2008 Woodie Awards
Letter to the editor
Freedom to Chalk
Issue date: 5/20/05 Section: Opinions & Editorials
- Page 1 of 1
In celebration of "Freedom Week" students have been exercising their freedom of speech and their freedom to chalk. It's difficult to miss the commentary on the sidewalks of campus. In addition to the usual party and program fliers taped to the ground, both the College Democrats and the College Republicans have made their presences known.
Seeing as how there is no pressing debate raging between the political parties - even though there are always some points of contention - I would imagine this to be a week of shared information. Presentation of the ideologies that characterize the two groups would be a valuable educational experience for members of each, or neither, party. Making taunting comments about the opposite party, however, is a waste of chalk. This week should be a celebration of the diverse voices in our political system, not a forum for immature banter.
Commentary like, "Bush won and all you can do is WHINE," is hardly productive. In fact, it encourages animosity and intolerance of differing opinions. This is not a critique of the Republican stance; it is a statement against the current tone of its presentation on the Lawrence campus. Declarations like the one quoted above invite contention from the opposing party. Why provoke conflict as a means of self-representation?
The attitude presented by some of the College Republicans reflects poorly on that party, and the entire political system. The polarity between the Republicans and Democrats works to check each party's ambitions and balance the variety of opinions in this country. Ideological differences should be highlighted and discussed, not skirted in favor of irrelevant mocking.
The College Republicans are a minority on campus, so it's understandable that they feel the need to make their presence felt. They should represent themselves. They should exercise their freedom of expression. Why not also exercise respect with the first amendment?
Sidewalk chalk doesn't have to invite childish behavior.
Nora Hertel
Seeing as how there is no pressing debate raging between the political parties - even though there are always some points of contention - I would imagine this to be a week of shared information. Presentation of the ideologies that characterize the two groups would be a valuable educational experience for members of each, or neither, party. Making taunting comments about the opposite party, however, is a waste of chalk. This week should be a celebration of the diverse voices in our political system, not a forum for immature banter.
Commentary like, "Bush won and all you can do is WHINE," is hardly productive. In fact, it encourages animosity and intolerance of differing opinions. This is not a critique of the Republican stance; it is a statement against the current tone of its presentation on the Lawrence campus. Declarations like the one quoted above invite contention from the opposing party. Why provoke conflict as a means of self-representation?
The attitude presented by some of the College Republicans reflects poorly on that party, and the entire political system. The polarity between the Republicans and Democrats works to check each party's ambitions and balance the variety of opinions in this country. Ideological differences should be highlighted and discussed, not skirted in favor of irrelevant mocking.
The College Republicans are a minority on campus, so it's understandable that they feel the need to make their presence felt. They should represent themselves. They should exercise their freedom of expression. Why not also exercise respect with the first amendment?
Sidewalk chalk doesn't have to invite childish behavior.
Nora Hertel