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Show i t Forum cont. Political avenue of discussion: A letter to the Editor Dallin VanLeuven Westminster College, Junior Jonny Bonners Sept. 9 article entitled Palin, McCain? Oh the horror! is exactly what everyone hates about politics. Bonner writes the same kind of junk that illicit the old adage he mentions, Dont upset your neighbor, friend or family member with a difference in opinion, but seems oblivious as to why this may be true. Religion and politics (referring to another old adage) are two topics that, we are told, should not be discussed at work or with friends, and Bonners last article is a proof of why. Its laced with so many deadpan cheap shots youd think his article was his resume to The Daily Show. McCains spotty bill of health, Palins status as a pawn, former beauty queen, and a political robot are just lame. What makes someone whos been in a beauty contest any less capable in anything? But Bonners implication is that her campaign is nothing more than a national pageant. Now I have to give Bonner credit for McCains spotty health comment. But McCains spotty skin cancer is not life threatening, neither were the polyps that were removed from the dark recesses of his colon. Yet most of the political rhetoric we hear is, like McCains polyp extractions, said per rectum. Does anyone well-coach- ed actually think this gets anyone anywhere? Not once in his article does Bonner talk about issues or ideas, but instead relies on such empty banter. Its this kind of dishonest, cheap, and disrespectful repartee that makes anyone who discusses religion and politics in social gatherings persona non grata. These topics are indeed wonderful avenues of discussion, but only when they are conducted with the utmost respect and Discussing ideas allows a person an opportunity to learn as well as to articulate their own perspective, but when any party in such a discussion attempts to dictate from some moral high ground, such opportunities are wasted. I myself am still undecided as to whom I will vote for this November, and I take my political perspective ss. open-mindedne- Photo courtesy Stock Xchng very seriously. But Im also very open to anyone who can tell me something I didnt know, so that I can be an informed voter. No Bonner, the problem isnt that too many of our generation dont take a fully vested interthe problem is that when est in the political process, they do, they do so under- - or misinformed. I think that there is a lot to admire about Sarah Palin, and there is a lot to disagree with. This campaign is important, as Bonner notes, and it should be carried out with a greater ethic. High thoughts must have high language, Aristophanes tells us, and we must certainly raise the level of public debate in this country. Not - once has an Obama supporter told me one way that Obama will bring his promised change, and the same can be. said of those who support McCain. Get into the world, dig down into the issues, and find out what it all means. Tell me how Obamas windfall profits tax and energy stimulus packages are different than what Gov. Palin has done in Alaska (except, of course, that shes actually done it). Someone tell me how McCains economic plan can actually work. Yes, Jonny Bonner, all challenging and intelligent conversation has a place, but for any such conversation to have a place, your last articles place is in the trash, d Students speak out not: Should The Forum have a reguar sex education column? or why Why Krista Smith StafFWriter "Tve known many people especially in I think it's a good idea. People don't get 'Most college students should know how to Utah that desperately need even basic information in sex education . taught until they get here and they think they know everything. protect themselves, but they don't. It would be Joe Dennis, Shoshonna Zuher, Undeclared sophomore Brittany Northrup, English junior Psychology senior advantageous so they can better their sex lives. . . now or in the future. " I think high school, junior high school and maybe elementary schools should have sex education articles especially for Sarah Palin's children." Gus Paras, Economics junior 5 SEPTEMBER 23, 2008 i |