Editor:

I was pleasantly surprised that my Jan. 21 guest column (“Consistently voting helps to improve students’ interests”) has evoked such a fervent reply from Manuel Lora. A response is merited.

The U.S. government is a political machine, albeit a corrupt one, that constantly benefits those who articulate their interests best.

This is why it caters to groups, such as Recording Industry Association of America, National Rifle Association, American Association of Retired Persons and many others who by lobbying the machine are rewarded with results – policies and laws favoring their interests.

If the above represents the status quo, then the most effective way for college students and their peers to achieve results or output from the government is to have consistent and strong input, manifested via the exercise of the right to vote.

Theoretically “less government” is arguably a better alternative, but if college students and their peers want results they will have to articulate their respective interests.

The stronger the input, the quicker and better the response.

Vitaliy Voznyakpolitical science junior