The recent outcry against the State College Borough Council's decision to install cameras in Beaver Canyon has betrayed a common and potentially dangerous misconception among many Americans about what kind of a government we live in. Many people are outraged that the council voted against the opinions of an alleged majority of students concerning the cameras. However, the council acted precisely as it should have.

We live in a democratic republic. That means that by majority vote, elected officials who people believe will best represent their opinions are given power. That does not mean that once elected, officials should bend and sway to the will of public opinion polls or the group with the loudest voice. That makes our leaders nothing more than puppets, and puppets cannot run a government.

That does not mean that you should not protest, because there is nothing wrong with changing the minds of our leaders. The problem arises when leaders simply change their vote to appease people, and it seems as if that is expected nowadays. The reason that is so dangerous is because the public may be miseducated and misinformed, hold ulterior motives or just be plain ignorant. If you want your voice to be heard, vote. Don't complain after the fact simply because our leaders stick to their guns.