As elections approach, students share opinions
Edward Humphrys
Issue date: 10/20/08 Section: News
Jessica Stepp, a University of Central Arkansas student visiting the campus, said she wants to see more attention paid to the environment.
"I'd like for [the environment] to play a bigger role in the election, especially considering how it effects the economy," Stepp said. "The issues are really inextricably linked."
Though major issues such as the economy and environment influence the political decision making of many students, the diverse atmosphere at the UA allows a wide range of viewpoints and concerns to find voice.
Fedi Deek, a foreign exchange student from Lebanon, though new in the country and unfamiliar with the details of the election, is concerned about U.S. foreign policy.
"I think the U.S. should limit their influence in foreign nations," Deek said. "I mean, they need to care more for the culture and people of other counties and not just the resources.
"The U.S. often tries to keep the motives behind its actions unclear," he said. "I think more transparency would be a good thing."
Deek's desire for change is not uncommon among UA students. Jason Wood expressed his dissatisfaction with U.S. policies concerning economically depressed people.
The economy is a big problem, but global poverty and homelessness are the most important issues, Wood said. The government has committed to these causes but has yet to follow through, he said.
"From what I know, Obama [would best address these issues], maybe," Wood said. "McCain and Palin seem to be extensions of the Bush administration."
UA student Brian Glass expressed his opinion on the interconnectivity of all issues on the ballot this November.
"Sure, the economy is a big issue because I might want to take a loan out for a house some day," he said. "The issue with the war, too, because it deeply influences the economy.
"But I think everything is valid," he said. "We're all sort of deeply entrenched in this, so I think every issue is equally important. A particular stance on any issue is going to affect everybody."
"I'd like for [the environment] to play a bigger role in the election, especially considering how it effects the economy," Stepp said. "The issues are really inextricably linked."
Though major issues such as the economy and environment influence the political decision making of many students, the diverse atmosphere at the UA allows a wide range of viewpoints and concerns to find voice.
Fedi Deek, a foreign exchange student from Lebanon, though new in the country and unfamiliar with the details of the election, is concerned about U.S. foreign policy.
"I think the U.S. should limit their influence in foreign nations," Deek said. "I mean, they need to care more for the culture and people of other counties and not just the resources.
"The U.S. often tries to keep the motives behind its actions unclear," he said. "I think more transparency would be a good thing."
Deek's desire for change is not uncommon among UA students. Jason Wood expressed his dissatisfaction with U.S. policies concerning economically depressed people.
The economy is a big problem, but global poverty and homelessness are the most important issues, Wood said. The government has committed to these causes but has yet to follow through, he said.
"From what I know, Obama [would best address these issues], maybe," Wood said. "McCain and Palin seem to be extensions of the Bush administration."
UA student Brian Glass expressed his opinion on the interconnectivity of all issues on the ballot this November.
"Sure, the economy is a big issue because I might want to take a loan out for a house some day," he said. "The issue with the war, too, because it deeply influences the economy.
"But I think everything is valid," he said. "We're all sort of deeply entrenched in this, so I think every issue is equally important. A particular stance on any issue is going to affect everybody."
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