8
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008
Eht lathi (Ear Brri
Established lsyn,
115 years
ofeditorialfreedom
CB
BROCK BAKER
THE INVISIBLE HAND
Senior biology and Spanish major
from Nashville, Tenn.
E-MAIL: BRBAKER@EMAIL.UNC.EDU
Don’t vote
based on
politics of
personality
Over the course of this
presidential campaign, I
have certainly learned a
great deal about both candidates.
But throughout all the debates,
news stories or observations
of sign-waving students in the
Pit, I feel I have learned even
more about
another person
altogether: the
American voter.
GUEST
COLUMNIST
And what I have learned greatly
concerns me. It concerns me not
just for the near future regarding
this election, but also for the long
term future of this fine country.
The voters in this election show a
number of disturbing trends that if
continued will threaten the health
of our democracy in the future.
First among these trends is
a growing sense of entitlement
among the American people. After
the second presidential debate,
CNN interviewed undecided vot
ers. One man said, “Well, I felt that
neither candidate did a very good
job addressing what they would do
to help me and my situation now.”
Whatever happened to “Ask
not what your country can do for
you, ask what you can do for your
country”? JFK’s ethos of personal
responsibility and service to one’s
countiy has been replaced by poli
tics which preach that if you buy a
house you can’t afford, you should
be bailed out instead of foreclosed
and that fairness is taking even
more money from those who have
earned it and redistributing it to
those who haven’t
Today’s voter eschews personal
responsibility in favor of govern
ment dependence and involve
ment, a trend that can only lead
to further erosion of the values
that shaped this country into the
most prosperous in the world.
Also disturbing is seeing voters
swept up in the fervor surrounding
a candidate’s personality. During
the primaries, I asked a friend who
was an ardent Obama supporter
about which of his policies won
her support. She was unable to
name a single concrete idea other
than “hope” and “change,” insisting
repeatedly, “I can’t say exactly what
it is, I just like him.”
This kind of reaction to a candi
date is unfortunately all too com
mon in both parties. Now with the
addition of Palin to the GOP ticket,
hockey moms and Joe Six-packs
across the country have united to
support a candidate because, golly,
she’s a down-to-earth regular per
son I can relate to. Palin has been
carefully shielded from the media
to hide her lack of experience on
the issues, with the focus instead
on her carefully-crafted persona.
And this emphasis on a can
didate’s personality suggests a
third disturbing trend: that of a
decreased emphasis on the actual
issues at stake in an election.
Ads targeting college-age voters
on campus encourage us to vote
straight-ticket Democratic, which
encourages blind party loyalty
over actual research and knowl
edge of the candidates. Such vot
ers (of either party) put on ideo
logical blinders so that they see
things only in terms of Democrat
and Republican, and what gets
lost in this whole process are the
issues themselves.
Such blind obedience to a
single candidate or ideology
is dangerous and inimical to
healthy democracy. This atti
tude transforms individual and
free-thinking voters into a group
of mindless automatons (or
Obamatons, if the shoe fits).
It is not too late to reverse
these trends, however, and it
is up to our generation to do
it. Please, when you vote, do so
because you support the poli
cies and issues that a candidate
stands for. An uneducated vote is
worse than no vote at all.
ALUSON NICHOLS
EDITOR. 962-4086
NALLISON@EMAILUNC.EDU
OFFICE HOURS:
MON., WED. 2-3 P.M.
ERIC JOHNSON
PUBLIC EDITOR
ERIOOHNSONOUNC.EDU
EDITORIAL CARTOON By Dylan Gilroy, lukerpig@gmail.com
—■"-[ \ Remember, America.
l Lri lrn candidate yoa want
if you want REAL change.
~ Like how he was able to change
I M C from being a likable guy to a
. ... ... —. !
Obama for President
These difficult times call for
a president who can both
inspire us and challenge
us to tackle the major problems
we face. Sen. Barack Obama is
the candidate who can best pro
vide this leadership.
. This is a generational elec
tion, and we will feel the con
sequences if we fail to act on
long-term issues such as global
climate change, energy inde
pendence and the creation of a
21st-century economy.
Obama articulated these
challenges and provided a
promising vision of a country
that is once again respected in
the world.
He has laid out a vision of
government’s role not as the
only answer but as a positive
resource and safety net.
This vision in his
focus on nationafl&mce and
health care refont, plans which
appeal particularlyto young
people.
He plans to expand
AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps
Cultural exchange improves
The Carolina Hispanic
Association and Carolina
Indian Circle’s recent
cooperation over events and proj
ects exemplifies much-needed
cultural exchange on campus.
The two groups found com
mon ground in the cultures
they represent and were able to
co-sponsor meaningful events
to reflect those commonalities.
Chispa and the Indian Circle
together held a candlelight vigil
for Indigenous People’s Day and
will continue to co-host events
throughout November, which
is Native American Heritage
Month.
And these collective efforts
are part of a trend at UNC.
