I’ve recently noticed there has been a lot of whining and moaning about “leftist views” on campus.
Well I’ve got to tell you, if I was a Republican here at UW-Eau Claire, I would be a little annoyed, also.
Being a Democrat here in the United States of America, however, I’m even more annoyed, and rightfully so.
America’s long-standing history of divided government was changed Nov. 5, when the Grand Old Party, which already holds the presidency, took control of the House and Senate.
One thing to remember when you’re writing a letter to the editor about how unfair and biased our campus is, or an editorial about how Republican views are underrepresented, is that you reside in northwest Wisconsin.
Add to that the fact that you are at a college campus, and combine this with the fact that almost everyone here is from the upper/middle socioeconomic class
Now, you’re going to tell me you’re surprised that the campus is so liberal? Have you been living in a cave?
Of course Eau Claire is disproportionately liberal! What did you expect when you came here?
Also, remember that people are free to express their views, regardless if it is students, faculty or the campus newspaper.
If you were to read the newspaper consistently, you would find that it has represented both sides on issues such as abortion.
It also ran articles on all of the gubernatorial candidates, not just one or two of the parties.
Compare UW-Eau Claire to the University of Notre Dame, where my brother goes to school.
Notre Dame is largely Republican. Notre Dame attracts rich kids from all over the country.
When you bring in rich kids to a private school, you bring in Republicans; moreover, a state school in Wisconsin attracts Democrats.
These are obvious conclusions of which anyone who knows a lick about political demographics should be aware.
When you compare candidates, especially presidential, it’s apparent that Democrats and Republicans are similar in their views.
It seems that the higher the office, the more similar the candidates are. Both have to be so moderate in order to get elected that one could argue it almost doesn’t matter who is elected.
On the other hand, some people think the world will end if their party doesn’t win.
What I’m saying is this: To use Clinton’s “I did not have sexual relations with that woman” to bash Democrats is like using Bush, Sr.’s “Read my lips – no new taxes” to bash Republicans. Bring Watergate into the mix, and we have a dandy mess of scandals to argue about. Both parties have their share of corruption, lying and deceit.
So here is what I propose: stop bickering.
Remember one thing: When you’re talking politics, it’s not changing a damn thing.
Anyone who has taken Political Science 110 knows that it is nearly impossible to change someone’s opinion on politics. That is why politicians target the percentage of voters who are undecided during their campaigns.
People talk politics because it’s fun and interesting. But, if you’re arguing and actually getting mad at your fellow person about it, then step back and remember both your points are moot, because neither one of you is speaking in front of the Senate trying to sway votes, and neither one of you has veto power.
It’s just a discussion. Whoever “wins” the discussion is inconsequential.
So keep your shirt on and don’t get your panties in a knot. It’s just politics.