Professor J.D. Williams presented his perspective on the 2000 elections to our group. He made it very clear there are real choices in this year's elections. This has not always been the case. Consider in 1944 when the slogan was, "Hold your nose and vote for Roosevelt or shut your eyes and vote for Dewey." In local politics in 1928, the refrain, "We want a Dern good Governor and we don't mean Mabey," was common.

This is not to say that either of our major choices at a national level is pristine or clear-cut. Al Gore's reputation is badly stained with the illegal fund-raising he did with the Chinese for the DNC. George W. Bush, who was born with an oil stick in his mouth, presides over a state with a terrible record in maternal and child care and the most capital punishments carried out in the country.

Some generalizations about these positions:

• Both candidates have interesting ideas about improving education.
• Bush will be a boon to the wealthy class
• Gore will be a boon to middle and lower classes and, in Professor William's opinion, a better custodian of social security and the environment.

Does anyone really care about the elections this year? Should anyone care? Who Cares?

• If the mal-distribution of income and poverty remains unchanged?
• If the minimum wage produces an annual income less than 2/3 of a family poverty income?
• If social security isn't properly funded?
• If global warming isn't addressed?
• If 80,000 children in Utah continue to live in poverty-they would fill the University stadium, the Delta Center, the Tabernacle and more.
• If consumers are deprived by HB 320 of their protection against monopoly power of the utilities in Utah.

There should be enough CARING to carry over to November 7th!

Professor Williams encouraged all of us to get involved with the election. Support the candidates and causes of your individual choice by volunteering, putting up lawn signs, and most importantly: voting!