For instance, the Black
Hang on to election fever
The election of our life
times is a day away and
its outcome is uncertain.
Regardless of whom we support,
we all know that agonizing loss
and blissful triumph are equally
probable tomorrow.
But are we really prepared to
accept either? Or will we believe
that the incentive for recent
activism to secure the election
in our favor will be gone once
the ballots are cast?
Looking back, this election
of unparalleled importance has
been the raison d’etre for much
of student-led activism this year.
Cobb Community’s “Tbnnel of
Political Oppression,” the Young
Democrats’ “March to the Polls,”
and the multitude of candidate
appearances on campus all
this activity has stemmed from
one historic, impending election.
Simply put, all of these events
were the symptoms of this year’s
election fever, a contagious zeal
for discourse that has increased
the vibrancy of political dialogue
on campus.
Indeed, even the most heated
controversy has been worthy in
retrospect The abortion dis-
Opinion
HARRISON JOBE
OPINION CO-EDITOR
HIO6EeEMAILUNC.EDU
GREG MARGOUS
OPINION CO-EDITOR
MARGOLIS.GREGOGMAILCOM
programs and would also award
college students who perform
100 hours of service in a year a
$4,000 college tuition credit.
Obama’s heath care plan also
appeals to young voters. Not
only does his plan reduce the
number of uninsured by mil
lions more than his opponent,
Republican Sen. John McCain
but will also allow young people
to continue receiving coverage
through their parents’ plans
until age 25.
In addition, he has
brought countless numbers
of Americans into the politi
cal process including many
young Americans to voice
their concerns, share their solu
tions and work together.
His campaign has actively
courted young voters, and in
the process empowered them
to voice concerns not only
through votes but through
an increased level of activ
ism seen on college campuses
across the nation.
We’re under no illusion that
Student Movement and the
Asian Students Association co
hosted the Diaspora Festival of
Black and Independent Film
a few weeks ago, highlighting
interracial relationships between
African- and Asian-Americans.
Cultural groups acting togeth
er can benefit all parties involved
more than organizations acting
alone. Nevertheless, collabora
tion of this sort remains rare
among UNC cultural groups.
“It would be very beneficial
if there was more collaboration
on campus so that members
of cultural groups learn about
other cultures,” said Tammy
Chen, president of the Asian
Students Association.
Some organizations cite the
in
JAMES DING
Editorial board member from
New York, NY.
E-MAIL: JDING@EMAIL.UNC.EDU
play and its ensuing debate, for
example, have threatened to pop
the “Chapel Hill bubble.”
But unfortunately, the same
election fever that has been build
ing for more than a year will be
cured in but a few days.
Assuming the worst, the win
ners will drift from political ela
tion to political hiatus and the los
ers from disillusionment to apathy.
We must not let that happen.
This election is not the end,
but instead the means to achieve
our different interpretations of
“change.”
Therefore, we must not resign
to apathy if our chosen candi
date loses tomorrow. The merits
of our political system lie in the
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
LISAANDRUKONIS
YANIV BARZILAI
BEN BUCK
JAMES DING
MICHAEL LEWIS
ANDREW STILES
SARAH WHITWORTH
it
Obama will be able to solve
every problem we face. And
he’s frequently been criticized
for his lack of experience.
But throughout his grueling
21-mouth long battle for the
presidency he has remained
unflappable and has proven
himself adept at quickly mas
tering complex issues and pre
senting them dearly.
He is the right candidate to
inherit the mess of the last eight
years and lead us through the
next four.
number of cultural groups on
campus as an obstacle to commu
nication between select groups.
“There are a large number of
cultural groups on this campus
and it can be difficult to really get
a sense of what each one is about,
which is key to developing col
laborative projects,” said Sherina
Ritter, president of the Carolina
Caribbean Association.
Certainly, the number of
events and projects occurring
simultaneously can make col
laboration difficult, but many
cultural organizations on cam
pus have similar goals. By work
ing more closely together these
groups can promote valuable
cultural exchange among the
student body.
controlled efficiency of divided
government. Failing that,
political minorities consistently
empower themselves in even the
most unfavorable of positions.
Candidates might suffer political
deaths, but the issues they cham
pion remain as alive as the activ
ism of their supporters.
And if our chosen candidate
wins tomorrow, we should
remember that respite does not
lead to results. More so today
than in decades past, the active
spirit of the electorate shapes
the actions of elected officials
as much as it ushers them into
office. Therefore, in the words
of one get-out-the-vote cam
paign, we must “care all of the
time as much as we care some
of the time.”
Tomorrow, we renew the
investment we have made for the
past year or more. It will require
four more years of our vigilance,
interest and input.
To look backward in either
regret or celebration does little to
brighten our fiiture. In looking
forward, we can make Ttiesday
the dawn of real change in
America.
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Sometimes you feel obligated to
give back in college , especially
after nights like Halloween.”
