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Show Friday, October 28,2005 Editorial Editor in Chief: Maria Villasenor The Signpost editorial staff Power lies in ballots cast America's citizenry holds a power greater than that of any army on Earth; a power that can change the world. That power is individual voice heard through the ballot box; the power to vote. "It's not the hand that signs the law that holds the destiny of America," said former president Harry S. Truman. "It's the hand that casts the ballot." The American Revolution started mainly because the colonists had no voice in decisions that affected their lives and livelihoods. King George III and the British parliament imposed taxes and tariffs unfairly on the Americans, without allowing them any representation. This right to representation, among other precious rights not granted to the colonists, was a catalyst that spurred patriotic men and women to sacrifice all to assert their rights. The men who declared independence, some of whom went on to frame the U.S. Constitution, understood the essential value of the individual vote in a country that would be self-governing. As the Continental Congress gathered in session, John Hancock, the president of the Congress, ensured each colony was represented before any issue was voted upon. Hancock also understood when the issue was important enough, a unanimous vote may be required. With the battle of Lexington and Concord behind them, Hancock knew John Adams, representative from Massachusetts and future president, would push for independence. With wise foresight, Hancock knew unanimity was necessary to sustain any resolution for independence. Benjamin Franklin, representative' from Pennsylvania and an extraordinary diplomat, also understood this principle. In one of his more famous quips, he said, "We must all hang together, or we most assuredly will hang separately." Although humorous, Franklin would have understood what Abraham Lincoln later pointed out in a speech to dedicate the battleground at Gettysburg. "A nation divided against itself cannot stand," Lincoln said. In a 2002 letter to the state of Utah, then Lt. Gov. Olene Walker wrote, "This November, you will once again be empowered to help shape the future of our state by practicing yourrightto vote," This November, all voting-eligible citizens will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in a landscape cluttered with political noise. This may not be a major election year where the fate of the nation's leadership hangs in the balance, but what about the leadership of the communities that Weber State University students live in? The men and women who serve in the local governments in Weber, Davis, Box Elder, Morgan and other Utah counties have a direct influence on the lives of WSU students to a greater degree than those who serve on a national or even state level. Americans vote to choose the leaders of the world's major superpower. Americans vote to choose the representatives who will form the laws that shape the country and what it stands for. Americans vote to choose the direction in which the political machine will travel. Americans vote for the state and local officials who directly affect the laws that directly affect them. Isn't it time to shoulder the mantle of responsibility of citizenship in one of the most advanced societies on Earth? Isn't it time to vote? As United States citizens, it's time for everyone who is eligible to vote to maice his or her voice heard. Only through silence does the country suffer. Lincoln said, "It's not the qualified voters, but the qualified voters who vote, who constitute the power of the state." That is an awesome power, and an even more awesome responsibility. Isn't it about time Americans took it seriously? ^ Where are the college men? SCARIEST i - , COSTUMES THIS SEASON- 'From the Left" will return next Friday. Letters to the Editor No 13 tribes In Wednesday's "Weekly Rant," it was said that there are 13 tribes of Israel. I feel it's important to point out that there are only 12 tribes and that only 10 of those 12 are actually "lost" as in the sense of being a scattered people. I encourage those making claims like ' The irony was overwhelming. this to consult the Bible or possibly a Newspaper reports heralding a drug that could extend the lives of women suffering Bible dictionary in order to make correct from breast cancer competed for attention with reports expressing concern that the statements. number of men attending college continues to decline below the number of women. Also, I need to point out that everyone is At a time when women are finally making some headway in a society that has treated them as instruments for male superiority; at a time when women are in positions to offended by something. For example, many ensure that medical research more effectively extends to women's illnesses; at a time people both in and outside of the United when a woman is the U.S. president's secretary of state and could possibly mount a States are offended by the American flag; viable campaign for president in three years - there is an outcry that perhaps the does that mean we should neverflyOld nation has done too much for women, that we may have gone too far. Glory around? The rant of taking down a What struck me in the news reports was the obvious optimism about possibly saving state flag, simply because someone minks it women's lives and the panic in some analysts' comments about the plight of boys, a is supporting the old Confederacy is absurd. panic that has been nearly nonexistent in discussions about women and minorities. Another mark for the great destroyer called About 57.4 percent of college enrollees eligible for federal student aid two years ago were political correctness. women; 42.6 percent were men. The gender imbalance has some college administrators, according to USAToday, wringing their hands as theyfigureout what to do. -Phill Monson, Initially, this felt like so much overreaction, until I read the words of Jim McCorkell, WSU communication junior founder of a college-preparatory program for low-income kids in St. Paul, Minn., who was concerned that only 30 percent of his clients were boys last year. "We actually did a little affirmative action," he told USA Today. "If we had a tie (between a male and a female), we gave it to a boy." Only in America. Or Iraq. Analysts are concerned about the future of boys, whose careers were made in bluecollar jobs. Those have dried up in the dust of technological advancements that require college experience for many jobs that once didn't have such a learning curve. McCorkell wondered why there isn't more of an outcry. Perhaps, it is because there is nothing wrong. Perhaps, instead of concentrating on the differences between boys and girls and whether more girls are going to college, we could concentrate more on children in elementary school. One college professor suggested that, if the gap persists, preferences should be given to men. Such ill-advised action might help a few boys. But it also might harm the future career of the woman who discovers a cure for breast cancer. And that would set America back by quite a few decades. By Rochelle Riley, Detroit Free Press: Phone: 626-7121 Wildcats don't howl; they groove with growls Listen up, Wildcats! Utah State's "Howl" is dead to Weber State students. They are no longer allowing non-Aggies into their annual Halloween Party. Good thing, too, because that saves you $20 and half a tank of gas! Utah State University has issued a bulletin restricting their event. Lucky for you, Weber's bash, "Deadman's Party," is bigger and better this year for only $3 and $2 with I.D. or costume! Come check out all that we've got going on at this Saturday's all-night (9 p.m.-2 a.m.) shin dig! We've got Tarot card reading, Dance Dance Revolution tournament, not one, but two showings of the pre-released "Fantastic Four," record painting, a dance in the ballrooms, bowling and billiards and plenty of food and drinks. Can you believe all of this is all included with the S2 admission? Dirt cheap! Bring all your friends, everyone 17 and older is invited to attend! This will be a killer night, so buy your tickets now or at the door in the WSU Shepherd Union Building (info desk). See you all there! - Holly Stringham, Department of Student Involvement and Leadership Pounce chairwoman Tell us what you think. 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Student fees partially fund the printing of this publication. Opinions or positions voiced are not necessarily endorsed by the university. • The Signpost welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must include name, address, telephone number and the writer's signature. Anonymous letters will not be printed. - The Signpost reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and Itbel and also reserves the right to refuse to print any letter. Letters should not exceed 350 words. Bring letters to the editorial office in SUB 267, mail to: The Signpost, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah, 84408-2110. Attn: Editor In Chief, email theslgnpost@weber.edu Write a letter to the editor and send it to thesignpost@weber. edu Please include your name and phone number. |
