Ancient civilizations thought of political science as the mother of all sciences. In light of the importance of the upcoming elections, it seems that to a degree, that is true.
On Tuesday, Geoffrey Fieger, the Democratic candidate in the Michigan gubernatorial race, visited the University. It is likely that his chief opponent, Gov. John Engler (R-Beal City), will also visit the Ann Arbor area in the coming weeks before the November election. It is a fitting honor that the University's campus are visited by the leading political figures of our state. Not only do local and regional politicians visit the University, but leading national and international figures pay our school tribute also. Hillary Rodham Clinton visited the University at the end of the winter term and just last Monday, a former presidential candidate in South Korea, who is now the Korean ambassador to the United States, visited campus.
The fact that so many politicians visit benefits the student body enormously. Every student is able to listen to these personalities and hear what they have to say verbatim. There is no media taint, and scandal of any nature fades away as the political character lays out his or her ideology for the student body.
It should come as no great surprise that so many well-known and respected politicians come to the University. The student body has traditionally been very politically active on election day and through its work on political campaigns. In addition, the political science department's prominence serves as a valuable resource for students interested in both working in politics and interpreting various political issues. With all these unparalleled resources, the University's student body should be involved in the political scene.
While politics may seem not to get into our everyday life, it is composed of the fabric of our everyday life. The student body must know exactly who the candidates are and for which issues they stand. Candidates must be carefully screened before they are elected for any potential defects; issues and ideas must be carefully analyzed and weighed in the minds of the voters. Having all of these excellent resources and opportunities, the student body should transcend media blurbs and partisan squabbles to be thoroughly informed and involved in the political process. Every member of the University's student body who is eligible to vote should register and take part in the political process. Students that have yet to register to vote should do so by Oct. 3 to ensure that they can cast a ballot come November. When the student body realizes that their financial stability along with the world in which they will raise their kids will be determined by the politics of today, political science will, maybe not be the mother of all sciences, but at least will be one of the important ones. Perhaps by November the student body will not only vote but also be politically active by showing the benefits of the truths their knowledge.
09-17-98
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