Mailbox
November 10, 2008 by The Red and Black Archives
Filed under Opinions
Democracy must include disagreement
In Friday’s “Column ‘maliciously attacks, stereotypes’ conservatives,” Martin Proctor wrote, “I will stand behind our new president because it is the right thing to do.”
It’s scary how so many conservatives like Proctor have written The Red & Black, claiming to be bigger people by supporting our new president-elect, and belittling liberals who have justly opposed the failed policies of President Bush.
This is a very skewed understanding of a functioning democracy, which many conservatives have apparently decided to embrace.
Democracies don’t work when citizens blindly support the leader. In a healthy democracy, dissenting points of view are expressed and discussed.
Therefore, I encourage anyone who does not agree with Barack Obama’s policies to not support him.
DAVID ATTAWAY
Alumnus, Lookout Mtn.
Economics and Spanish
Race as dividing issue is ‘absurd’
In Friday’s “Students: Comments undercut history,” Mercedes Parham quotes a University student saying that the majority of Americans are not ready for Barack Obama to be president.
How is it possible then for the president-elect to receive a large majority of the popular vote and electoral college? Obviously people are ready for Obama to be president. And for those who support him, to bring up this ticky-tacky race bologna is absurd.
SCOTT HIRONS
Junior, Marietta
Consumer Foods
Americans first, ideologies second
I’m disgusted with the way both parties here represent themselves.
Rather than uniting, liberals and conservatives would rather argue about which side is right. But liberals and conservatives can be wrong. They’ve been wrong. No side is innocent. No side has more dignity than the other.
Yes, I’ve seen bumper stickers saying “F the President” but I’ve also seen buttons that say “We’re f-ed” over Obama’s logo. I doubt that that’s the support conservatives have offered to show our president-elect. Obama hasn’t even entered office yet.
If conservatives want to support the president-elect, then do it without insulting liberals. Liberals should accept the victory gracefully.
This country needs unity, not division. If we all love our country, then let’s do what we can to help it.
Stop bickering with each other and start working together. Prove that both sides can have dignity. We are Americans first. Parties and ideologies come second.
MEG DUNN
Freshman, Midland
International Affairs
Volatile market needs change
President-elect Barack Obama’s first economic challenge has arose. Following his election on Tuesday the Dow Jones Industrial has witnessed the biggest two-day drop since 1987.
Whether or not Obama brings economic certainty, the market’s opinion has shown to be a resounding no.
Perhaps, it is time to here what this “change” will be. Who will be his Treasury Secretary? You got the vote, Obama. Now it’s your turn to provide certainty and confidence. The ball’s in your court.
PATRICK FITZMAURICE
Freshman, Marietta
Undecided
