In his trademark style, McCarthy sounded a wake-up call to an apathetic American public that he says neglects to vote, avoids paying their fair share of taxes and shuns military service. Fewer than 50 percent of registered voters go to the polls, McCarthy said, making it easy for extremists to acquire power. While John Adams feared the polarization that could result from a two-party political system, McCarthy said the homogenization of the parties would be even worse. Their messages were similar, yet Shalala took a more optimistic tone in her Commencement address, after she received the honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. The former Peace Corps volunteer praised the Class of 2000 for their demonstrated commitment to public service and challenged them to sustain it.
Active citizenship begins at the polls.
In the last presidential election, she noted, only 32 percent of people ages 18 to 24 voted. She made her plea for U.S. foreign policy that helps other nations thrive, thus promoting global economic growth and international political stability. Similarly, she called for domestic policies that leave no one behind, from infants needing vaccinations to older Americans dependent on pensions and health care, to young people seeking quality, affordable education. There will be those who argue we cannot afford social, education and economic justice. There will be those who argue that as our population ages, and there are fewer workers and more retirees, there will be no way to avoid creating winners and losers.