Illustration by Arnie Bermudez

Just under a year from now, Americans will have the chance to take back our country.

On Sunday night, representatives from five of the Democratic presidential campaigns gathered for a forum in Centennial Hall. Members of the Kucinich, Kerry, Dean, Lieberman and Edwards campaigns were present. We have all seen the nine candidates go head to head on televised debates, but this one was unique.

That is because it was completely sponsored and organized by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona and the Arizona Students' Association. Our student leaders spent their time to put together a forum to encourage students to become educated voters.

Unfortunately, the forum was only semi-successful - not because ASUA screwed up or organized a lame event, but rather because students at this university are incredibly apathetic.

We are part of a student base of nearly 37,000, and fewer than 200 showed up for this event. That means that less than 1 percent of the student body attended the forum to learn about topics critical to the next presidential election. The lack of enthusiasm from members of the 18-24 age group is a disgrace.

Tens of billions of dollars are being spent and more than 400 American lives have been lost to "liberate the Iraqis from a totalitarian regime" in order to "spread democracy in the Middle East." Many of you wave your little flag whenever President Bush speaks because of course you cannot oppose a pseudo-movement toward democracy, but then you refuse to make time to attend an event that exemplifies the most raw form of our representative democracy.

ASUA and ASA should not be discouraged by the low student turnout. As our elected campus leaders, you are doing your job by organizing events that will hopefully provoke the students to participate in the happenings of the real world.

Jessica Lee Associate Editor

Many students claim they have too much homework, have to work or do not have time to follow the Democratic primary nor learn about pressing national and international issues. That is a lame organization of priorities. While our friends, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers are off fighting an unnecessary war or losing their jobs to an economy struggling due to the failure of trickle-down economics, you claim to not have time to learn what these presidential candidates propose to do about it.

Or perhaps you are someone who claims you don't need to investigate the Democratic hopefuls because you are a staunch supporter of President Bush. Unless you support corporate America and special interests running our country rather than honest individuals - regardless of party affiliation - and are rich enough to be included in the top 2 percent of America, then pledging your vote to re-elect our current president is a clear indication of your lack of commitment to gaining the most complete information as possible. Do not be someone who just smiles and nods any time Bush speaks.

But if you are, don't worry. You don't need to do much digging yourself to prove our president deserves to be kicked out of office come next November. Editor of The Nation and Fox News Channel contributor David Corn has taken the initiative to do that for you in his new book, "The Lies of George W. Bush." That's right, an entire book was written about how our Bush has deceived Americans.

From now until Feb. 3, when Arizona selects a Democratic presidential candidate, make time to learn about each of these candidates and their solutions to current national problems. These debates are truly dynamic - these nine individuals have similar core values, but have vastly different approaches to remedying the dilemmas America now faces.

Kerry has spent 18 years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wants to invest in energy-efficient technology so oil does not dictate international policy, and is a Vietnam vet. Kucinich proposes repealing the North American Free Trade Agreement, making college free and establishing a cabinet-level Department of Peace. Edwards wants to initiate a program where the federal government will pay for your first year in college if you pledge to work an average of 10 hours a week on campus. Lieberman would increase Pell Grants, support comprehensive sex education and bring back fiscal discipline. Dean says jobs can be created in the public sector by hiring people to rebuild crumbling infrastructure - bridges, highways and schools.

If you are not registered to vote, do not wait. Call ASUA (621-ASUA) or ASA (621-6306) to find out how to register. These two university organizations are planning additional events to encourage students to become involved in the upcoming election. It is not about choosing a person to lead the country; rather, it's about voting for the hundreds of people with whom the president will surround himself.

As Americans, it is our duty to make the presidential election a priority in our lives. Being a full-time student is no excuse for not becoming an educated voter.

Jessica Lee is an environmental science senior. She can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu.