Now, I dont pretend to have all the answers. Im not going to offer some grand theory on a beautiful day like this -- you guys all have celebrating to do. Im not going to get partisan, either, because thats not what citizenship is about. In fact, Im asking the same thing of you that President Bush did when he spoke at this commencement in 2002: America needs more than taxpayers, spectators, and occasional voters, he said. America needs full-time citizens. (Applause.) And as graduates from a university whose motto is Education for Citizenship, I know all of you get that this is what youve signed up for. Its what your country expects of you.
So briefly, Ill ask for two things from the Class of 2013: to participate, and to persevere. After all, your democracy does not function without your active participation. At a bare minimum, that means voting, eagerly and often -- not having somebody drag you to it at 11:30 a.m. when youre having breakfast. (Laughter.) It means knowing whos been elected to make decisions on your behalf, and what they believe in, and whether or not they delivered on what they said they would. And if they dont represent you the way you want, or conduct themselves the way you expect, if they put special interests above your own, youve got to let them know thats not okay. And if they let you down often enough, theres a built-in day in November where you can really let them know its not okay. (Applause.)
But participation, your civic duty, is more than just voting. You dont have to run for office yourself -- but I hope many of you do, at all levels, because our democracy needs you. And I promise you, it will give you a tough skin. I know a little bit about this. (Laughter.) President Wilson once said, If you want to make enemies, try to change something.
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