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Show Opinion SOUTHERN UTAH STATE COLLEGE, CEDAR CITY THE THUNDERBIRD TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1990 PAGE 4 VOTES MATTER IN SUSCS ELECTIONS It has been said that all rights begin and end at the ballot box. This fact is never so fundamentally true than in the college electoral process. Some individuals may believe that offices held by college students are, for the most part, mantelpiece decorations; they serve no real purpose other than instructing student officials in the fine art of paper shuffling or dodging the fulfillment of campaign promises. Still others believe that student government is nothing more than a glorified social club; participants foster an elitist mentality, caring little, if at all, for the electorate that voted them into office. The fact is, both concepts are flawed, perhaps because they are fostered by persons with little interest in, or a knowledge of, student government. To set the record straight, student government does not encourage a guild mentality. They exist as a body to serve the clout that extends all the way student, wielding to the state capitol. The importance of supporting the ASSUSC political process cannot be overstressed. Weve witnessed numerous times in the past when student government proved to be the vital link in policy decisions made on a state level. The recent move for SUSC to university status could be attributed, in part, to the efforts made by student government; not only did they invest countless hours in a letter writing campaign, but they additionally made the sacrifice of attending sessions of the Utah Legislature mustering support of the name change bill. Supporting your chosen candidates neednt be a sacrifice. Granted, you bear the responsibility of investigating each candidates platform and deciding if a given party best represents your interests, but this time investment is minimal and the return Access is a recurring column through which members of great. By attending the Primaries and talking with the candidates, the campus community may address themselves to topics you will be able to make an informed choice and let the candidates of concern andor interest. Todays column is by Lynn know that there are areas of concern needing further investigation. S. Dennett, production manager of The Thunderbird, The responsibility that comes with the voting process also and a senior majoring in communication. dictates that the quality of the candidate be measured against America has always possessed great power in the any inclination to vote partisan. Because there are so many for ASSUSC candidates the neednt voter office, world, vying politically, economically, and socially. competent confine his vote along party lines; theres been numerous instances American jeans are a fashion rage and American in SUSCs long history where candidates were elected on an music usually tops the charts of any given nation. Our independent ticket, or posts filled by a mixture of elected students lifestyle is idolized by other nations as well. Ive always thought a country was defined by the representing several tickets. who inhabit it, and I like to watch how people people SUSC has traditionally realized a fair voter turnout for student I observe behaviors I admire, I also see act. Although elections in the past. Nevertheless, there exists room for many lifestyles that cause me to question the future improvement. We urge all students to participate in this years of American humanity. election process its painless, costs only your time, and makes For example, I cross the Middle School grounds on for better student government. the way to school, usually to insults given by amateur policy-makin- g Access American lifestyle emulated by many The Thunderbird VOLUME 84, NUMBER 36 Editor Rachel Talbot Associate Editor Kathleen MiJgley Opinion Director James Spainhower Photo Editor Jeff Dower Arts &. Leisure Editor Jason North Sports and Outdoors Editor Brent Richey Senior Staff Writer Natalie C(xwh Production Manager Lynn Dennett Ad Manager Todd Pendleton Faculty Adviser Larrv Baker The Thunderbird is published each Monday and Thursday of the academic year by and for the student body of Southern Utah State College and is not affiliated in any way with the Colleges department of communication. The views and opinions expressed in The Thunderbird are the opinions of the publications individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the institution, faculty, staff or student body in general. The unsigned editorial directly above is the opinion of The Thunderbird as a single entity. Letter to the editor must be typed and include the name and phone number. Only the name will be printed. Names will not be withheld under any circumstances and the editor reserves editing privileges. Letters must be submitted by noon Fridays for Monday editions; 5 p.m. Tuesdays for Thursday editions. The Thunderbird editorial offices in SLSC Library 103; advertising in Library 102. Mail at or SUSC Box 9384, Cedar City, UT 84720. Phone (801) 5867757, hoods. There never has been nor will be any action on my part, not even to acknowledge their existence, yet I have to laugh as they go to such effort to make my day miserable. I can see why Utahs teachers want higher wages. The teachers even send the students on field trips to look at the changing leaves on Cedar Mountain or other such absurd reasons. Id send the brats away, too. But, since that generation will eventually be in charge of our country, I wonder if that means that respect for elders, even if they are total strangers, will become Although history has shown them to be aggressive and oftentimes cruel, the Japanese have long been praised for their many virtues, particularly respect for their elders, even to letting thei: aging parents move into their household. Whether thats virtue or insanity, I wont comment, but suffice it to say, the Japanese respect human dignity, and avoid situations that would make one lose face, even total strangers. During the two years I lived in Japan, I couldnt begin to count how many times I was asked about American life. Most Japanese think America is wonderful and buy Mickey Mouse watches, listen to American music, anything to be like an American. America wields great power, more than we might realize, to influence other nations lifestyles. I have been approached by beggars asking for money to buy food. Ive been spit at because Im American. Ive also been approached by Japanese toughs asking for drugs, and watched as they laughed in disbelief because I didnt do drugs. Why, is that funny? I asked. All Americans do drugs, they readily replied. Is that the American lifestyle other nations should emulate? As western influence now has the chance to transcend borders and move into the Eastern Bloc countries, what are we going to be for those people? Are we going to show the world that we can cut down total strangers with the best of them? Are we going America wields great power , more than we might realize, to influence other nations lifestyles. to cut them greac deals on drugs and show them how to cope with the real world? Or, are we going to show them that America excels in common human values, like decency, morality, and respect? The basic unit of humanity is the family. The virtues that America needs to grasp must be taught in the home, by parents or another authority figure. Failure to teach future generations basic human principles leads to destruction, of self and eventually, the world. I once heard that an Eastern Bloc politician had stated they wouldnt have to fire a single shot to overcome the U.S. because wed destroy ourselves. If Americas current trends continue, he just might be right. And with our influence, we may just take the world with us. |