Can’t find anyone to revise my essay so im left with no choice but to post in in a forum. I would like some feedback via questions posted after my essay:
*Whenever I turn on the news, read publications or listen to the radio I am constantly bombarded with statistics and comments about how bad voter turnout is; how this downward trend “puts our democracy under jeopardy”. In response, there have been many pieces of legislation passed trying to simplify the process, such as the motor voter bill. Numerous ad campaigns launched at encouraging more voter turnout, ranging from TV to the basic billboard. Various interest groups have also stepped up to the plate encouraging more people to vote, specifically for their candidate. With all this promotional cheerleading going on, I always ask myself, “Do the people who chose not to vote really care about the real issues?”
There have been many theories out there by commentators and members of academia about why voter turnout has been so low: gerrymandering, complicated registration process, Electoral College, two party systems etc. The list is endless. In some circumstances some of those theories would prove true, but in my experience and observations, those theories only apply to a minority of non-voters. The majority of non-voters in my opinion simply don’t care and therefore choose not to vote. I support their decision.
If those who don’t vote put a higher priority at watching people eating a male bull’s “soft parts” rather then being informed about the issues, I hope they are entertained. Don’t vote. Those out there who put more importance in watching Johnny Knoxville abuse and inflict serious bodily harm centered around his crotch or other shows that encourage various acts of gross stupidity then spending a mere 30 minutes to keep informed about what’s going on around you, I hope you have a good laugh. Do all of us a favor and don’t vote.
The 2004 election will bring in many returning and first time voters (such as myself just turning 18). I hope that all new and returning voters they take time to review the issues and really consider the repercussions of their vote, both positive and negative. I encourage and support everyone to vote that have reviewed the issue carefully, considered others viewpoints and have made up their own mind. I have respect for all well thought-out views even though they may disagree with me.
What I have a problem with is this; there are those who are going to vote because they were told who to vote for. All due respect, that is simply foolish. This country is a unique country in that it allows anyone to be a moron and vote accordingly, but it doesn’t mean they should.
If those out there are considering voting because some shock jock told them how to vote, I really hope they reconsider. Please don’t vote. Those voters out there are going to vote because it seems like it’s a new cool fad, please don’t. Those individuals out there are going to base their vote off some “stoned” rock stars going around the country telling who they need to vote for, I wish they would think twice and not vote at all. When Election Day comes and someone receives that ballot, they are asking what they, the individual thinks; not Bruise Springsteen, Alec Baldwin, Rush Limbah or Ann Coulter. I think all voters should take some time to research the issues that are important to them, keep relatively informed and when Election Day arrives, vote what their gut feeling tells them. If not, don’t vote at all
Our democracy has formed over thousands of years of human social evolution through wars, revolutions and human blood. Voting is not some trivial matter to be taken lightly; it should be treated with a sense of utmost responsibility and privilege. Those who think otherwise and take this right trivially, should be ashamed. *
If you even bothered to read it, I have 5 questions…
1)this appropriate for a college application essay?
2)Any writing convention errors you see? (This is my first draft)
3) Does it flow well?
4)Do you think college administrators will like it? (I’m hearing rumors that college administrators frown upon essays that encourage personal responsibility…)
5)Do you think my attitude toward this subject is misguided and absurd?