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Show TUESDAY 3/22 o b NION PACE Daily Utah Chronicle THE CHRONICLE'S VIEW Is death a family matter or political smarter? T LOOK BUT TOR THIS he fate of Terry Schiavo is breaking everyone's hearts, regardless of whether one agrees with the removal of her feeding tube last Friday. Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect of the controversy is that America knows all about it. Death is a very personal family affair. When the public is made aware of a death, whether through an obituary in a newspaper or a media announcement (for well-known figures), it is done so as a courtesy. However, the parents of Schiavo have broadcast the removal of her feeding tube to the world so the prospect of her death can "become a political issue. *•-,; They hoped pictures of the 'wide-eyed, brain-dead woman would motivate the public and elected officials to intervene. It worked.-Yet, if the parents of this woman want to make this private affair a media event in an effort to keep her body alive, that's their right. However, shame on -the political figures who have responded. They know better than trampling on the constitution to .appease hysterics. > President Bush and Congress , 'transferringthe issue to federaif"-courts tramples on individual. r and states rights. - r >; The state of Florida under' stands the mother's wishes. The Florida Supreme Court understands the position of Americans MAN. who believe this is a sanctity-oflife issue. However, it ruled in favor of Schiavo's husband, who is honoring his wife's living will. Aren't Republicans supposed to support states' rights? Our Legislature seems to think so. Yet Republicans are leading the charge to violate the U.S. Constitution in numerous ways. Why? Because conservative voters have tipped the balance .. in the last several elections and ' they want more than lip service from their politicians. This, however, is not the way. Conservative values support freedom and constitutional rights. Yet these politicians are trampling on the freedom of Schiavo's husband to make a de-cision in his wife's best interest and Terry's right to a living will. Her mother's position is understandable, but parents can-. not always be trusted to make reasonable end-of-life decisions. Just months ago. Primary Children's Medical Center was ". embroiled in a battle with 6- ; year-old Jesse Koochin's parents over whether to pull the plug. ; The boy died one month after ; the father succeeded in removing Jesse from the hospital. ,': Schiavo's husband is legally entitled to make the final decision and feels he is honoring hiswife's wishes. It's none of the federal government's business. Even if it does need the conservative vote. . . . . , - , ; .. „ Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of The Daily Utah Chronicle Editorial Board. Editorial columns and letters to the editor are strictly the opinions of the author. The forum created on the Opinion Page is one based on vigorous debate, while at the same time demanding tolerance and respect. Material defamatory to an individual or group because of race, ethnic background, religion, creed, gender, age, appearance or sexual orientation will be edited or will not be published, - ^ ^ v ^ i , ; : i"? 1 *;.'-*^--'V *"\ j " T " . ; ; ' " - T " * ^ ASUU Senator Survey Outgoing ASUU Senators talk about joining parties .LLast yeatj was^yourrunning for ojfice.a self-perpetuated idea or were you encouraged to run by a party? 2. Why did you run with the party you did? 3. Were you glad to have a party or would you have preferred to run without parties? L I chose to run. I saw some things I did not agree with occurring in ASUU and thought that personal involvement was the best solution. I was then approached by a good friend about his own candidacy. After discussing ideas, I felt very pleased with the platform and thus joined his party. 2. The decision was not an easy one. I had worked in the Bennion Center with leaders of two parties, spent time on a study abroad with those of another, and had friends and family very excited abouta fourth party. I spoke with many of these and found the issues I wanted to see handled fell closely in line with platform topics of a certain party. 3. My choice is one I never questioned. I was completely satisfied with how the party functioned as a group. An incredible amount of support was given by a great network of individuals working toward a common goal. 1. Completely by myself. I was an Assembly member last year and wanted to make some changes in the college. 2.1 actually talked to three of the major parties and decided on my party because it seemed to be the most organized. The ideas of the party were also very solid and the presidential/vice presidential candidates seemed like a great choice. 3. The parties are a good idea for the fact that it brings some order to something that could become disorganized very fast. However, students need to vote for the individual candidates.not the party. Every candidate has his or her own ideas, and once the campaign is over, the parties no longer exist. , . Danielle Fowles Humanities 1.1 began looking into irafter the suggestion of friends who were already involved. 2.1 was most familiar with their candidates. 3.1 was glad. Running with a party is an excellent way to meet new people and get ideas and guidance in the process. Matt Jensen Fine Arts Angela Velez Health I. Both. 2.1 liked what they stood for. 3.1 was glad. It allows you to work together and campaign as a group. Ryan Yoshida Engineering Whitney Ranes . Business Bryce Peterson Science 1. Both. I decided to fun because my involvement in a student club introduced me to ASUU and I was intrigued. I wanted to find out more about it and the way that it ran. Also, a party asked if I would be interested in running for a position and with their encouragement, I accepted. 2.1 knew the presidential candidate and was quickly befriended by the candidate for vice-president and felt comfortable with them and in supporting them. 3.1 was proud to be associated with the party. Everyone involved on that campaign had great energy and enthusiasm. 1. It was both. I am set on coupling book knowledge with actual contributions to the society, community and future students. 2.1 agreed with the vision they were instilling. They wanted to find a niche for everyone. 3.1 felt really good about the party I ran with. (What can I say? I found my hubby while participating with this party.) Their leadership was amazing as was the way they united the students. Instead of putting out negative reports about their leaders, the school needs to unite, promote, and motivate students. 1.1 ran as an independent. I did not believe any of the parties represented what I believe is truly important to the students. I was the fourth senator from this college the previous year. This is disappointing. Student government should be held to a high standard and must be accountable. I ran for what I believed in and still believe that I will represent this college to the best of my ability. 2.1 would not regret it even if I had lost. Parties are important, but not the sole deciding factor in elections. Parties do a lot for a candidate, and typically, parties are what get a candidate past the primaries. 3. It is far easier to run with a party than without. Much like a third candidate in presidential elections, the role of the independent is to raise issues and hope for the best. Brandon Lee Social and Behavioral Science 1.1 was encouraged to rah by a party. I was grateful for that because spending most [of my] time on upper campus had separated me from many of the U's activities, including student elections. 2. It was the party that approached my roommate about running. When he didn't want to, I decided I would. 3.1 can't decide. I think the parties serve a good purpose, but I think there would be benefits if one could run without parties. 1.1 was encouraged 1 2. After looking at their platforms and ideas, I was sold. 3. Very glad. Natanya Miller Education Branden Rosenhan Medicine 1.1 did not run for this semester. 2. Not applicable. 3. Not applicable. Did not respond to survey. Tiffany Logan University I was appointed Jen Jankowskl Social Work Did not respond to survey. /., .. 1.1 was encouraged ffcTrun by a party. 2. In all honesty, I ran as a favor for a friend. I did not expect to win. 3. Parties and politics seem to be pretty inseparable on all levels. I think there are some major problems with the party system, but I do not think ASUU elections would have any chance without parties. Jessica Wempen Mines and Earth Sciences Dan Kunz Law 1.1 ran as an Independent and was never approached by a party. 2.1 feel that because the parties are formed solely for the election and then basically disband, it wasn't that important to join one. 3.1 preferred to run without. Brian Kendell Architecture 1. It was a little bit of both, but I highly recommend it. 2.1 felt the president and vice president were the best candidates. 3.1 loved having a party; it should not be done any other way. Suzanne Harrington Nursing Did not respond to survey. Cam Au Pharmacy |