Students should ‘get up, get out, go vote’ in this year’s presidential, mayoral election
The most important presidential election of our lifetime is about to take place in a few days. This election is important for a myriad of reasons, but the most important reason is — you.
Yes, you are important. Yes, you do count. Yes, you can make a difference.
Therefore it is imperative, that on Tuesday November 4, 2008 of this most tumultuous year — to do something. Get up. Get out. Go vote.
However, before you cast your ballot — get informed. Learn about both candidates. Learn about the propositions. Learn about the local issues.
Why?
Because all of it matters, from National to State to Local issues. If you have not read your sample ballot or voter information guide — then please read it.
Or better yet, Google whatever questions you may have. It sounds so easy, but most American citizens take their right to vote and participate in the political process for granted.
Participate in what is your Constitutional right. People have died so every American — whether they are man or woman, black or white, Christian or Muslim — can safely vote.
Suffrage did not take place to let your vote go uncast. Here is your chance to do something. Polling stations will be open all day from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
If you have to work during those hours, you have the right to leave work and cast your vote — by law you have this right.
So please: Get up. Get out. Go vote.
Christina Guzman
English and Public Administration
California State University, Fresno
If passed, Proposition 2 will prove ‘biggest victory for animals in American history’
Thank you for your coverage of the debate over Proposition 2 (“Should chickens get more space?â€Â by Jakob Smith, Oct. 27).
Proposition 2 is a modest measure that would ban some of the factory farming industry̢۪s cruelest confinement practices.
It will be the biggest victory for animals in American history, and its passage will underscore our society̢۪s belief in humane treatment for even the most vulnerable among us.
The same unsafe practices that Prop 2 opponents are using to try to scare voters actually occur every day in factory farms across California.
In the egg industry̢۪s battery cages, chickens are crammed into cages so small they can̢۪t turn around or stretch their limbs. Some live chickens are even forced to live on top of dead chickens.
That can̢۪t possibly be safe for consumers.
There̢۪s no excuse for the abuses of the factory farming industry, and that̢۪s why I̢۪m encouraging all my friends and family in California to vote Yes on Prop 2.
Max Fischlowitz-Roberts
Sociology
American University
Scout • Oct 31, 2008 at 1:51 pm
In response to the Prop 2 arguement, here is an email I recieved from a local farmer I work with. He is not part of a large agricultural company. The livestock he raises are often for organizations like 4H, or are used to keep his small area of land afloat in the economy.
“As most of you know, I raise a few hogs & this Prop. 2 will make farrowing crates illegal. My sows are in the farrowing crate a maximum of 3 weeks i/e untill the babies are big enough to get out of the way when Mama lays down. I have had litters born without the crate & 2 – 5 of the babies are layed on (killed) in the first 3 days of being born. This also goes back to the farm in Iowa before there were farrowing crates. You were lucky to wean out ( 4 weeks old) 8 pigs per litter. With the crate 12 – 16 can be weaned.
Bottom line – – if this passes & is enforced, a lot of the meat product prices will go up because the supply is going to go down. See original e-mail below.
Kind Regards,
*** ******”
I have dropped his name because I do not know if he wants it shown.
Scout • Oct 31, 2008 at 8:51 pm
In response to the Prop 2 arguement, here is an email I recieved from a local farmer I work with. He is not part of a large agricultural company. The livestock he raises are often for organizations like 4H, or are used to keep his small area of land afloat in the economy.
“As most of you know, I raise a few hogs & this Prop. 2 will make farrowing crates illegal. My sows are in the farrowing crate a maximum of 3 weeks i/e untill the babies are big enough to get out of the way when Mama lays down. I have had litters born without the crate & 2 – 5 of the babies are layed on (killed) in the first 3 days of being born. This also goes back to the farm in Iowa before there were farrowing crates. You were lucky to wean out ( 4 weeks old) 8 pigs per litter. With the crate 12 – 16 can be weaned.
Bottom line – – if this passes & is enforced, a lot of the meat product prices will go up because the supply is going to go down. See original e-mail below.
Kind Regards,
*** ******”
I have dropped his name because I do not know if he wants it shown.