal!). The outcome of this election—or the next—might or might not be what one had hoped for, but if we fully accept our great responsibilities as citizens of this great nation, then our leaders and our country will truly represent each and every one of us.Emily Ondracek is a master's student in violin.
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