ALLEN SPICER, SENIOR AND HABITAT HOUSE VOLUNTEER
FEATURED ONLINE READER COMMENT:
“I know people say to use the
buddy system , but ... that isn't
working as well as we would hope”
ON "CAMPUS LIGHTING QUESTIONED"
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Editorial board gets two
issues wrong last week
TO THE EDITOR:
How dumb can you be? The
editorial board got it wrong on
two issues last week. David Price
has been a nonexistent repre
sentative. It’s time for him to
step down. Eve Carson’s killers
should get the death penalty and
the DA has jurisdiction in the
matter not the Carson’s family.
The federal government should
step in because Orange County
has the worst record on crimes
in the country. Wake up.
Robert J. Page
Chapel Hill resident
Carson's voice is still here,
death penalty not helpful
TO THE EDITOR:
In response to last week’s article
(“Parents told DA they’re anti
death penalty,” Oct 29), I support
Eve Carson as well as her point.
No one should have judgment
over ending another human’s life.
What does it accomplish to sen
tence someone to death?
I am not suggesting that
people who perform violent acts
should be on the streets. We
should be focused on prevent
ing future school and student
shootings. Individuals who can
not function properly in society
need to be under maximum
supervision that promotes reha
bilitation, education, and most
importantly, compassion.
Sometimes, segments of our
society forget to give guidance
and set examples for doing what
is right. Perhaps individuals who
conduct crimes are missing the
influences or an environment
that demonstrates, reminds and
exemplifies what it means to be
a human being.
Finally, I disagree with those
who say she is not here anymore.
Her thoughts continue to matter.
Like us, her voice is still here.
PiranJadali
Senior
Psychology
Vandalism was disgusting
and unacceptable at UNC
TO THE EDITOR:
The University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill prides
itself in its social activism and
diverse student population.
But while walking through
the Pit today, I was taken back
to a time when diversity and
acceptance didn’t exist in our
culture when I saw a campaign
sign vandalized with an offensive
word for homosexual.
An ignorant individual van
dalized my best friend and
roommate Jeremy Crouthamel’s
homecoming king sign. Ignorant
seems a strong word; however, I
feel like ignorant describes the
action of the individual who took
their time and energy to use a
CORRECTION:
Due to an editing error,
Friday’s endorsement “Price
for U.S. House” incorrectly
states that Rep. David Price
supports a National Bio
and Agro- Defense Facility
in North Carolina. He has
voiced neither support nor
opposition to this facility’s
placement in North Carolina.
The Daily'for Heel apologiz
es for this error.
SPEAK OUT
WRITING GUIDELINES:
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Columns, cartoons and letters do not necessarily represent the opinions
of The Daily Tar Heel or its staff. Editorials reflect the opinions of The Daily Tar Heel edito
rial board. The board consists of seven board members, the associate opinion editor the
opinion editor and the editor.
Saihj Uar
demeaning word to inaccurately
describe Crouthamel. The action
was unnecessary and disgusting
and shouldn’t be tolerated.
Not only does the individual
owe Crouthamel an apology, he
or she owes the University and
the gay community an apology
as well. He or she also needs
to understand that ignorance
doesn’t have a place at our
University or in the 21st century.
It belongs in the past
I just want them to know that
we will campaign even more in
order to help Crouthamel fight
for the change he wants, which
is to stop gang violence.
Taylor Meadows
Senior
School of Journalism and
Mass Communication
Regardless of Tuesday's
vote, Americans must unify
TO THE EDITOR:
With so much division coming
from our political differences, it
sometimes seems like we’re two
countries.
But, to paraphrase Jefferson,
we are all Democrats, we are
all Republicans we are all
Americans. We all want the best
for our country, though we dis
agree often about what that is.
Sure, if Obama wins,
Republicans will probably hide
under a rock trembling with
terror, and if McCain wins
Democrats, religious or not,
will be praying day and night
for his continued good health
(at risk is a President Palin), but
we won’t be reduced to a pile of
ash for not having gotten what
we wanted.
Elections matter. It matters
who the president is. But what’s
most important is that we recog
nize our unity as one nation even
in the midst of all our differ
ences. So let’s cast our votes, see
what happens, and, if the count
be just, live with the results.
Benjamin F. Ossoff
Junior
History
Spanish-language section
has no place in the DTH
TO THE EDITOR:
I feel it necessary to speak
out on the “La Colina” section of
the DTH. I have nothing against
immigration, but I am speaking
out against the catering that is
done for our neighbors to the
south, by having seemingly
innocent sections such as La
Colina, or adding Spanish sub
titles to our signs, and even vot
ing ballots.
What about the millions who
read or write different languag
es? Are we going to start having
signs with Chinese and Hindi
subtitles?
We should not have ballots
in other languages does con
gress hold sessions in multiple
languages?
I have nothing against the La
Colina section, if they created
their own publication, but by
having it in the DTH represents
the movement of catering to our
neighbors to the south.
When did we become the
United States of Northern
Mexico?
Yatin Shastri
Senior
Business
department and phone number.
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