An important tenet our society was founded upon is the right to free speech. It is essential to our democracy. The 25 UB students who made the long bus ride to New York should be commended for their political interest and involvement in this critical election.
Holding a Republican convention in an overwhelmingly Democratic city holds an immense potential for not only hundreds of protesters but for the risk of violence as well. Many New Yorkers feared the convention protest could mirror the World Trade Organization protests in Seattle five years ago, where violence caused $3 million worth of damage. Despite some initial obstacles for the organized protests, like the denial of use of Central Park as a venue, the city and the protest's organizers were able to work together to allow the dissenters to march safely.
Violence is not an effective means for demonstrators no matter how dire the circumstances seem to be. In a highly polarized election season such as the one we currently find ourselves in, violence would only marginalize the protestors' views. In this divided electorate the coveted undecided voters will most likely tune out views expressed through violence.
Nonviolent dissent is vital for an open debate over the critical issues this election raises. In this age of increased media consolidation, differing opinions are often lost in a sea of campaign talking points and punditry. Protest is sometimes the only viable avenue groups falling outside the mainstream have to express their agenda.
Such a large demonstration gives The Spectrum hope that there is truth to all the hoopla over a newly energized and active electorate, and that people will continue to be involved in all aspects of this political season.
Too often even with a spirited debate citizens fall to turn out to vote. Last semester the university was subjected to highly publicized speculation over the Student Association's use of student funds and palpable outrage within the student population. In spite of these conditions only roughly eight percent of the student population turned out to vote.
Local students who were unable to attend this protest need not be deterred. There are a variety of local opportunities to become involved. Both the Democrats and Republicans are represented on campus and regularly hold meetings through the semester. Students willing to travel off campus can get involved in the extensive field operations that are a hallmark of modern campaigns. Outside partisan politics, several non-partisan campaigns like Rock the Vote, are interested in registering voters and promoting turnout.
Although the spotlight is on the drama of the presidential election, several important congressional races and local races are being waged this fall. Jack Davis is challenging Tom Reynolds to represent the 26th Congressional district, covering several Western New York counties. A close race is heating up between Democrat Brain Higgins and Republican Nancy Naples to replace Jack Quinn in the 27th Congressional district, which includes much of the City of Buffalo.
Throughout the election season The Spectrum will offer a full range of election coverage, including a series of features detailing the election process, entitled "Politics 101" which will run two weeks prior to the election on November 2.
Through peaceful dissent, the protests in New York City are drawing people into the debate rather than causing further division. At the very least, students ought to get informed. At best, they should get involved in an election that many people have called the most important of their lifetime.
