There are few times when I can quote myself and say I predicted the future. However, I believe the producers of American Idol, oddly enough, have given me that opportunity.

In the March 6 issue of the Northern Star, I wrote about E-voting and the dangers associated with it. I stated, “I am not so quick to encourage a voting system which hinges on ‘OK, America, it’s time now to vote for your next American Idol.'” According to Earthtimes.org, MySpace.com and the producers of American Idol “have come together to launch a new political reality show titled “INDEPENDENT” to find America’s third-party presidential candidate.”

The third party is no longer dead! It has been rejuvenated in the realms of television make-believe, and I, for one, cannot take this sobering dose of reality.

Not only are the reality shows taking over the vote; think back to celebrities of the ‘04 election sporting fashionable “Vote or Die” t-shirts, making the election process in the U.S. a fashion statement. Politicians have even taken their campaigns to the digital age and started MySpace groups.

The problem with the latest installment in the digital revolution of voting is the statement it makes about the obvious lack of interest in voting. Plus, it further degrades, and I almost shudder when I use this word, the “dignity” of voting. I can remember a time in the beginning of the semester when my political science teacher said one of the main signs of a failing democracy is low voter turnout. While the producers of American Idol may think they can create a new candidate and voter base, the main drive behind any marketing or business venture is always money.

Money is the issue, which really perturbs me in this situation. The fact that it costs so much to produce a show will undoubtedly further voting on candidate personality and decrease interest in real issues. This should make anyone who reads the news sick to their stomach. If a television audience votes to select a candidate for president, then, perhaps, they will elect that candidate into office. How far away will the American people be from electing Clay Aiken as commander in chief?

I suppose this wouldn’t bother me so much if I felt that this was a joke or just a publicity stunt, but I really think interest in politics has been boiled down to the flashiest smile and the best one-liners. Logically – and the worst realization is that this is a logical progression – voting should turn to a television audience. The college students who read this paper have parents who can remember when television was a new invention and choosing the president was an important issue.

Now, we have a generation that shows how “the box” has conquered the ever-valued attention span and sealed the fate of politics.

When this does happen and you text in a vote for president, take the time to wonder why you couldn’t visit a polling booth.