Disinterest, Disenchantment
Today’s college population certainly hasn’t inherited the lust for political activity that aroused its baby-boomer parents who marched the campuses of the ‘60s.
A recent poll found that only a third of the freshmen at Washington State University and the University of Idaho give a rip about politics.
But don’t confuse disinterest, which the poll seemed to measure, with the disenchantment that is so common in society at large.
People such as Wayne Lythgoe of Colbert may be exasperated by the style of politics they see, but they are far from disinterested.
“We are tired of gridlock, negative campaigns, pundits’ analyses, polls, reporters who are not qualified and/or distort what was said,” writes Lythgoe.
“What we do want is our elected officials to do what they say and do what is right for the country and not what is good for the Democrat/Republican Party or getting votes.
“Every American can see what needs to be done and can also see that nothing is happening. We want a balanced budget, welfare reform, campaign finance reform, term limits, a responsible trade policy, immigration control and a lot more personal responsibility.
“We are tired of the scare tactics, out-and-out lies, distortions, pitting one group against another group, etc., etc.”
While a lot of voters like Lythgoe condemn the emptiness of shallow, negative campaign messages, well-paid political consultants insist by their actions - and occasionally by their words - that that’s what works.
Survey findings such as those from WSU and UI help explain why.
“Bagpipes” readers are invited to continue this discussion.
“Music hath charms …”
A proud mom called to share a positive experience her child had had with school music programs, a discussion topic in “Bagpipes” on March 7.
“I have a son who is quite hyperactive and was always having problems because he couldn’t sit still and had a short attention span,” said Darlene Nelson of Spokane.
“When he joined the band and started playing the cornet, it transformed him.
“I’ll never forget the all-city band gathering and seeing him on the balcony leaning over the rail and barely moving a muscle for hours as he studied the various orchestras and musicians on the main floor. It helped him all through the rest of his life.”
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