Democrats Provide Two-party University

This item originally appeared in the Oct. 23, 2003, issue of The Tech Talk.

There is nothing more important than actually having a voice in one's own government, but what about having two voices?

Now, thanks to a new organization at Tech, the College Democrats, students who are interested in discussing and learning more about politics and the democratic process are no longer limited to the College Republicans.

Students who identify more with the Democratic Party's ideas and views finally have a long- awaited organization where they can go and discuss their ideas in a less hostile environment than what their ideas and opinions would find in the College Republicans' organization.

The College Republicans do a great job with events such as Conservative Awareness Week, but hopefully the creation of this new organization will give some Tech students an opportunity to participate in activities on campus that they might more closely associate their opinions with.

One of the issues the College Democrats hope to address: is it possible to attribute the low voter turnout in Ruston this month to the lack of political awareness?

Because political awareness is the key, the College Republicans will continue to do an excellent job, and the College Democrats will fall right in line.

By starting this organization, maybe voters, namely university students, will be able to compare and contrast the ideals of both the Democratic and Republican parties and freely choose where they stand.

Neither organization aims to force the values of the party it supports, rather they urge individuals to weigh the options.

Dr. Jason Pigg was quoted in last Thursday's Tech Talk saying "[College Democrats] will promote values of equality of opportunity, building a just society ƒ and ensuring that the voice of the people is heard in American politics, not just the voice of the wealthy and well-connected."

Having both parties represented on campus will allow students to not only voice their opinions but also hear the opinions of others.

After all, wasn't our country founded on equality?

There are two sides to every story. Part of our nation's motto reads: "One nation ƒ with liberty and justice for all."

With words such as "one" and "all," it is evident that each and every "one" of us should be able to express "all" of our opinions, and for the Democrats on campus, there is no exception.

Welcome to the university political realm, College Democrats.