Illustration by Arnie Bermudez

This election year is finally coming to a close. I'm sure many of you are ecstatic about this - it's just so much simpler to go home and watch "American Idol" and "Last Comic Standing" than watching those boring debates that actually require you to think.

But this was, in fact, a very important election cycle, and there are plenty of lessons to be learned from it - especially for the Democrats. Let's face it, it wasn't the best year to be on the "liberal" side of the argument.

It's pretty clear that the Democrats need to change their thinking if they want to be given the opportunity to try to improve our country because, for at least the next two years, the Republicans will be in control of just about everything. At least when things start (or should I say keep) heading in the wrong direction, the Republicans will have no one to blame but themselves. Even so, something needs to be done to make the progressive voice heard.

Conventional Democratic thinking prior to this year was that if voter turnout can be increased, it would be a surefire victory. After all, it's not very often that the majority of people would vote for things like tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy - there are a lot more poor people out there than rich people. But this election proved that voter turnout alone doesn't equate to democratic victory; economic policies don't get the voters out like God or gay people can.

What the Democrats and their supporters need to do is focus on informing the voters of America on the issues. But they can't just sell voters on issues; they need to show voters the facts that lay behind the issues.

Nothing scares the Republican elite more than an informed voter because then they won't be able to paint issues in the way they want. Now, of course I'm not saying that this statement applies to all Republicans - in fact, there are many who are wonderful public servants - I am referring to the highest ranking Republicans in this country. Don't believe me? Karl Rove, the brain behind Bush's re-election, has said, "As people do better, they start voting like Republicans - unless they have too much education and vote Democratic, which proves there can be too much of a good thing."

Brett Berry Columnist

Do you really think that the majority of people would view continue to view the Republican party as being more honorable and honest if they knew what they did to protect House Majority Leader Tom DeLay as he was on the verge of being indicted? Absolutely not. After all, accountability for one's actions is a wonderful thing.

But the Democrats and their supporters need to do more than just present the facts. What is paramount to liberal success is a drastic change in how every progressive presents their case.

Instead of being confrontational and accusing every Bush voter of being "stupid," just let the facts make your argument for you. This is change that is necessary for the entirety of the liberal population, from the high-profile likes of Michael Moore right down to the student who talks politics with his/her friend.

If the truth is indeed on your side, then there is no need to try and "sell" your argument. Give thanks to Michael Moore for finally giving Democratic causes asemblance of a backbone, but it's clear that simply shouting about the injustices in America will do more to hurt the cause than solve the problem. Decrying the poorly informed voters as being stupid will only turn them against you as being a "liberal elitist."

Next time you find yourself in a political argument with someone who still thinks that Saddam Hussein was involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, fight the frustration you feel. Do not throw your hands in their air and walk away. Calmly but assertively present the incontrovertible facts. Let the truth and the facts be your arguments.

Show them the actual facts behind the tax cuts. Show them why the "Clear Skies" plan is a contradiction of name and reality. Show them, don't tell them, why they should care about the issues that you hold dear.

When you speak calmly, they might actually listen to you. And once they start to listen, then you can let the facts show them how the issues actually do affect them. After all, as Abraham Lincoln said, "If you just give people the truth, the Republic will be saved."

Brett Berry is a regional development senior. He can be reached at letters@wildcat.arizona.edu