Whether you are glad the flurry of preparations is over or you are suffering from debate withdrawal, the truth is our moment in the political spotlight has ended. With the presidential candidates campaigning like crazy before Election Day, however, now is not the time for apathy.
All eyes may have left Magness Arena, but our eyes cannot leave the national stage. By remaining informed and active participants in the process, members of the DU community can stay in touch with the world of politics.
After spending time in any classroom, you will realize that politics is a part of daily life at DU and actively dominates discussion. The same issues which were important to us before the “Great Debate” matter today, as students constantly argue about their stances on policies ranging from taxation to contraception to illegal immigration, all hot topics on the campaign trail.
Expressions of support for one of the candidates or parties is met with eager response and exchange of viewpoints. Political news is spread like gossip, providing ample nourishment for the appetite of any aficionado.
One never feels out of place delving into the political arena at this school, and I’ve yet to hear a person claim they won’t be performing their civic duty come November.
Winter is coming, but a thousand flowers bloom here at DU. Like a rich tapestry of ideological diversity, pins and buttons expressing partisan support adorn shirts and backpacks. At tables lining Driscoll Bridge, organizations continue to encourage political activity. Fliers soliciting volunteers are widely distributed and attract students to join campaigns.
These means of keeping political fervor alive show no signs of significant slowing. Just look at the writing on the wall, or, rather, the chalk on the pavement. No one can tread the steps leading to Sturm Hall without noticing a certain name repeatedly etched in blue.
Murals depict the swirling Obama logo on the sidewalk around campus as well.
Such surroundings reveal that involvement has survived the hype and hubbub of the debate, reminding us that politics still plays a large role in the atmosphere of this university.
Of course, the well-known reporters that once milled about the grounds are long gone and both President Obama and Governor Romney are hundreds of miles away, so it’s only natural that political interest will wane to some degree.
Although it’s tempting to forsake politics when we have actual subjects to worry about with midterm grades rolling in, too much is at stake to tune out. We have to keep up the good work and not let the future of this country be placed on the backburner of our consciousness. Ignorance is never bliss.
For most of us, 2012 is the first or second time we will make a decision in a major election. The voice of the youth counts. By striving to remain politically engaged and truly caring about the state of politics, we won’t return to the days of idleness and apathy. As the other debates pass, excitement is in the air for general Election Day.
The dust has settled in Denver, but the memory of the debate is alive in the hearts of many and its true effect has yet to be felt.
So much depends on the outcome of this race. This is a volatile and divisive election but we can unite in our desire to elect the leaders we think best.
Whether you are dying for four more years or desperate for change, I think we can all agree that the DU debate, an experience of a lifetime, awakened a political awareness that is here to stay.
Not all of the debate banners have been stripped off our buildings yet. We must never grow lax in our appreciation of the political process, or ever let this enthusiasm fall to the wayside.
