University of Georgia - Pandora Yearbook (Athens, GA)

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Political Junkie by Jake Chessuni of George Magazine Political activism, though extreme in some concerns, is an important part of the political process. Without the entertainment aspect, the process would prove dull and The United States Capital is the hallmark of ingenuity, hard work and political freedom. As an example of activism, people place signs in their lawns to show thier support and express their opinions. Politics « 27

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EAT, SLEEP DREAM POLITICS Man is by nature a political animal -Aristotle Politics olitics . . . few words are better able to conjure up so many conflicting emotions in so many distinct individuals. Only politics could encompass the dizzying array of differences found throughout our American history. Pro anti-tory, pro anti-slavery and pro anti-big government are but a few of the examples of how diverse politics can be and a testament to how energetic our forbearers were in the past. However, there has been a looming and growing despondency among Americans today as to the unwillingness to become active in politics, with people justifying their apolitical tendencies with claims of discontent, inability to make a difference or outright laziness. In fact, there are some people who assert their hatred of politics, giving up all sense of purpose of their role in the political world. However, hating politics is just as political as loving it. There is no possible avenue for escape from the world of politics. Politics are the essence of each and every one of us, whether we love them or hate them, flowing timelessly through our blood, regardless of sex, ethnicity, age, intellect or nationality. Whether we demand fiscal responsibility in government, meaningful campaign finance reform, safe roads to drive on or simply have our trash carried away promptly, politics are our main thoroughfare for action. So, in short, GET ACTIVE; write a letter to your local paper, volunteer your time to a school organization, keep in touch with your representatives in your hometown as well as Washington, and if nothing else, get out and vote. We as Americans have fought to protect this privilege and should feel proud to have the opportunity to vote. Remember, there are millions of people around the world who would give anything to have but a small fraction of what we take for granted each and every day, the freedom to express ourselves openly and without fear. 26 f Politics

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Election ;•: With the ' 96 elections well behind us and the barrage of po- litical rhetoric returning to its re- spectable levels, the question of what is in store for America and, in turn , ourselves has undoubt- edly been pondered by everyone. At the national level. Democratic President William J. CUnton and Vice-President Al Gore over- whelmingly defeated their Repub- lican counterparts Robert E. Dole and Jack Kemp, to secure an- other four years of at the helm of the executive branch. However, the legislative branch proved an entirely different story. An his- torical precedent was reached in 1996 with the voters of America returning Republicans as a ma- jority in both houses of Congress for the first time since 1928. Rep. Newt Gingrich of Georgia re- tained his role as Speaker of the House, winning almost to 60% of the popular vote in his district to secure re-election, as, well as re- ceiving unanimous approval from his party to lead them in the 105th Congress. Most Ukely, Speaker Gingrich will continue with re- forms such as working for a bal- anced budget, lowering taxes and reforming welfare, as well as themes of President Clinton ' s re- election campaign, like limiting the role of government, stopping drugs and violent crime and re- forming education. Closer to home, RepubHcans gained more ground in the traditionally ' ' Democratic South ' ' with the vic- tory of John Linder as our Rep- resentative in Congress. In addi- tion, the retirement of the highly esteemed Sen. Sam Nunn opened a seat in the Senate heavily sought after by both parties and, ulti- mately, in a razor thin vict ory, won by Democrat Max Cleland. In conclusion, many important issues, such as saving Social Secu- rity, Medicare and Medicaid, will probably be addressed in the forthcoming tenure of Bill Clinton and the 105th Congress that will directly affect our lives at present and for many years to come. Moreover, Pres. Bill Clinton and the 105th Congress must set aside partisan politics to confront, as Newt Gingrich states, the spiri- tual, cultural, and moral deficit that is an even greater threat to our future than the economic defi- cit facing America today. Ohiristo|Dhier GJ. Riror 28 ( Campaign Ross Perot, the Reform Party candidate, continues to have an ongoing presence on the political