Some time ago, I recall reading a piece here in this eminently prestigious tomb concerning student apathy to politics and the political process in general. Much of what was stated I thought was little more than common sense, but apparently it wasn’t. In all the ensuing controversy, I failed to see anyone actually get a handle on the root of the situation.I have had countless discussions both recently and in the past with folks who claim to be uninterested in politics. In every one of these discussions, a common thread has been apparent to me. It seems that people in this country feel “disconnected” from our political system. This is a shame, because in reality the truth is quite the opposite.Usually, the political parties get most of the blame for this “disconnected” feeling. Folks seem to think that they are “elitist” and have an elaborate scam to subject everyone to their hidden agendas. I hate to let you in on a little secret, but political parties are made up of real, thinking people. These people live on your block, attend your classes, go to your place of worship, and hang out at the bars with you. They are not some secret “members only” clan where you need a special invitation. In reality, the truth is that you are welcomed with open arms.What about those hidden agendas? The fact is every thinking person has some opinion of what the world ought to look like. Therefore, every thinking person has some sort of “agenda.” Would you like the world to look more like what you think it should? Join together with other people who agree with you and you have a political party. Remember of course, not to make the perfect the enemy of the good. You can’t expect to agree with your party on every issue, but hopefully you will be a part of the one closest to you. By becoming an active member, you get to participate in the selection of who runs for office and on what issues. It could even be you. You also get to participate in the debates which establish the policies of our nation and localities.Not only are you invited to participate, you don’t have to go very far to do it. Politicians, authors, and pundits don’t hide away somewhere where people can’t find them. Each political party has chapters which meet regularly located in just about every county, city, and even on college campuses. Ohio State is no exception. The sum total of all the chapters make up the membership of the parties themselves. It really is as simple as that. No chapter is more or less important than another. Subsequently, there isn’t some additional “secret” levels that only the “elite” get to. As a student, getting connected is only a short walk from your door.As many people know, I have been very involved with my political party. This is because I would like to see the world look more like what I think it should. Does my party always agree with me? Of course not, but they often do. If they didn’t, I would join the other party. I often have discussions with other members and our elected officials concerning public policy. That is part of the fun of it all. From time to time, I hope to show people why my way of thinking is correct. From time to time, they show me. It is an exciting and dynamic process.American politics wasn’t meant to be a spectator sport. Everyone should at least show their face to their party from time to time. You don’t need to be involved as deeply as I am. Help out when you get the chance and speak up when you have an opinion. You would be amazed at how attentive and receptive your chosen representatives can be when you help them with just a small sum of your time.Our representative republic doesn’t just benefit from your participation, it depends on it. Much of the problems that our nation has can be directly attributed to the lack of involvement from large masses of the public. Being involved and informed about the governance of our nation isn’t just a right that we inherited, it is a civic responsibility.
David Overeem’s column appears on Mondays.
