Letter from the editor:

I remember that 1992 November day like it was yesterday.  I was in second grade and it was the first time I expressed my constitutional right as an American—I voted in the presidential election.  Well actually it wasn’t until the 2004 elections that my vote actually counted, but I felt just as exhilarated as I cast my first pretend vote in my grade school library.  It was on this day that I realized I was different than most seven-year-olds.  I actually cared about who I was voting for.  It wasn’t just picking a name; I had actually watched the debates.  I knew the candidates.  Granted I didn’t really understand what they were talking about, but I had a desire to learn more.

Growing up with a politically astute family, I always had an interest in politics.  Our dinner conversations revolved around the latest news in Washington.  My parents encouraged my sisters and me to become actively involved in political areas, such as student council.  When I was elected the president of my sixth grade class, I was certain my career in politics had begun.  I have attended numerous political rallies and worked on a presidential campaign.  The worst part about caring passionately about politics is seeing how many people treat the subject so apathetically.

To try to assuage that apathy, we at Ink decided to devote our final issue of the semester to politics.  Even as we assigned stories, there were moans and groans.  “Politics?” people asked.  But part of that anxiety, we decided, was just that politics are intimidating.  The big shots of Washington don’t seem that connected to us all the way back in Omaha, Neb.  The fact of the matter is that politics are happening all around us, every day, even here at Creighton University. 

Our last issue of Ink is devoted to relevant political issues.  We are covering stories ranging from the upcoming presidential election, to celebrities’ influence over voters.  With record amounts of money being spent on the race to the presidency, you can see just how much money candidates have already spent on the 2008 elections.  A little closer to home, we report on Omaha’s recent annexation of Elkhorn.

We hope that you find our issue of Ink informative and a less intimidating approach to the crazy world of politics.  Ink will resume in the fall 2007 semester.  Please look for a new issue then!  Have a fantastic summer and thanks for the support.  For comments, questions or suggestions, please contact me at kathleenprasse@creighton.edu. 

 

Kate Prasse
Managing Editor