Dear Editor:
This Red Sox/Yankee hysteria our campus is experiencing models another fierce rivalry in our country: A formidable dynasty with seemingly unlimited power and money, challenged by a capable but hapless underdog with a long shot at victory. Contrary to what the most respected sports analysts predicted, the Red Sox made the biggest comeback in baseball history this week.
We should heed a valuable lesson from the competition: never underestimate the power of the little guy. However, baseball is won by a mix of skill and luck; the elections are won by participation. I encourage AU supporters of the "underdog" to take an active role in this election by canvassing, talking to undecided friends and, most importantly, by voting. In the game of politics, individual efforts will help pave the way to a sweet victory on Nov. 2.
Erin Murphy Washington Semester student
Dear Editor:
While Northeastern sports fans spilled into the heart of my little hovel on South campus, I was still reveling in the residual joy of the season premeir of "The West Wing." I am a proud "Left Coaster," and the last team I rooted for was the San Diego Padres. East Coast sports escape me. And now that I am finally here in the capital, all I want to do is watch the fake D.C. on television.
In the matter of Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees, I simply do not care, and I know that I am not alone. Good for you, I say, if you can recite all of Derek Jeter's past batting averages or can name every member of the Sox squad. But I was happy to turn to channel 4 at 9 p.m. and settle into the land of President Bartlett, Toby, Donna, Josh, Leo and all the rest.
Last night's passionate riot was in actuality more exciting for me than the outcome of the game. For those of you who want to explain to me the reasoning behind either loving or hating the Yankees, be my guest, just as long as next Wednesday night I can once again enter the "West Wing." And, for your sake, let me just say, go... team!
Hilary Blank Freshman, SPA
Dear Editor:
Wednesday night the Graduate Leadership Council held a Town Hall meeting for AU Provost Cornelius Kerwin. The turnout was less than expected and significantly less than hoped. The discussion we had, however, was nevertheless valuable. Vice President of Campus Life Gail Hanson came to the event, like she always does, to support student events. The AU budget was the main topic of discussion, though Kerwin spoke at some length about the future of AU graduate financial aid. We saw what Kerwin had produced.
Next week, we will hold a Town Hall Meeting with Chief of Public Safety Mike McNair. We will discuss the off-campus parking policy at length, and the GLC has challenged Public Safety to provide AU students with a clear, unclouded pamphlet, document or flier of its off-campus parking policy. We will see what the administration produces for students.
On Nov. 4, we will host a reception for the AU Board of Trustees that will be open to AU student leaders. This will be the time when students can express their issues with AU in a more informal setting. We will see what the Board of Trustees produce.
In the process of these events, we will also see what students produce. Apathy in students comes and goes at AU, but the problems that students complain about never seem to go away. This is a call to graduate students and undergraduates alike to get involved: go to this week's Town Hall meeting. Encourage your student leaders to attend the Board of Trustees reception, and tell them of your progress, troubles and overall experience at AU. Thank you.
Zen Hunter-Ishikawa Executive Chair Graduate Leadership Council
Dear Editor:
Abstention from voting is no sin. If you believe that John Kerry would do a good job as president, vote for him. If you believe that George Bush would do a good job as president, vote for him.ÿBut only doing a better job than the other guy isn't saying much, and that's no reason to blindly support a candidate.
There is no "civic duty" to vote.ÿThere isn't a 'none of the above' choice on the ballot, so when there is no person for whom you really feel you should vote, don't.ÿOr, if you feel you aren't well-informed about the issues (not-being-George-Bush is not an issue) then you shouldn't vote for someone about whom you know nothing.
Comedian Drew Carey, when asked by political magazine Reason for whom he's voting, said "Quit pretending that it matters, would you? Can you vote for all the nefarious cabals that really run the world?ÿNo.ÿSo fuck it." The truth is, your vote really doesn't matter in this election. Either way you lose.
Voting for the 'least worst' candidate is wrong because you're giving aid to something that is still bad. I don't support racism, so if all candidates were racists, I wouldn't vote for any of them.ÿHow could I vote for someone I don't agree with?
There are other ways to be politically active.ÿDon't outrightly give your support for a candidate, especially if you do so because he's the lesser of two evils.ÿTry to affect policy rather than simply let it happen.ÿMake your opinion heard; don't let it be overshadowed by your limited vote.
I certainly have a preference between Bush and Kerry, but I don't think either would be a good president. I would be sad if the less-worse of the two lost, but I'm not going to be pressured into voting for them.
My only civic duty is to do what I think is best for this country.ÿIn this case, what is best is not voting for George Bush or John Kerry.
Jeffrey Buras Freshman, SOC
