It could easily be argued that at SMU, we are too rich, too settled in our apathy to change. I pray this isn’t true.

At SMU we rarely have political protests, so much so that I’ve often been tempted to gather friends around the Flagpole in protest of SMU’s lack of political protests. Maybe that’s what our university needs for the few politically aware students to bridge together and protest against the rest of the campus.

Political concern is not just for political science majors or those who identify themselves as Democrats or Republicans. What is happening in our country should be important for all citizens and even those who may (quite literally) be sitting on the fence, hoping to become citizens.

Politics isn’t for men or women. We shouldn’t be looking at Hillary as a woman, just as we shouldn’t be looking at Obama or McCain as men. They are all candidates – nothing more, nothing less. They are also all flawed. We are all flawed – no one is perfect. So stop complaining and start paying attention. Look at each of the candidates and see who you like best. Read not only their bios, but do your own research at sites like OpenSecrets.com and RealClearPolitics.com. They are filled with tons of great resources to help you become a more informed voter.

Register to vote. It’s simple. It’s easy. And, quite frankly, if you’re dumb enough to not vote, I don’t think you have a right to complain about anything related to politics in the next four years. If I had my way, we’d muzzle those of you who don’t vote and still complain, but, again, this is a democracy, which means I often don’t get my way and that’s all right. That’s the beauty of living in a country as wonderful as America.

Take the time right now and thank God you’re an American. It doesn’t matter if you believe in our current president or not. It’s doesn’t mean you have to fly the flag, but be thankful that no one is telling that you have to. Every morning you are blessed with the bounties of America, a country that protects our unalienable rights as human beings, a country that guarantees life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our founding fathers worked hard to ensure these rights. The least we can do is exercise our right to vote. Voting is what makes a democracy. So stop procrastinating and start registering to vote! November will be here before you know it.

Caroline Sullivan is a senior journalism major. She can be reached at [email protected].