Fundamental to a well-functioning civil society is active participation. Without it, citizens miss the opportunity to advance their cause and further their beliefs by simply accepting the whims of the public at large to decide policy over their lives. The ability to join with others who share one’s interests is vital in the workings of democracy, and students on the University of Wisconsin campus have stood at the forefront of the nation in terms of student activism. Students on both sides of the political aisle should rightfully to take pride in this.

Throughout the tumultuous election season, students, be they liberal, conservative or otherwise, took up arms and joined organizations designed to advance their particular candidate’s platform and ultimately help their election. Buoyed by the energy exerted by all, the election finally did occur. Winners were decided, and students given a break from the long hours spent toiling for votes.

While undoubtedly many on this campus feel dismayed by results, the hard work was not done in vain. And for those celebrating the results of this election, to merely rest on one’s laurels in victory is an invitation for future defeat. Everyone who worked so very hard for his or her candidate or cause deserves a rest after the grueling months of electioneering, but students of any political disposition have every incentive to continue their activism for the causes they believe in.

This particular battle may be over, but the war over the future of this nation was not recently started, nor will it soon end. Most of the reforms we take for granted did not exist more than half a century ago, and even fewer before that. Change takes time, effort and persistence, just as it takes hard work to convince others that we may already be on the correct path.

Neither a desire for change or consistency is well served by apathy and indifference. Choosing to swear off politics altogether in light of the results helps no one. Don’t let defeat get you down, and don’t let victory make you lazy. Keep your activism strong and fight for what you believe in: the only way to truly lose is to give up.