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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Observer

Just popularity?

As the elections of November draw nearer, we college students of Notre Dame have to make a very important decision and choose between two men. This choice will affect us, our families, our country, and our world. A decision that carries so much weight is not one to be trivially decided. Therefore it is not surprising that students all over campus are doing whatever they can to prepare themselves to make an educated decision for the best candidate in the upcoming election. From reading books and columns on issues to watching Michael Moore movies, as students at Notre Dame there is a lot we can and probably will do to prepare ourselves for the election of 2004, but what about the rest of the country?The "Rock the Vote" program is known across the country for encouraging their target audience of young adults to vote for anyone or anything thing, but just get out there and vote. This is terrific. Informed or not, the decisions being made by our government affect every person and all should have say in who is making those decisions. Therefore, if the general public should be voting based on the candidate that would improve their personal life, should "stars" and Hollywood in general be so vocal about their opinions regarding the election? The "Vote for Change Tour", including Dave Matthews Band, The Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and R.E.M. (just to name a few), began this month and consists of a series of concerts in support of John Kerry. Sarah Jessica Parker is wearing a necklace that reads "Kerry." Natalie Portman shows her support for Kerry in her t-shirt logo. The Bush supporters do not seem to be so well known, the only "pop-star-status" supporter that I've heard about is Jessica Simpson and, well that is it. While these stars are entitled to their opinion, as any person in any profession would be, whether they are an accountant or a famous musician, is it right for them to publicly campaign their personal beliefs to very influential crowds of people? People emulate the stars in their hair styles and clothing choices - but in opinions regarding the future leader of our country? Voting is important for everyone to do, but does a candidate with more "popular" friends really deserve a better shot at the votes from the millions of Dave Matthews Band fans, just because Dave Matthews Band likes him better? I don't think so. I have not decided who I will vote for in the upcoming election, as I am sure many of you have not either, but whomever you choose, make it your choice - and do keep listening to Dave Matthews Band.