By ALASTAIR PEARSON ’14
Eye Opinion Editor
As diverse as the views of our two columnists may be, the fact that both of them were willing to express their views about something as fundamentally American as the voting process is an impressive testament to the value our society places on individual expression and civic consciousness. Both columnists displayed a commitment to uphold their responsibilities as newly empowered voters, responsibilities that include participating in public forums like newspapers and debates to ensure that all the members of the voting public are informed and motivated to participate. Regardless of one’s political affiliations or beliefs, every reader can recognize the need to promote informative, civil discourse between both sides of the political spectrum.
At the end of the day, democracy requires cooperation. The voting electorate is made up of a vast number of diverse interest groups, all opposing one another depending on the issue and region being discussed, but all of which are ultimately American and all of which have a common national interest at heart. In order for our country to continue to uphold egalitarian, representative government on a global scale, it is necessary to reconcile those interests in favor of universal, humanitarian goals. Despite the minutiae that separates the blue states from the red, despite the differences between liberal and conservative, progressive and centrist, right or left, all of those heading to the polls this November understand that it is their vote represents an obligation to act in the common cause of themselves and the nation at large.
The voters whose opposing views are displayed above are disagreeing in name only. They understand, and we must understand, that democracy and the freedoms it entails can only be maintained by voters who are as passionate and articulate as the world requires them to be. When it is your turn to be heard and your time to cast your vote, make sure your voice is heard. “
