Senator Paul Wellstone, D- Minn., called for increased political participation from U.S. voters, especially the young, at his speech "The Soul of Our Democracy: A Call for Citizen Politics" in 28 Silsby last night.
In an informal and sometimes impromptu speech, Wellstone stressed the role students and ordinary citizens can and should play in politics, encouraging them to speak out to "determine who is elected."
"Politics is not predictions or observation," Wellstone said. "Politics is what we create by what we do, hope for and what we dare to imagine."
Wellstone, a possible presidential candidate for the year 2000, focused mostly on the kinds of issues he finds himself discussing with voters from across the country.
In areas of the country as different as urban Los Angeles to Appalachian Kentucky, Wellstone said "no one talks in left, right and center." Debate over issues is "much more concrete" and often concerns health care, job training and providing for children, issues that don't always receive the most media attention.
"The fact that a problem is more hidden in rural New Hampshire or Minnesota doesn't make them any less real," he said.
Wellstone reiterated several times that domestic policy should "focus on a good education, good health care and a good job."
He said numerous vital issues are not being debated in government today due to the influence of "money and politics." Increasing social stratification and the military budget should "be on the table for discussion," he said.
"Those who pay play, and those who don't pay don't play," Wellstone said. "There is no real debate about justice."
Wellstone said citizen apathy contributes to the tenor of government debate.
Problems in government arise when "you have citizens who don't register, vote or organize," he said, although active voters "can overwhelm and overcome money politics any day."
Politics "at its best" improves peoples' lives through protecting women's rights, civil rights and the environment, although these goals cannot be achieved "on the cheap," Wellstone said.
In addition to encouraging students in the audience to become involved politically, Wellstone urged students to volunteer their time in community service and make it a life-long habit.
Community and political involvement is crucial for upcoming generations, he said.
"We're counting on you," Wellstone said. "I believe there are people who care deeply and desperately about issues."
