According to my dictionary, a platform is a set of principles, aims or beliefs put forth by a political party or group. It basically means that a group has an idea that they are willing to put forth and argue for in an election. In example, Republicans in the United States have aims of tax cuts and fewer environmental laws. Another example is the PETA organization, which believes in animal rights. To me that is what a platform is: people with a cause they will stand firmly with.

I watched C-SPAN in order to better understand the senate, and I noticed some key things. I noticed after something was voted on, an announcer would state how each senator voted on it. It surprised me because I thought voting was confidential. It pleased me to see that the senators, even though others would know how they voted, stuck with their beliefs. Editor's Note: Why do you think the Senate works this way, when elections for public office (like Presidents) keep votes confidential?

In short, a platform is needed in everyday life as well as an election. It is a rallying point for candidates, giving them the chance to make a difference or to receive votes.

I hope that this essay explained to you what a platform is and how it is useful. The next part of this article briefly states my beliefs about candidates, and what I feel is needed in one.

To me, a candidate is a person that is ready to take responsibility. They need to be sure that they are running for the benefit of Whyville, and not just for themselves. They also should be sure they can affect Whyville positively.

Whyville should expect their candidates to be ready to get out and interact with Whyvillians. Whether they are punk, prep, or newbie, they must be ready to accept all. If they cannot, they will not be able to represent all of Whyville.

I also think that candidates must be true to the ideals established in Whyville. All Whyvillians have a right to know whether they can trust a candidate. If a candidate is trying to improve Whyville, why did they try to destroy it with password theft or clam scamming?

Let's face it. Would you rather be stuck in the Whyville elevator with someone that tries to steal your password, or who helps Whyville? It is your decision.

Minty0323
*hopping to the stereo*

Editor's Note: As with all political correspondence, no candidate is specially favored by Whyville or the Times. This and all other articles published by the Times are opinion pieces, published based on the article's merits, and without regard to the writer's political aspirations. If you feel candidate-written articles should not be published, please send your best arguments in article form to the Times. Thank you.