If you are a television fan, as I am, there is no doubt that you have noticed a high volume of political campaign commercials recently. Likewise, if you have been paying any attention to these commercials, you've probably smelled more bullcrap in them than you do in East Halls on a windy morning. However, despite the ludicrous claims that someone may steal $900 billion from you (which would very nearly empty my checking account) and that this one guy doesn't want old people to get medicine, there is a very important message in each one of these commercials. (Yes, even the one about the guy who hates our armed forces because he didn't raise their pay.)

The message is that in our country, we have a choice of who we wish to represent us in every level of government -- from the local sheriff to the president. Now, I could tell you that if you don't vote then you'll be the reason that this country is a mess. Or, I could tell you that if you don't vote then you don't care about this country at all. But if I did that, I certainly would be no better than the campaign commercials.

After all, when was the last time you took action just because an editorial told you to?

What I can tell you, however, is that if you vote, you are making a serious statement. By voting, you are showing the rest of the country that you have just as much power in this country as any other citizen. You're not a child anymore, and your opinions and views are just as valid as anyone else's are. Since some of the students here have never been old enough to vote before, most reading this have never been given an opportunity to express your political views on a large scale or have any influence on this country; instead, you've been forced to just watch the news and hope.

But now, things are different. Now you have a chance. Now you have voice. Now you can be a part of this country and muscle your way into helping mold history. And remember, you don't have to go to rallies. You don't have to contribute money to candidates' campaign funds. You don't have to do anything but pick your nose for the next seven months if you like. (When was the last time someone told you that?)

But come November, you'll have an opportunity to do yourself a great favor, which will maintain its value for the next four years.