Our Take

Majority opinions of The Red & Black's editorial board

By:

Posted: 9/2/08

Hot Hot Heat

Holding mid-afternoon summer games sparks unhealthy conditions for all

In case you haven't heard, the Bulldogs soundly defeated Georgia Southern Saturday afternoon, notching their first win of the season.

Fans braved the heat for the 12:30 kickoff time in what was supposedly 88 degree weather.

In the stadium, though, the temperature easily felt at least 10 degrees warmer.

The Georgia Southern game had no chance of being shown on national television, so why did the game have to take place during the hottest time of day?

In such a dangerously hot environment, why is bottled water $4? And why are soft drinks cheaper than water?

Countless students suffered heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and more than a few likely had to be taken to the hospital. We're betting alumni and other fans didn't have a cooler time.

We love a good tailgate, but this isn't a plea for more drinking time before a football game.

It's just not healthy for anyone - fans, band members or football players - to be subjected to such a terrible heat.

We don't blame anyone for leaving early. Standing and screaming, packed into the stadium, wasn't much fun for anyone after a few hours.Even a 3:30 game would have been more welcome.

The newest member of the Bulldog Nation, Uga VII, certainly had the easiest time of us all. What we would have given for some ice and air conditioning...

Or at least affordable water.

- Shannon Otto for the editorial board

Refreshing politics

The Republican Party has scaled down its convention to aid those on the coast

As Gulf Coast residents faced threats from Hurricane Gustav, the Republican Party decided to scale down its convention because of the storm.

President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney didn't appear Monday night to speak to the party faithful, and the parties that usually follow daily business have been turned into fundraisers for relief efforts.

The Red & Black editorial board commends the Republican Party on its efforts. The people who live on the Gulf Coast already have suffered greatly from hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and any coordinated efforts to assist can help.

We know political calculations may have been involved in the Republicans' decision to alter their convention, but we believe the changes were the right call, regardless of the political points they may or may not score.

During election years, politics may be on the front of the public conversation. But in times of natural disaster, it is ideal for individuals to join together to help others and put aside partisan differences.

It is a hopeful sight to see Americans donate money, offer supplies and give blood to support victims of disasters. It is even better to witness a political party postpone planned events out of sympathy for an affected area.

The Republican Party decided to forgo some of its planning and coveted exposure to voters to express its concern about the Gulf Coast region, and that is a refreshing decision.

- Kristen Coulter for the editorial board