EDITORIAL: "Activism, For A Change"

The success of Tuesday'sThe success of Tuesday's"Vote for a Change"The success of Tuesday's"Vote for a Change"rally proves thatThe success of Tuesday's"Vote for a Change"rally proves that"change" does not needThe success of Tuesday's"Vote for a Change"rally proves that"change" does not needto wait until electionThe success of Tuesday's"Vote for a Change"rally proves that"change" does not needto wait until electionday.The success of Tuesday's"Vote for a Change"rally proves that"change" does not needto wait until electionday.___________________________ But that particular guide was resoundingly discredited Tuesday by the large turnout for the "Vote for a Change" rally on College Green. About 2,000 people filled the Green, making it one of the most well-attended political events on campus this decade. It would be great if this demonstrated that students are taking a serious interest in Campaign '92. Of course, the large turnout also may have had something to do with the appearance of actors Ken Olin and Elizabeth Shue, Hollywood beautiful people par excellence. Nevertheless, it demonstrated what can happen when we students take two hours out of our busy schedules to contribute to a cause. This activism can cross party lines -- although Tuesday's rally was sponsored by student groups lobbying for Bill Clinton, the same spirit could accompany visits by the other two major candidates. Unfortunately, Ross Perot is spending most of his time on television. George Bush may consider Center City a dangerous place to visit at this point, considering the noisy demonstrations that accompanied media coverage of his visits last spring. Philadelphia may also be considered a lost cause for the Bush and Perot campaigns, given its heavy Democratic voting base and the fact that both city newspapers have endorsed the other candidate. Nevertheless, we welcome any local visit by Bush or Perot. For that matter, if Shannon Doherty and Arnold Schwartzeneger come out for Bush, or Cher comes out for Perot, we're there. But here's a thought if all of the people standing on College Green on Tuesday directed their enthusiasm to causes other than the election, think of what we might accomplish. Probably more than all of the candidates' campaign promises put together.