Oregon Daily Emerald: 10 reasons not to kill Bush

A recent commentary in the Oregon Daily Emerald, a newspaper at the University of Oregon, made its way into the Drudge Report today. The provocative title, "10 reasons not to kill Bush," probably had more than a little part to play in attracting that kind of attention.

While written from a liberal perspective, I found the column by Jennifer McBride to be extremely refreshing and perceptive.

In all seriousness, I don't hate President Bush. I dislike a lot of his administration's choices, but I think he's a good man doing a difficult job. As a leader, you're always going to be hated. I am too often shocked by the vitriolic repulsion many people feel for our leader and America in general, especially because the loathing is often poorly informed. I've met people on this campus who see America as the worst human rights abuser in the world (unlike the angelic paradise of Cambodia) and people who sway liberal not because they actually know anything about issues but because it's popular.

If you want to see the original at the Daily Emerald's site, here's the link. If the site is really slow (as it was with me), the link at the top is faster.

Front opinion: Newsweek and anonymous sources

My last commentary for this quarter in The Western Front is up online. The angle I took on the Newsweek lunicy is hardly my only thoughts on the issue--it's probably one aspect of the issue with which many liberals might agree: mainstream media needs to stop using anonymous sources as a staple.

Give it a read, for what it's worth.

Dave Johnson lecture wrap

All things considered, a lot of credit goes to Joel for ramrodding a last minute advertising campaign in red square. We had more than a dozen people spread around in that classroom. Thanks Joel!

Mr. Johnson made some good points. The talk was centered on his latest polling data (found here at his Web site). The data points to a growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party. The Democrats have, so far, lost the public relations war, Johnson said, starting with when some suggested "cherry picking" certain counties for hand recounts.

Mr. Johnson said election court challenges will be the wave of the future, building on a polarized political climate and the Florida and Washington precedents. He quoted Howard Dean as tagging Washington State as the Democratic model for dealing with close races last week at Cornell University. (I'm out trying to verify that --Johnson said no one reported it except the college paper).

Thanks to Mr. Johnson for making a second effort after missing the first attempt. Much appreciation for the informative talk and Q/A session.

Skin workings

You've noticed changes by now...

My main goal before this last round of work, amateur that I am, was to accomplish one thing: add a second sidebar. I'm pretty inexperienced and am forced to work through problems by examining other people's code and then implementing the ideas through trial and error--so, twenty-four hours later, we have two sidebars, more space, and some art from pictures I took just a matter of hours ago on campus. The title-art is a work in progress, as I figure out new ways of implementing the Western scene.

If you have feedback or suggestions on the layout and/or art, just shoot an email our way.

Front opinion: McConnell v. Le Moyne college

Today's issue of The Western Front has my latest commentary on Scott McConnell, his expulsion from Le Moyne and his subsequent $20 million lawsuit against the college.

The article titled "College should allow all viewpoints" is not intended to justify McConnell's lawsuit--indeed, I think it is excessive. True, I think he probably didn't deserve to be expelled, but I fail to see where $20 million should play a role in rectifying the problem. While Le Moyne is a private, Jesuit college with the right to dismiss whoever they want, they are looking ever so hypocritical by pretending to be inclusive and then kicking someone out at the first sign of anti-PC. If they are discriminatory about what they allow students to believe on something as simple as classroom discipline, they should just say that and be done with it.

Anyway...here I go, saying what I could have said in the article.

Affirmative action, part 2

Tonight was the ultimate exposé of liberal political correctness on campus... Gasps whenever Dinesh would say something wild like, "the founders weren't racists." ... You get the point. I, having already read many of his arguments, was glad enough to see what the real reaction is when they are employed.

I'm sorry I don't have good pictures of the actual debate--I couldn't deflash my China-made camera.



Ok, so the real exciting part was meeting Dinesh and having him sign my copy of "What's So Great About America." Then there's the photo-op with yours truly.



STEPPING BACKWARD

Yesterday, the college republicans did a little Affirmative Action bake sale...



Just doing their part to promote the debate. This has become a common activity for conservatives on many campuses across America. Most operate by selling cheaper to colored customers and more expensive to whites. It was made clear to the CRs, in no uncertain terms, that this type of activity would not be tolerated and would be shut down, were it attempted. Instead, they settled on just calling it an Affirmative Action bake sale (as an attention grabber) and selling the different baked goods for different prices.



(Liam, Steve and Justin discuss Affirmative Action with various "customers.")

Joel was there most of the time--I'm going to leave him to provide any details of the event.

Affirmative action in action

There's an affirmative action debate to take place tomorrow featuring the great (excuse the blatant bias) author, Dinesh D'Souza and author Tim Wise. I won't go into a ton of detail about them but here are the details of the event:

Debate on racism with Dinesh D'Souza & Tim Wise
Hosted by The Civil Controversy Series

Time and Place:
Date: Wednesday, May 18
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room
Western Washington University
516 High Street, Bellingham

Contact Info:
Phone: 360.650.2526

School-yard politics

Just a little notice regarding an active comment string. Check the comments on the April 17 post "Childish tactics." It's regarding the politics of judicial appointments. Some of the comments are interesting and I thought I'd point them out and see if anyone wants to chime in.

The other side of politics

As the battle over the Washington governorship continues to play out, so does the satirical and fun side.

Accounting students at Washington State U switched from numbers to word-smithing when Gregoire came to call their commencement ceremony. Kudos to the graduates for the creative and deft jab.

Others have taken to merchandising slogans like the one below.


(Click for a larger version at Cafepress)

I'll let you judge it for what it's worth. The obvious hole is that no Republican would think it's funny if our female governor and senators were Republicans. Yes, some humor can be better directed.

Hat-tip to designer Clint

Election wrap-up...this time for real

AS presidential candidates Tony Russo (left) and Nick Cizek (right) begin presenting their cases during the final grievance hearing on Thursday, April 28. After Russo's resulting disqualification, Cizek decided to drop his own candidacy, giving the victory to Shannon Hutchinson after Wednesday's run-off made it official.

The election is finally over. Read up on Peter's latest Front coverage. Cizek's official statement for dropping out is included.

UC 'tent university' commentary

The Western Front has a rare conservative commentary in the current issue. I wish I could say it is on something really applicable to Western students--I'm allowed to criticize it because I wrote it...

But I'll not go too far without letting you read it for yourself.

AS Board of Directors upholds disqualification

For an update on the election, check out Peter's latest story in the Front.

Very interesting statements by Peter Graves and there could be more developments. I'm checking into it. Stay tuned.