People are reluctant to vote but are quick to complain

Editor,

This is in response to Don Schrader's letter published in Tuesday's Daily Lobo.

We know Schrader has strong opinions on many subjects, and we see the logic in many of them. His pride and reasoning behind refusing to vote, however, escapes us.

We know Schrader is a particularly outspoken advocate against the war in Iraq. For the sake of our argument, we will focus on this issue.

Our logic is simple: People who don't vote shouldn't complain about politics. Regardless of one's views on the candidates, it is clear that Republicans and Democrats are very divided on certain issues, and the Iraq War is one of them.

If Schrader would like to help end the war, why would he throw away a vote that could be going to Sens. Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton, the two candidates who have sworn ending the war in Iraq as one of their biggest priorities?

By choosing not to vote, he is allowing Sen. John McCain, a staunch supporter of the Iraq War, to get one step closer to the White House.

In his letter, Schrader said he is opposed to all wars. While there is no candidate who will disband the military, as he implies he would like to see, there will be a candidate who will see to the end of the war in Iraq.

We think that's better than nothing. We are not advocating ending the war in Iraq, but voting for what you believe is the best course for our country, regardless of your views.

We find it is a shame that so many people are reluctant to vote but so quick to complain. To quote Gandhi, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," and we think voting is a great way to make change.

We applaud Schrader's activism and determination to raise awareness about issues he cares about, but if he's not going to vote in November, he shouldn't complain about the result of the election.

Until Schrader changes his viewpoint on the value of voting, we won't be reading his letters anymore. Voting is a privilege that many in other countries do not have and should be treated with respect.

Victor Murthy and

Antoinette Cuaderes

UNM students