The Brown & White

Do you have a crush on Obama?

You might. Or you might like Sen. Hillary Clinton or Sen. John McCain. But whoever you support, there is no denying the political frenzy has been swept up into our own backyard with the Pennsylvania primary elections just around the corner on April 22.

Just last week Sen. Barack Obama made an appearance at nearby Muhlenberg College to garner support from Pennsylvania residents. On March 19 former President Bill Clinton spoke at Hotel Bethlehem on behalf of his wife.

Although Lehigh hasn't had a Clinton, McCain or Obama, stop in to the University Center lately, the university has had its fair share of political celebrities with speeches by former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

And Albright and Ashcroft are celebrities right? Just like the Clintons, Obamas and McCains.

Unfortunately, no. McCain, Obama and Clinton are not celebrities, they are politicians, and with two weeks to decide who to vote for, we all need to remember that.

Although it's great that young adults are enthusiastic about the election, but is it possible some of us could be only following what's "cool?" How many of us really know about all the issues, or any of the issues that the Democratic and Republican candidates stand for.

And if you don't know, say what Clinton's plan is for Iraq, or McCain's stance on health care, then really what are you basing your vote on? That you don't want a woman as a president, they are too emotional of course, or a black man or an old guy? If the issues aren't what move you, then please, don't bother moving.

And for all you reading this who don't believe your vote can make a difference, fine, but on a lesser scale there is an election coming up where you certainly can't use that lame excuse: Lehigh Student Senate elections, which kick off April 17.

The Senate is your representation, your student government. When the administration has a problem they bring it up with the Senate. So rather than feverishly complaining to your roommates about the poor busing, lack of Lehigh's recycling plan or dining issues you could be complaining to people who were elected to actually make change.

So why not vote for the people who you think can do this?

In the election you can choose candidates based on your residence:off-campus, on-campus, sorority, fraternity and first-year.

Unfortunately, many of us vote blindly from there.

Perhaps you "like" certain candidates because you laughed at their clever campaign posters around campus, or you've heard their names from a friend of a friend. Or you might have been invited to their Facebook groups, or let's face it, maybe you just think they're attractive.

None of these qualities are an appropriate basis on which choose leaders for our student body. Read their platforms, resumes and goals. Think about it for more than five minutes.

Of course, it is crucial for the public to "like" the candidates, presidential and others. But at the end of the election process you want to be able to stand behind the candidate you voted for, not just for a second but for years. You want to stand behind him or her and be proud of your decision.