Every four years, there are certain things that are guaranteed to happen.
There will be a leap year, someone will win a gold medal in the Olympics and a country will claim a victory in the World Cup.
Of all the things that will undoubtedly occur, there is only one event that gives U.S. citizens a massive voice – the presidential election.
Despite the fact that we were given the opportunity to select our leader, an overwhelming 49 percent of eligible voters did not vote in the 2000 presidential election.
After four years, in which the country has survived through questionable election results, a major terrorist attack, a slumping economy and a war that has wounded or killed at least 45 American soldiers in the last week alone, one would expect voters to be clamoring for the opportunity to cast election ballots.
Unfortunately, there is an overwhelming sense of indifference that remains embedded in our nation. The country has paid the costs for recent presidential decisions, yet America’s collective political pulse has barely registered a jump.
This attitude must change.
Everyone has their own opinion about the effectiveness of the Bush’s policies. Some believe his presidency has been exemplary, while others believe it is the worst thing that has happened to the American democracy since Lewinsky. Either way, it is important to realize that if the current climate of political apathy persists, things could get a lot worse.
There are two options available for the voting age population. Either vote and play a role in whatever future awaits this country or remain indifferent and cry the victim when the country becomes entrenched in turmoil.
It takes approximately two minutes to fill out a voter registration form and less than five minutes to actually vote. Seven minutes is not a lot of time to make a difference in the future.
Jason E. Hutchins for The Editorial Board