LETTERS: STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN ELECTIONS IS GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY

To the editor:

Students flocked to the polls Tuesday to speak their minds. Unfortunately, it has become apparent that a few members of the community feel we shouldn't speak our minds here but in the communities we came from. I disagree.

We inject millions of dollars into the local economy, and this makes Cape Girardeau the way it is. Equally important is the service we provide through student organizations to local charities. We have proven our ability to have a positive impact on the community by student action. Witness our effort two years ago to improve the safety on streets surrounding the campus. Students not only have an interest in the community but do their best to improve it.

Some people are concerned about the political dynamic on campus. It is different from the rest of the nation, mostly because the voters are harder to reach and less experienced. This doesn't make it dangerous or students irresponsible. In fact, I would argue that the standards of debate are relatively high on campus.

A warning to prospective candidates is that a negative campaign will get you nowhere on this campus. The fact that I could say so few good things about Amendment 7 made campaigning against is significantly more difficult.

ALAN HALLMAN

Chair

Students Against Amendment 7

Southeast Missouri State University