So one must wonder what politics might look like if young voters were offered more than appeals to vague tasks of renewal or to raw self-interest--especially in an election like this one, where there is such a stark contrast on issues like the environment, equal rights and social justice that attract the energy of new voters. Imagine if the candidates at the conventions had read the IOP survey, had listened to its recommendations and had said:

"To the young people watching tonight, I say:

"Many have called you an apathetic generation. I know that is untrue. I know you are committed to helping others through public service. That is why my administration will be firmly dedicated to opening the political process to you, your involvement and your concerns. I promise that the second bill that I will send to Congress--after campaign finance reform--will create for you new avenues of participation in the political process. It will streamline the process for voter registration and for absentee ballots, so you can vote more easily from college; it will offer stipend awards to those who take summer jobs to work in the political process; and it will provide additional scholarships and college loan forgiveness programs for students who promise to enter public service. It will offer you a chance to make politics part of your public service, an opportunity to use the full power of government to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable.

To the young people watching tonight, I say: This is your call to serve."

Would it work?

Stephen E. Sachs '02, a Crimson executive, is a history concentrator in Quincy House.