One thing that I have learned about politics in my life is that it involves a lot more than just voting and winning elections. Discussion, debating and thinking are key parts of the political process. Without them, voting and elections are meaningless. In order to truly become involved in politics students need to take part in discussions and debates and challenge their minds. This is especially important for student political leaders. That is why it is appalling that the ISU Democrats are refusing to debate the ISU Republicans this year.

Both the Lectures Committee and the Political Science Club have asked ISU Democrats and ISU Republicans to agree to participate in a student debate. On both occasions the ISU Republicans said “any place, any time” while the ISU Democrats claimed that they are too busy with the election to send a representative to debate. When asked by the Political Science Club to send a representative to debate, the ISU Democrats’ president replied that they are “really slammed with the election coming up” and unable to debate. This is pathetic! In both of the previous two elections the two campus organizations debated each other. There is no reason that the ISU Democrats could not have found time this year. I recommend that after this election, the members of the ISU Democrats push for a change in their leadership.

Now I did not write this letter to promote Republican ideals or candidates. In fact, I voted a straight Democratic ticket with one exception (and that was an Independent). But I believe that real debate is an essential part of democracy and that the leaders of political organizations should at least be able and willing to defend their ideals.

Andrew Schmitz

Treasurer

ISU Political Science Club