There have been many negative images and emotions projected throughout the 2004 presidential campaign elections thus far. Organizations like RalphDon’tRun.com and the mudslinging campaigns headed by Bush and Kerry’s teams have led the way for this negativity.Marc Brownstein, the bassist for The Disco Biscuits, has taken a different approach. He has formed a project called Headcount along with Andy Bernstein, founder of the Phish fan’s guide, The Pharmers Almanac. Other board members of this project include Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead), Al Schnier (Moe), and Jon Schwartz (Relix Magazine).
According to www.headcount.org, “Headcount is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization devoted to registering live music fans to vote.” They are also primarily made up of volunteers who care about our country. “Everything to do with Headcount…is the work of individual live music fans who want to shape the future of America.”
The organization plans on combining the influence of major bands, promoters, and media companies involved with the improvisational music scene. They will have “outreach tables” set up all over the country at their concerts. They will also be heading widespread e-mail campaigns and “contests that will offer prizes such as festival tickets and autographed memorabilia.”
Brownstein said, “The belief we all share is that voting is a basic right of citizenship, an obligation that comes with living in a free environment,”
Voting is an obligation we have today that far too many American’s take for granted. If you are a United States citizen over the age of 18 and you do not vote, you are ignorant. The author of this column did not vote in the 2000 presidential because he was ignorant. Not anymore.
Get involved and learn about the issues at stake. What is important to you? What is your opinion on our current situation? It will only take you an hour to research the candidates and the issues they support. No, you are not too busy. Take advantage of the resources available to you and learn about politics. You don’t even need to go to the library. You can do it while drinking on a Friday night.
There are many other people leading organizations to get United States citizens involved in the 2004 presidential election. MTV, which is blatantly biased in supporting the Democratic Party, is leading the “20 Million Strong” campaign. It would be ideal to have a non-biased organization, such as Headcount, and let potential voters think for themselves. Are the organizations you are involved with doing anything? Are your favorite bands encouraging their fans to get registered?
Marc Brownstein and The Disco Biscuits are doing their part in getting citizens educated on the issues by using their influence and power in the jam band scene to get their fans registered for voting. The Quad is doing their part by publishing this column. Do your part and spread the word. Talk to your professors if you have questions. Talk to your classmates. Talk to your family and friends. Get registered to vote or get out.