As Boston University students take sides in the upcoming presidential election — whether picking out parties or specific candidates — this fresh show of electoral interest is encouraging for a campus that is often derided for lacking political passion. However, the nasty and petty nature of major candidates’ campaigns is enough to jade young voters and political supporters. Politically involved students may find their enthusiasm better accommodated by specific causes that are less likely to demand embarrassing defenses from individuals or fizzle out after disappointing primary results in the next three months.
By taking a specific stance on an issue playing out on the national political stage, students are able to harness the energy politicians seek to capitalize upon for fundraising and canvassing and use it for more personally fulfilling purposes. While John Edwards or Fred Thompson could fall off the presidential radar at any time, the relevance of abortion, higher education funding or the war in Iraq will remain long after the election cycle. In the past, flip flopping and ambiguous candidates have been apt to violate their own integrity — and force followers to question their devotion to a particular candidate’s platform. By devoting themselves to a personally important issue, young people can become authorities on an entire area, rather than the selective, biased stance of a politician.
Students looking for sustained political involvement may want to follow the lead of Brandeis University junior Daniel Millenson, who made a personal crusade against violence in Darfur into a political statement. The undergraduate was acknowledged Friday by Sen. Harriet Chandler for his efforts toward making the new Massachusetts divestment policy a reality. The political impact of this young man who found an issue that spoke to his personal beliefs is impressive and could suggest a way for other young people to direct their political involvement.
BU students will, and should, continue to get involved in politics in whichever way they see fit. The appeal of devotion to an issue, rather than a possibly fickle candidate, is something for everyone to strongly consider.