My final thoughts

As the sun shines down on IU and campus comes alive, it is, ironically, time for many students to begin an exodus from campus. But, before I pack up my bags to return to good ol' Valparaiso, there are a few loose ends that need to be tied up.\nThe Peace Camp\nUnless your head has been buried in books (an odd thought this time of year), you've likely heard the chorus of people complaining about the Peace Camp in Dunn Meadow. The logic goes that the peace campers are little more than common nuisances in a public place who are contributing to the visual degradation of campus. Sadly, this logic is shortsighted and naïve. \nIt seems like too often we forget that freedom of speech is not free. The Peace Camp is a prime example. I disagree with the messages of the peace campers, but I also respect their absolute right to freedom of speech. So, in contrast with the chorus of critics, I would like to thank the peace campers for reminding us that freedom of speech is alive and well. While some are content to follow the government's position blindly during wartime, the camp reminds us we don't have to support the war on terror. It reminds us there are innocent people dying in Afghanistan and there are other ways of solving worldwide problems. \nIn today's political climate, those who criticize President Bush's military policy in Afghanistan are attacked as betraying America. Attacks on these dissenters are as incorrect as they are un-American. America was founded on the belief that people should be able to criticize the government even when those people are in the smallest of minorities. The peace campers are doing just that. As much as I think they are wrong in their beliefs, it is beyond me how some people can be so immature as to criticize them with what are thinly veiled arguments against free speech. \nMay 7\nSeems pretty inconsequential, doesn't it? It's some obscure day in May -- but not if you live in Indiana. Indiana holds its primary election May 7. This election will feature some congressional races and a plethora of local races but will most likely be ignored by most of the state's citizens (IU students included). In 1998, less than 19 percent of voters ages 18 to 24 actually voted. I won't shy away from saying that this statistic is embarrassing.\nThere is an apathy invading the American youth; it is an apathy that is not in line with the democratic values of this country. A democracy cannot survive without voters. The French discovered the consequence of voter apathy last weekend when, in an election with a historically low turnout, an ultra right wing candidate garnered enough votes to qualify for a run-off election. French abstainers are now, en masse, expressing regret for their decision not to vote. Closer to home, look at the 2000 presidential election in Florida or countless local elections that are decided by close margins; your vote DOES matter. In the wake of Sept. 11, many Americans have put flags on their cars and outside of their homes under the mantra of patriotism. Do you consider yourself a patriot? If you do, then prove it by voting in our elections, including the one May 7.\nWell, enough controversy for one column. Writing this semester has been a pleasure for me, and I sincerely thank those of you who take the time to read. I hope we can do this again, sometime. Have a great summer.