2008 Woodie Awards
Letters to the Editor
Lack of attendance at College Town Meeting shocking
Megan Chenaille
Issue date: 10/21/04 Section: Viewpoint
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October 5th, 2004 marked the Vice-Presidential Debate, which for Assumption College meant our College Town Meeting where 96.9's (WTKK Boston) Eagan and Braude were present and broadcasting from the college. They were here to answer our questions and listen to our opinions about the debate and the candidates. The Town Meeting was announced far in advance all over campus with posters and e-mails. I was informed that all faculty members were sent formal letters about this event at the beginning of the year and were asked to encourage their students to take part in it. The hope was for students and faculty to get excited about this opportunity to become active in the important election that is making its way to us in a few short weeks.
Over 200 T-shirts were given out to students who agreed to wear the shirt on the day of the event as a reminder and walking advertisement for the event. Students who took shirts also agreed that they would show up at the event to help out and support it. The event began at 9:00 pm (after the Red Sox game, mind you) and went until 12:30 am, concluding with a candlelight vigil (which, by the way was a beautiful end to the evening).
What I find absolutely shocking was the lack of people who attended the College Town Meeting. Honestly people, who goes to bed before 12:00 am at this place? I can guarantee not many. So why the lack of attendance at such an important event? The upcoming election is an extremely important aspect of our lives as American citizens. The College Town Meeting was a chance for us to voice our opinions, to gain a better awareness of the issues that are important to our country. This is the year we choose our next President and, yes, every vote DOES count!! The lack of patriotism taking over our country is sad, especially in our generation.
I would like to mention, however, that it was not only students who did not partake in this event, but faculty. I may be wrong, but I do not recall seeing any faculty members there, nor do I recall any of my professors mentioning their awareness of the College Town meeting or encouraging students to attend. You would think that at a college where the mission is to educate students and help make us informed citizens, to help us flourish and live to our full capacity as human beings, that our educators would want to encourage us to take part in an event such as this. Our freedom to vote, to have an opinion, stems from the free will we are given by God. Moreover, we were given, by God (I feel it is safe to add Him into my arguments here since this is a Catholic Institution) the ability to reason, to make logical decisions. This right has also been given to us as Americans. We have a right to be an intricate part of the debates and the campaign because this is our country. I am shocked that more professors did not attempt to participate in this unusual opportunity or encourage the students to take a stance by immersing themselves in this important meeting.
Over 200 T-shirts were given out to students who agreed to wear the shirt on the day of the event as a reminder and walking advertisement for the event. Students who took shirts also agreed that they would show up at the event to help out and support it. The event began at 9:00 pm (after the Red Sox game, mind you) and went until 12:30 am, concluding with a candlelight vigil (which, by the way was a beautiful end to the evening).
What I find absolutely shocking was the lack of people who attended the College Town Meeting. Honestly people, who goes to bed before 12:00 am at this place? I can guarantee not many. So why the lack of attendance at such an important event? The upcoming election is an extremely important aspect of our lives as American citizens. The College Town Meeting was a chance for us to voice our opinions, to gain a better awareness of the issues that are important to our country. This is the year we choose our next President and, yes, every vote DOES count!! The lack of patriotism taking over our country is sad, especially in our generation.
I would like to mention, however, that it was not only students who did not partake in this event, but faculty. I may be wrong, but I do not recall seeing any faculty members there, nor do I recall any of my professors mentioning their awareness of the College Town meeting or encouraging students to attend. You would think that at a college where the mission is to educate students and help make us informed citizens, to help us flourish and live to our full capacity as human beings, that our educators would want to encourage us to take part in an event such as this. Our freedom to vote, to have an opinion, stems from the free will we are given by God. Moreover, we were given, by God (I feel it is safe to add Him into my arguments here since this is a Catholic Institution) the ability to reason, to make logical decisions. This right has also been given to us as Americans. We have a right to be an intricate part of the debates and the campaign because this is our country. I am shocked that more professors did not attempt to participate in this unusual opportunity or encourage the students to take a stance by immersing themselves in this important meeting.