The government shutdown affects students in a variety of ways, two in particular.

The first is lack of engagement by adults 18 to 24 in the political process. The second way is the irresponsibility it demonstrates in our leaders.

This is setting a poor example for students. When our elected leaders do not act in a manner that sets an example for the younger generations, they should be held accountable. They should learn that their actions as elected leaders do leave an impression on those who elected them.

During every election there is a get-out-there-and-vote rally aimed at students. Whether it is MTV or our very own Student Senate, there are always attempts to engage students in the political process.

Turning students into voters at an early age will hopefully create life long voters. However, the current political situation has been a deterrent for young adults.

Watching the 24-hour news cycle in which the two political parties exchange jabs is disenfranchising for students. They no longer see the effect of their vote. The action of them going to the poll is a waste because political sparring has resulted in no action.

Our leaders need to know that we will no longer accept this situation, and they need to change. There is a chance that the opposite result might occur.

Students will unite and use their votes to elect leaders who will act responsibly. They will elect leaders who will cross the aisle and work with people from the other political party.

The debt ceiling crisis that is on the horizon highlights an important step for students who graduate college and have to pay their bills.

Student loan debt is on the rise, maybe even the cause of the next economic collapse, so students have to be ready to pay back the large sums of money that they had to borrow. Students will be required to pay this amount back, and there will be very few exceptions made for students who cannot.

The debt ceiling debate is about Congress paying its bills. If Congress does not agree to raise the debt ceiling, they will not be able to pay their bills, and we as the citizens will feel the wrath through a downgraded credit rating for our nation.

So what would happen if we as students decided that we were not able to agree on our student loans? Would we just simply not pay them back?

We would lose our tax refund, that means we would lose money which we had earned until the debt was collected. No members of Congress will lose any money if they do not raise the debt ceiling.

They will just be able to say they took a stand for the little guy, by setting the example of not paying their bills.
BY ANDREW THOMASON
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