I consider myself a patriot to this nation. I place my hand over my heart when the national anthem is sung; I also place my hand over my heart when I get the chance to pledge allegiance to the flag.
I support the local and state government by getting myself involved with politics.
Being involved means learning what the politicians want to accomplish when elected, staying fresh with the news (what the politicians are doing in office), and voting!
I am disgusted with the outcome of the polls taken on this campus asking students if they were voting.
Scroll states that, 34 percent voted and 66 percent did not vote. [Two weeks ago] it stated that 43 percent said they would vote; 1.7 percent maybe; and 55 percent no.
We need to be involved! We need to take action on propositions and amendments (marriage) that can and will affect us, by being educated and voting!
D. James Cannon, as stated in the New Era, Oct. 1971, pg. 20, says, “No matter where you live or what the voting requirements are, as a Latter-day Saint you want to show the world that you are a responsible citizen. To help you be a more effective participant in government affairs.”
There have been movements fought by women and minorities in order for them to vote; they won and they took the opportunity to vote, fulfilling their constitutional rights as citizens.
I feel it a privilege to vote and I took it upon my constitutional right to vote.
I am saddened to see the younger generations taking for granted the freedoms they have. We must take a stand!
Fight for what is right! There are no excuses.

Stephanie A. Ethington
Emmett, Idaho

I recently visited BYU-I to see my daughter who will graduate in April. While [at the Jacob Spori Building], we also looked at all the student artwork.
One of the pieces there was of particular interest to me as I live near the tragic Amish shooting that took place last month. It showed a young Amish girl with a gun to her head.
You couldn’t see the killer, but the look on the girl’s face was one of complete serenity. It hit me like a ton of bricks. I would like to commend the artist. I do not know who did it, but they truly captured the moment. We here in Pennsylvania have learned a lot about forgiveness through the Amish community’s ability to forgive and go on with their lives. They are a people who live to serve God and know whatever happens in their lives is God’s will.

Wendy Calvert
Mountville, Pa.