Ignorance ≠ Political Discourse

     The Administration at Liberty University has led a voter registration campaign for many months. Several hours from now, residents of central Virginia will learn how the voter registration drive has affected local politics. While voter registration has been the subject brought up at various convocations and numerous hall meetings, politics has not become a widespread topic among conversing students. That is, outside of the School of Government. It is interesting how many students at Liberty simply do not care about the election or, for that matter, politics in general. Everyone has their opinions, but such opinions are rarely discussed. Perhaps this is because everyone on campus has the same opinions. Or maybe this is because few on campus actually  understand why they are voting a particular way.
     Apathy and ignorance work hand in hand in order to form an environment that is more likely to foster debates between Yankees fans and Phillies fans rather than discussions concerning social issues. While discussions on sports may be entertaining, political issues have a significant impact on individual lives. Unfortunately, political discourse is lacking at Liberty University. For the most part everyone votes Republican and views the Democratic party as a symbol of what is wrong with America. Life is quite boring for the open-minded at Liberty.
     Typically universities are viewed as marketplaces of ideas. This is true at many state schools where varying opinions are represented by clubs and organizations. The stereotypical college student asks questions and demands answers. It's not like that for many students at Liberty. A large portion of the student body has been taught to vote Republican and wear Jesus t-shirts. It is unfortunate that many have succumbed to spoon-fed instruction and avoided intellectual conflict. It is one thing to vote for someone or something. It is another to know why one is voting for that someone or something. Unfortunately, most care more about the "who" or "what" rather than the "why." And, even then, they only care as much as they are told to.
     Ignorance is a dangerous thing. Besides blindly voting for a corrupt politician with (R) next to his name, ignorance can also lead one to apathy. After all, why care about something you know nothing about? This has led many to leave the church upon figuring out that they don't really know what they believe. It is clear that ignorance among Evangelical Christians in America is a problem. Outside of the church, ignorance can lead a nation to blindly accept ridiculous ideas. Such ideas can lead a government to attempt to wipe out a whole race of people. All the while, those not directly affected sit around content with not knowing about what is going on.
     For the sake of time and space, I will remain on the topic of politics with regards to Evangelical Christians and Liberty University. It is evident that many Republicans are in office owing to their ability to equate Christianity with the Republican party. They hold to Christian values, such as the sanctity of life. However, their lifestyles are clearly unbiblical. Such politicians have been elected, and reelected, owing to ignorance among Evangelical Christians. Many voters see the (R) and thing that it stands for "right."
     It is time that minds are opened to new ideas. This does not mean that students at Liberty should become Marxists or reject the Republican party altogether. However, it is time for students to be exposed to various ideas and think for themselves. Political discourse allows for students to develop critical thinking skills. In addition, students gain knowledge and understanding concerning conflicting views. I question how some students will survive when they no longer have anyone to spoon-feed them ideas (ie. Parents, talk radio, friends, etc.) Without a foundation, the house will crumble. I'm afraid too many students at Liberty live in crumbling houses. Perhaps we should worry more about the basis of our ideas than the ideas themselves. For if we get the roots right, then the tree will grow on its own. Perhaps we should worry more about the qualifications and convictions of a candidate than the party with which they associate.
     The polls open on Tuesday morning in Lynchburg, VA. I'm sure many Republican votes will flow in from LU students. I'm also sure that the Administration will be pleased with how many students showed up to the polling places. However, what has this accomplished? Have students come to a better understanding of the political process and what they understand to be moral, or are they simply ignorant pawns in big political chess game? Go ahead and vote Republican, but please don't do it simply because someone told you to do so.