Newspapers / Meredith College Student Newspaper / Feb. 7, 2001, edition 1 / Page 7
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February 7, 2001 Meredith Herald Campus Opinion Opinion: U.S. can teach other countries about democracy JONi Smith Staff Writer The recent presidential elec tion spoke volumes for our country. After the most contro versial election in our nation’s history. Bush was inaugurated without violence, weapons or disorder. Protesters were abundant on his inauguration day, yet they were peaceful. This peaceful shift of authority is something that few countries can say they have. There is rarely a day when you can turn on the television and not see a picture of a war torn country in distress over a political figure. In many other nations, the transition period following a leader’s leaving office and another’s taking over is filled with bloodshed and riots. Instances in countries such as Peru. Russia and, most recently. Yugoslavia, with Slo bodan Milosevic, demonstrate how a country can literally be torn apart because of political differences. Sure, many of Bush’s oppo nents were present at the inau guration, anti-Bush posters in hand, but no one was hurl and the inauguration ended suc cessfully. I am not saying that I agree with Bush’s being our presi dent, and I am not even saying that 1 like him. As American citizens, we have the right to like or dislike our govern ment’s leaders- What I am saying, however, is that 1 am happy and relieved that democracy was able to shine through after the events of the 2000 election. In the end, who knows if the winner really was Bush—indeed, we may never know—but we all know that our country is strong enough to face an event like Raleigh experiences the love and revolution of Les Mis this without violence. The Constitution allows Americans the right to express opinions regarding the govern ment. This principle has been exer cised in a very noble manner from those who would rather see some one other than Presi dent Bush in the White House. These people let their thoughts and concerns be heard without the violence that often accom panies such a situation in other countries. 2004 win come faster than we can imagine, and Ameri cans will vote again for presi dent. We all want ‘our’ candi dates to win, but if they don't, it is important to recognize and respect the authority of our government. If you do not like how the 2000 election turned out, make sure to be at the polls in 2004. If you do not like the outcome and chose not to vote in this past election, then don't com plain because it was your deci sion not to vote and let your voice be heard. We can only hope that the United States set an example for other countries to follow earlier this month during the inauguration. Perhaps if people in other countries see that change, favorable or unfavorable, can be made without bloodshed, they will remember the reac tion of democratic America if their own countries are in the same situation. Lisa Wilson Stall Wril«r It’s a story set against the backdrop of love and revolu tion, and it is still attracting audiences today. Set in war-torn France dur ing the Revolution, the musical Les Miserables explores the the life of Jean Valjean and Cos- sette, the girl he raises. The musical, based on Victor Hugo's novel by the same name, is one that will evoke every emotion from excitement to sadness. The musical was performed last Feb. 2-4, 2001 at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Valjean is a man who goes through such trials as prison, but attempts to overcome these hardships in order to become an honest man. The performance had every element to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The actors were excellent in their portrayal of characters and in keeping the story line fluid and interesting. The musical score was full of swelling emotion in ever- thing from Ebonine’s painful ■‘On My Own" to the firing of the canons during the battle scenes. Also, the child actors, such as the young Cossette, made the performance even more poignant. You can catch Les Miser ables on Broadway next, b«jt Raleigh Memorial's spring sea son is in full swing. Up next is the Wizard ofOz, playing Feb. 9-18. Raleigh Memorial Auditorium is locat ed at 1 East South Street. Call the box office at (919) 831- 6061 for more information. leading Way! Student Adviser Applications are available Janua^ 30 in the Dean of Students Office, 2nd Floor Park Center If you ore a rising sophomore, junior or senior, have at least o 2.4 ^A. end do not hold a major office In 2001*2002 then you ore eligible to apply! CLASSIFIED ADS SPRING BRKAK BAHAMAS Party Cruise! 5 Days $279! Includes Meals & Free Parties! Awesome Beaches, Nightlife! Departs from Florida’ Cancun & Jamaica $439! springbreak- travel.com 1-800-678-6386 SPRING BREAK PANAMA City $129! Boardwalk Room w/ Kitchen Next to Clubs! 7 Par- ties-Free Drinks! Daytona $159! South Beach $199! springbreak- travel.com 1-800-678-6386 ENERGETIC, ENTHUSIAS TIC staff to work with school- age children during After School Care. Weekday after noon positions available in Raleigh & Cary Apply. YWCA. 828-3205 or 834-7386. ATTENTION ALL POLITI CALLY CONCERNED WOMEN! Planned Parenthood of the Capital and Coast is cur rently recruiting dynamic women to participate in a unique opportunity to learn how to bring about political changes regarding women’s reproductive health. Call the Education Office now at 833-7534. FLEXIBLE, PART TIME afternoon, evening and weekend hours in the Triangle Area. Work with children with disabil ities, teaching life skills and providing a break for parents. Paid training provided. Help Easier Seals create solutions that change lives. Call Pam Peterson at (919) 783-8898. EOE NEED STUDENT to help with 15 mo. old twins March 16-23, June 1 -8. Great Pay! Have used Meredith students before. Call Jeff/ Marcy Hobart @ 469- The Herald di«s not check ads before they are placed. When you respond to an ad. do so at your dis- cnstion.
Meredith College Student Newspaper
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Feb. 7, 2001, edition 1
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