Editor:
If the purpose of the Associated Students of the University of Utah’s Rock the Vote event is to increase students’ influence in government, then student leaders miss their mark.
The greatest influence a citizen may have on state, local or even national government is exercised within the framework of a political party. One recent example of this is found in the state of California.
The right-leaning California Republican Assembly (not a political party) has transformed the Republican Party in California from centrist to far-right simply by exercising its voice in caucus (neighborhood) meetings. A similar transition is nearing completion in Utah, led by the Utah Republican Assembly (also not a political party).
I do not believe it is a citizen’s duty to vote. If no candidate is acceptable, citizens are not morally obligated to choose between them.
I do believe citizens are morally obligated to voice their views on appropriate government. The best way to have your voice heard in our political system is to go and visit with your neighbors during that little and very important meeting called a caucus.
It may be intimidating at first. I find the views of many who attend to be extreme. However, your voice at a caucus meeting is ten-times more powerful than in the general election. Just ask the right-wingers.
Paul Emett
Junior, Chemical Engineering