To the editor:

In my three years at Vanderbilt, I have never been so appalled and embarrassed by the writing of another student as when I read Justin Poythress’ “Now’s the time for political apathy.” Although I recognize that Poythress often writes with a satirical tone, this article is neither insightful social commentary nor witty political satire.

For those of you fortunate enough to have missed reading Poythress’ whiny, ignorant rant, the author suggests that students should stop caring so much about the presidential election, should not take the time to register to vote, as, according to him, “America’s going to keep going even without you voting.”

I would like to take a moment to point out a few of the specious arguments made in this article. First, recent American elections have been very close and decided by thousands or even hundreds of votes, as was the case in the 2000 election in Florida. The Electoral College system has its flaws, but it ensures that the interests of Americans in less populated states are considered in the presidential election process and national policymaking. While it is true that one single vote has not decided a U.S. election, our entire system depends on people sacrificing a very small portion of their time to perform civic duties like voting and serving on juries. If everyone followed Poythress’ apathetic approach, the system could not function. I invite Poythress to move to a place like North Korea where he will not have to be burdened by voting (but also may find himself starved or mistreated by an oppressive despot). Perhaps he could also talk with Zimbabweans who risked their lives to vote against the incumbent because they knew that change in their country would only come from an election.

Furthermore, the apathy of college-age voters inhibits our own interests from being served. Why should a presidential candidate prioritize better student loan programs, health insurance for unemployed 20-year-olds or new job creation if our segment of the population does not participate in the political process? It should come as no surprise that the population that always votes, the elderly, receives the most attention in policy making.
Possibly the most bizarre argument Poythress makes is that it takes so much time to register to vote, especially if you are voting absentee. In the time it took Poythress to write his column he could have not only registered to vote, but read enough of an American history textbook to understand the value and historic precedent of democratic elections and signed up 10 of his friends to vote as well. Ironically, Poythress hails from Pennsylvania, one of the closest state races in the nation, giving all the more reason why he should vote absentee.

I thoroughly hope the vast majority of the Vanderbilt student body is more motivated, informed and politically active than our own Poythress and that no one has been discouraged from voting by his ignorant arguments. Student activism is part of what propelled McCain and Obama to become the nominees of their respective political parties and voter participation by our generation will likely decide this election.

Jonathon Snider
Junior, College of Arts and Science