Letters to the Editor – April 15, 2010

Letters

April 15, 2010

Former and current ASNMU members clear the air

For those of you who have been reading the North Wind recently, you have seen negativity that we’d like to make right. We are both determined and passionate about our beliefs. At times this means we disagree, but we would like to make it known that disagreeing should not lead to disrespect. We both agree that looking forward is far more important than dwelling on the past. As we’ve agreed to not comment further on this matter, we hope that those of you who supported us respectively join us in moving forward and get past our differences. Thank you for your support.

From Jason: Andrew is highly qualified for any position that he should hold in the future and did a great job as ASNMU Treasurer during his time on the board. He went above and beyond his job duties, and I have every confidence that he will continue to do such a great job. Impeachment of Andrew was not considered by ASNMU or me.

From Andrew: Jason has served tirelessly as ASNMU President and I can whole heartedly say he has been a true advocate for students. His efforts were not highly publicized, but do make a difference. I wish him continued success in the future.

– Jason Morgan and Andrew Foster

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Nugent and Sticks and Stones disappointing

As self-labeled independents, we attended Ted Nugent’s talk with the expectation of being entertained, maybe shocked and, most importantly, informed on the conservative platform, much maligned on campus per the College Republicans. Over the course of an hour, we heard plenty on machine guns, truth, fat chicks and equality; were entertained by a Cat Scratch Fever rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner; and were subjected to emotional appeals about the disintegration of America’s moral fabric at the hands of pimps and prostitutes. But not once was the audience intellectually challenged, nor could an actual argument for the conservative platform be discerned on the hot topic issues on which he was billed to speak.

There is a pattern developing here with our political debate on campus that we have brought upon ourselves. We have allowed theatrics, which may or may not pertain to real issues, to take precedence over substance. Intelligent, civil discussion is needed to create sustainable solutions, irrespective of how far we can push the limits of Constitutional protections. A lesson in conflict resolution is needed.

To the College Republicans: Is this really the guy you want as the spokesperson for your platform? In America, over-the-top pays good money, but there comes a point when we have to say, “Come on. Treat us like adults. You can be funny and entertaining but, please, make an argument.” To the College Democrats: You missed a really excellent opportunity to take the high road. The program you and allied groups put together was a program of substance. The timing of the “Sticks and Stones” program was unfortunate and counter-productive. If this kind of shock-jock approach to politics is what we can expect from conservative speakers and low-blow reactions by liberals on campus in the future, count us out.

-Callie Youngman and Nicholas Larson