There is a tendency for activists to focus on one side, namely their side, of an issue. All too often an argument is lost because the debate becomes too polarized. In the creation of the “Voting Guide for the 2004 Election” packet, Students for Access to Health Care (SAHC) has proven that this does not have to be the case. They successfully worked with other university groups to create a clear and comprehensive pamphlet of the nominees’ views on items of interest specific to both campus and a general audience. Careful to represent all candidates and recognizing that not every voter is liberal, SAHC went as far to include President Bush’s viewpoints. This presentation of the range of debates stands in marked contrast to the extremes that have been used in the handling of other issues, such as the checkpoints outside the campus center.
Making an effort to reach beyond the University, the group placed this eight-page packet not only in locales such as the campus center and Weshop but also in Middletown supermarkets and pharmacies. The accessibility combined with the unbiased research of this guide is laudable. By forming a list attractive to the student and the store clerk, the Democrat and the Republican, the health care advocate and the pro-choice supporter, SAHC effectively provided information that allows individuals to come to their own conclusion. This pamphlet takes a direct and definitive strike against apathy among all types of voters by encouraging them to become more educated and make an informed decision.
SAHC deserves praise for their efforts to spread information to members of the University and of the community. They serve as an exemplary model of how activism can be conducted.
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