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COLLEGE IS HYPED up as the most fun, the most challenging, the most transforming time in ones' life. Yet all this really means is that once college hits, people are for the first time living like liberals, or in our case the Bush administration: No real accountability and money to burn.
But it also means that for the first time, students are free to choose their own classes and really begin to frame their own mindset. Any political study will show that the primary influence on our political beliefs is our parents, and with college comes the absence of this great influence.
The fact that we live under a political philosophy that deems everyone's vote important is both a blessing and a curse. No true leader can be elected without citizen's participation. This is a more of American society, and has produced such Presidents as Washington, Lincoln, and FDR. On the other side of the pendulum, often citizen's do not know what it is that their country needs, and this has produced such leaders as Nixon, Carter, and that entire period from 1865-1900 known primarily as "Where the hell are my history notes because I can never remember these guys!"
So to quote Hollywood, "With great power comes great responsibility." That's right, every student now has a responsibility beyond throwing a killer party, and even getting a good GPA. There is something to be said for having a responsibility to knowing your own political system, learning about and understanding ones' country, and thereby determining a political affiliation. There is a reason behind the age limit for voters being eighteen. It is presumed that people are old enough to vote at this age; however, this doesn't mean they always increase their political awareness.
Although it may not always appear so, Michigan is a hotbed of political discussion. Many of the University's policies are the results of clear political agendas, right or wrong, and to be aware of them is the first step towards political acuity.
This does not mean "choose a side." The conflict of Democrat versus Republican represented in such a Red-Rover elementary school way suggests an arbitrary nature to peoples' choice, which is worrisome. Rather, students should get involved and thinking in the media, and when they begin to realize their own sympathies and values turning up in policies, then they will begin to detect a liberal or conservative strain to their thinking. It is important to remember that the parties arose out of clear principles over the correct way to monitor government, and understanding that can only ameliorate the present confusion about what the party lines mean.
Even beyond this, there is a growing schism between different factions, in particular within the conservative party. Now a large proportion of people are no longer agreeing with what it means to be a Republican, and as such have begun to branch out with their candidates, as was evidenced by the vastly differing nature of Romney's, Paul's, and McCain's proposed policies. This is an exciting prospect for college students, because now not only are they learning about the party system, but they are automatically involved as voters in what the new parties will look like for other future students.
It was once remarked that the purpose of an open mind is to find something sturdy and worthwhile to close upon. Do not confuse having an open mind at this point with tolerance of differing viewpoints or an inability to question opinions. These are all different things that are often rolled into the same package. Look beyond the image. Ask questions. That is the only way to arrive at a fully-formed, reliable point-of-view.
So embrace this important, intellectual exercise. Make it a habit to check the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal every morning before heading to class. It will only take ten minutes, and it will help prepare you for a lifetime of political participation. And don't forget to pick up the Review, your first step on-campus to real discussion. MR
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