Debate commission's partisan politics destructive to democracy
I want to expand on Andrew Frisbie '01's letter on the Commission on Presidential Debates in the Sept. 21 edition of the 'Prince.' It doesn't take a Princeton education to realize that the CPD is at the mercy of the people who nominate its members — the two major parties. Its refusal to include Ralph Nader '55 and Pat Buchanan is turning the debates away from their purpose (to inform citizens) and toward the needs of the Republicans and Democrats.
The failure to include all candidates in the debates is only furthering the already disastrous feeling of political apathy that is pervasive in the United States. When people do not feel listened to, or when they don't hear their concerns addressed, they tune out the elections. The major parties cannot address the concerns of the citizenry because our nation is so diverse. And so people are tuning out the polls, and will continue to do so as long as different voices are not given a platform. This will ultimately lead to the death of democracy.
That sounds like an exaggeration, but democracy exists only when the majority sets the rules by voting (or elects people to do so in its place). Knowing that 55 percent of the eligible voters did not vote in '96, can we truly think of ourselves as a democratic society?
Opening the debates will not cure the political apathy of Americans, but I am sure that it will bring more people back to the political arena. It will thereby make our country more democratic, regardless of the views held by those who come back.
I encourage you to sign the petition to open the debates to all candidates at www.votenader.org, and to educate yourselves about what the issues facing small parties are. Do it in the name of democracy. Gregoire Landel '98
Let's not forget President Shapiro's negative impact on student life
In response to the Sept. 25 'Prince' staff editorial, I would caution students to remember the other aspects of President Shapiro's legacy at Princeton. While he has accomplished a number of the University's fiscal and physical goals, he has also overseen a few significant developments in undergraduate student life.
Gone are the Nude Olympics and if not for a great public uproar, Chancellor Green Cafe would also no longer exist.
Like many college administrators, President Shapiro has made decisions without consulting student opinion and often against it. This, too, is his legacy. John Weicher '00
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With their dirty deal, Princeton has chosen the fossil fuel industry over the future
Alex Norbrook and Eleanor Clemans-Cope“By choosing to prioritize relationships with fossil fuel companies over the well-being of the planet and future generations, Princeton has abdicated its responsibility to lead and sent the message that prestige and immediate financial gain outweigh the urgent need to address the climate emergency.”
“By choosing to prioritize relationships with fossil fuel companies over the well-being of the planet and future generations, Princeton has abdicated its responsibility to lead and sent the message that prestige and immediate financial gain outweigh the urgent need to address the climate emergency.”
To make a real difference this November, vote absentee, not here in Princeton
Preston Ferraiuolo“If you want to make a real difference, don’t vote here in Princeton. The Orange Bubble is situated in a blue town in a blue state where your vote won’t make a difference. Vote absentee in your hometown to make an impact.”
“If you want to make a real difference, don’t vote here in Princeton. The Orange Bubble is situated in a blue town in a blue state where your vote won’t make a difference. Vote absentee in your hometown to make an impact.”
You will live to see University-made horrors beyond your reading comprehension
Anna Ferris“However, for student book buyers, eCampus is slower and more expensive than Labyrinth was. Ultimately, the switch replaces an economic and spiritual pillar of the community with yet another e-commerce conglomerate.”
“However, for student book buyers, eCampus is slower and more expensive than Labyrinth was. Ultimately, the switch replaces an economic and spiritual pillar of the community with yet another e-commerce conglomerate.”
