University of Virginia Library

Election '72

New Chance To Serve

In the spring of 1970, no
one would ever have thought
that Richard Nixon would
capture the youth vote in
1972. Yet, the polls indicate
that a majority of young voters
are supporting the President
this year. Why?

President Nixon, more than
any of his predecessors, has
recognized and responded to
the legitimate quest of young
people for a greater voice in
their government. Of particular
concern are such
Administration initiatives as
the most comprehensive
environmental program since
President Theodore Roosevelt,
the phasing down of the
Vietnam war, the reversal of
national priorities so that for
the first time in twenty years
more Federal money is being
spent on human resources than
on defense, the new
relationship with China, and
the SALT agreements.

The President has proposed
an end to the draft and an
all-volunteer army. The present
draftees are no longer sent to
Vietnam and the pay has been
almost doubled for enlisted
men.

In addition to responding to
specific policy concerns of
youth, the President has given
young people the vote. Not
only can many of us vote who
could not before, but we can
also serve on juries, make
contracts, and more
significantly influence local
affairs.

Also, Richard Nixon has
opened the doors to volunteer
service by creating ACTION, a
program that has effectively
consolidated the Peace Corps,
VISTA, and other agencies
scattered throughout the
government.

As never before, young
people are assuming
responsible positions in
government. The President has
the youngest White House staff
in history. Over 20% are under
age 25. This summer 1.2
million young people were
employed by the Federal
government, including White House
and Federal Internship
programs. This 200% increase
in summer jobs since the
Administration took office is
due largely to the President's
own personal efforts.

Youth who desire to further
their education have also been
helped by the President's
programs. He proposed and in
1972 signed the Higher
Education Opportunity Act,
increasing student loans and
grants 70%, reaching one
million more students.

The President has clearly
given us a new chance to serve
America. By voting and
volunteering we have
unprecedented opportunities to
affect the political process. It is
no surprise then, that young
people have begun to recognize
and appreciate the progress
Richard Nixon has made on
their behalf.