To the Editor:
We were dismayed to see Mike Johnson '11 write on Friday that "the youth of this nation pat themselves on the back, sink back into the very apathy of which we're accused" ("The lost power of Barack Obama," Sept. 18). If he believes that youth activism is dead in the Age of Obama, he has not been looking in the right place.
At the Democrats' first meeting last week, for example, we had the highest turnout we have seen in years. Once we broke into committees, more people joined the Advocacy Committee than any other. Whether they want to fight for universal health care with a strong public option, marriage equality in Rhode Island, or legislation to protect our environment, these students are not giving up the fight.
With respect to health care, the focus of Johnson's piece, the Dems found many allies on campus. Last spring, in conjunction with Organizing for America (an official arm of the Democratic National Committee), we walked around campus asking people to sign up in support of health care reform. We were thrilled when hundreds did so.
We encourage Mike and anyone else concerned about the future of youth activism to join us at our meetings and see what we are talking about. Passionate advocacy is alive and well in the Brown Democrats.
Jeremy Feigenbaum '11
President, Brown Democrats
Raphaela Lipinsky DeGette '11
Vice-President
Sept. 21
