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'Hairspray' lights it up
inquirer Volume V, No 4
DVC’s thespians sparkle on stage. See Page #6. Thursday, Oct. 27 - Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016
'I Believe in voting with your conscience'
Ralph Nader refers to his book “Breaking Through Power” in a speech to DVC students on October 18 in the Diablo Room.
KAYLA ROBINSON / The Inquirer
Ex-presidential candidate Ralph Nader speaks to overflow crowd at DVC KAYLA ROBINSON Staff member
Over 357 students, staff, parents, and press gathered in the Diablo room at Diablo Valley College all with one purpose, to hear from political activist Ralph Nader. “I want to show how the community colleges of California, all 125 of them, can be real power machines,” said Ralph Nader, in his opening remarks. In attendance on October 18, at about 3 p.m., a reported 197 students, staff, parents and press crowded in the Diablo room while 160 others, remained in the food court overflow seating area. “I’m here because I have an assignment for a class,” said Salam Molina, a current DVC student. “To sum up everything he said, it was basically power to the people...” she continues, “we all have to come together to know what we’re doing, so that we can use that power.”
Coming together in unity was one of the “I believe in voting with your conscience. ways Nader lead his speech on how to make If you don’t vote with your conscience and the community colleges of California a pow- you vote for the least worst [candidate], er structure. you lose all bargaining power…” Nader Currently in California there are 113 said, urging students to go out and vote, community colleges. “if we want to design According to the US this country different, “As young people it’s Census Bureau, young I wouldn’t put that adult voters between much power in conreally important that the ages of 18 through gress or the President.” we strive for success, 24 have consistently When asked how voted at lower rates hearing Ralph Nader’s not just for ourselves, than all other age speech will influence but for everyone to groups in every presitheir vote this coming dential election since Election Day, Vanessa make a difference.” 1962. West, a current DVC With Nov. 8th student said, “I actu~Vanessa West quickly approaching, ally learned a lot...I DVC Student some students and a completely underfew parents lined up stand when he says at the conclusion of we should support the Nader’s speech for a few questions regarding green party because there are so many politithis year’s Election Day. cal aspects that are represented there that are Copyright © 2016 The Inquirer - www.dvcinquirer.com
from both sides. But ultimately, I side more with Hillary so it hasn’t influenced much. As young people it’s really important that we strive for success not just for ourselves but for everyone, to make a difference.” As the questions concluded, one student came forth inquiring of the importance of even voting in this election. Nader responded, “It’s important to vote because the constitution puts such power in the hands of the President. First they can block a lot of things, they can veto or tell congress, their allies, not to pass, and pull medicare for all, for example. That can lead to what’s called the bully pulpit.” Nader continued, “Congress is surrendering its duties under the constitution and giving it to the President… so therefore it’s very important.” Contact KAYLA ROBISNON at KRobinson@DVCInquirer.com