The message wasclear Wednesday Oct. 27, in the F.G. Clark Activity Center as differentpolitical speakers proclaimed the message “Vote or Die.”
The eventcoordinated by KaRhonda “Kay” Scrivens, Louisiana’s Citizen Changerepresentative, was created to encourage students to get out and vote.
Politicalspeakers such as U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, New Orleans City Councilman OliverThomas, East Baton Rouge mayor-president candidate Kip Holden, U.S. Senator JohnBreaux, State Representative Avon Honey, city councilman candidate Joe Jenkins,State Representative Cheryl Grey, State Representative Arthur Morell who isrunning for U.S. Senate, and others.
Musical guestsJus 3 performed as well.
As Landrieuapproached the stage she exclaimed, “Southern University we are ready to rock!”
”I thank you for being leaders, thankyou for being here and I thank you for being in college,” she said. “And in advance I thank you for thegreat future that all of you will have for our state. Our government needs todo a better job at meeting you half way and that’s what this election isabout.”
Landrieu saidthat there are a number of reasons why students should vote and one is becausemoney should be invested in schools here, not elsewhere.
Holden said itwas a pleasure to address the students.
“There is a sadcommentary throughout the nation when you hear the statistics that say only 50percent of the people participated in the last presidential race in terms ofvoting,” he said. “And then thereare people who say that many young people who have the opportunity to vote didnot cast a vote. This election is important because it changes the face of thecity and the state and this nation. I look at the slogan and the slogan says,”vote or die, ” I want to talk about voting for those who have died so we canhave this right to participate.”
Holden alsoencouraged students to “use your feet, use your hands, use your heart, use yourmind, and on Tuesday let them know that there’s a new day, there’s a new wayand because of you it’s happening.”
Jason Hughes,senior class senator, spoke to students about the history of voting.
“This electionis not only abut the future but it’s also about the present,” he said. “As youvote I want you to think about and ask yourself this question, is our nationbetter off today then it was four years ago.”
Hughes verballyillustrated the different outcomes the nation would receive off the decisionbetween voting for George W. Bush and voting for John Kerry, presidentialcandidates.
“Our presidentcame before the nation and said that there were weapons of mass destruction inIraq and he sent millions of troops overseas and now they’re being killed dayafter day,” he said. “If you want to continue to see troops killed then electBush and (vice president Dick) Cheney. But if you want to see our troops comehome as soon as possible you need to vote Kerry (vice presidential candidateJohn) Edwards.”
Breauxencouraged students to vote and said to “act like you’re voting for your futureand your children’s future.”
On the subjectof vote or die he said, “You may not die or be killed but good ideas can die orbe killed and good programs can be made to suffer. “
New Orleanscity councilman, Oliver Thomas related to students using hip-hop songs and apoem by rap artist L.L Cool J.
“This is thehip-hop generation so hop your way to the polls.”
Staterepresentative Cheryl Grey encouraged students to not only vote but to alsomake sure to go out and help the candidates they favor.
Morrel saidhistory is going to make this election like never before and that “the man wehave in Washington doesn’t know anything.”
Leonard Moore,a Louisiana State University professor, spoke to students about the importanceof having a vision. “Where there is no vision the people perish,” he said.
What happens atthe poles effects everyone said city councilman candidate Joe Jenkins.
“Everytime yougo to the poll and vote, you make a difference at Southern.”
