Over the past two months, our campus has been consumed by the buzz generated by the upcoming Nov. 7 elections. For many of us, myself included, this election represents the first time that we will elect the people who serve us in state and federal offices. Needless to say, this will be a memorable experience for me.
I was born and raised in Madison, just a few miles from campus on the near West side, where families and friends discuss politics more often than almost any other subject. We're Democrats, save for a few — the kind of bleeding-heart liberals that you picture when you think of stereotypical Madison.
This fall, Democrats have a good chance to reclaim the State Senate and make gains in the State Assembly and a legitimate opportunity to gain majorities in one or both houses of Congress. Our candidates have vision, integrity and backbone; our issues are fundamentally important to all Americans; and we have the resources, the volunteers and the desire to truly change the desperate course our country is currently on.
For all the mudslinging that has gone on this fall, I can say that I approve of the job that Governor Doyle has done for Wisconsin. He hasn't had it easy. The governor inherited the largest budget deficit in our state's history and balanced it without raising taxes. He took a property tax freeze that would have crippled public education and made it better, saving Madison schools alone from almost $10 million in cuts this past year while still providing meaningful tax relief.
I also believe in Kathleen Falk and the great things she is capable of as Attorney General. I've seen her work here in Dane County over the past nine years, and I think she is best suited to ensure that our state is tough on crime and that we protect consumers and the environment.
Perhaps most importantly, I believe that on Nov. 7, we truly do have a chance to make history. Wisconsin is home to Bob La Follette, Gaylord Nelson, Bill Proxmire and Russ Feingold, men whose progressive spirits have represented us in the U.S. Senate for the better part of the last century. Our solemn duty to their legacy is to vote "No" on the civil unions and marriage ban. I believe that constitutions are created to protect rights, not take them away.
This summer, I spent an evening at the Union, looking out over Lake Mendota and discussing the fall campaign with two other College Dems. The skies had just cleared after a day of rain, and we decided to begin our meeting outside. The only other people on the terrace were three younger women who sat at the table next to us. After a little while, we started getting into strategy for campus this fall.
Suddenly, one of my friends asked if we would be okay with heading inside. As we walked in, he said that he had recognized the women sitting next to us as College Republicans' leadership, and he thought perhaps we shouldn't be tipping our hand this early in the game. We talked a little longer, but soon the women came inside as well and walked up to our table. They had recognized us, too, and came inside to introduce themselves. We invited them to sit down, and for the next couple hours, the six of us talked about politics, issues and predictions for the fall campaign.
I'd be lying if I said we agreed on much, or that there weren't times when one of us felt our head was going to explode. But for a few hours this summer, Democrats and Republicans sat down at a table and actually talked about issues.
There was no name-calling, no disrespect, just a time where we genuinely tried to understand another person's point of view. I haven't spoken with any of the three College Republicans since, but I can honestly say that I am very grateful for their willingness to approach us that evening. I think we're better people today because of that conversation.
I bring this story up because what I fear may be lost in all the hype surrounding the elections Nov. 7 is that there is still Nov. 8. No matter who wins and who loses, there is still a need to share ideas, to unite a state and a country, and to respect those who sometimes have very different opinions than our own.
I encourage all of you to vote on Election Day. I believe the Democratic Party has excellent, qualified candidates who will do an exemplary job in office, and I believe that we must vote "No" on the marriage and civil unions ban.
But more than voting, I encourage all of you to become and stay involved in politics Nov. 8 and beyond. Campaigns are nothing but empty promises without effective and responsible governing, and it's up to all of us to ensure that our government understands and addresses the needs of we, the people.
Forward.
Oliver Kiefer ([email protected]) is a sophomore majoring in legal studies and economics and is the fundraising chair for the College Democrats.