What it's All About

Now that you've stumbled across this page you may be asking yourself, "Who the heck are these people and what are they all about?". The simplest answer to this question is that we're a coalition of University of Puget Sound students who are sick of watching wealthy corporations and private donors control the politics of our country. But in reality we are much more than that.

Democracy Matters is an organization that operates on a nationwide level. Hundreds of college students and not-so-college students are involved all over the United States! People from every political party can join this cause. Within the UPS chapter alone, members represent a wide array of political views and ideas.

So now you may be asking yourself, "Why should I care?". The truth is, corporations have an enormous effect on American politics. Everything from how much recycled material is in the paper you use to the war in Iraq can be attributed to companies that are able to give politicians the big bucks. This separation of the representative from the constituent at large is reflected in how few Americans actually go to the polls on election day. The American public realizes the grip special interests have on national policy, and often feel that they are powerless to fix the situation.

If you're still reading this you may be wondering how you can change such an enormous problem. We're starting at the grass roots, and big things are already happening. The states of Maine and Arizona already have elections fully funded by the public. Washington State has a proposal in the works that is expected to hit the floor of the legislature in 2006. Our job is to register voters and make them care about the election, to talk to people about campaign finance/clean elections, and to get people excited regardless of the many unique issues that matter to them. We can make a difference. If you want to help us, we would love hear from you and work with you. Email the chapter president at phreakfonic@yahoo.com, and get involved!