Ryan ChartrandIt was refreshing to read Mr. Nachreiner’s political column this Thursday and realize it provoked an emotional response within me as I read it. My thanks go to him and the other weekly columnnists this quarter (“Between the Sheets” manages to be dependably witty and instructional!) for keeping the ‘Stang exciting to pick up every day.
The fact that Ian’s head is so far in the clouds on things like the economy (free market economics are working out awesome lately), healthcare (what’s the problem? I have insurance, don’t you?) and the ability of conservatives to debate effectively (I’ll grant that one only if you convince me Mrs. Palin isn’t a “conservative” and do it without using cue cards) is irrelevant, because as long as he continues to take firm stances with his opinions, he will have my respect and my readership.
Rogan Guild
electrical engineering senior
Respect both sides of political debate instead of name-calling
Usually, I really like reading Ian Nachreiner’s column every week because it allows me to see a different perspective on politics than what I was raised with. In fact, his words have reformed some of my opinions. But his column this past Thursday struck a chord with me because it seemed more like an uncontrolled, divisive emotional outburst rather than his usually intelligent commentary.
In this latest column, Ian said “Unlike (liberals), conservatives can carry on a rational discussion without screaming, hate or vitriol.” In my opinion, that very statement nearly contradicts itself, and frankly there are people from both sides that express their opinion impolitely.
I’ve seen liberals taunt John McCain’s disabilities he received from his time as a prisoner of war, and I’ve heard people yell “F-k Obama!” as they drive by me because I wore a shirt supporting the Democratic candidate. Yet I have also seen and heard people from both sides express their views in a mature and dignifying manner: including (in the past) your column.
Ian, don’t act as if maturity or immaturity are exclusive to people of certain political affiliations, and please don’t turn yourself into a symbol of the kind of political divisiveness which goes beyond attacking ideas which one disagrees with but the people who hold them.
Instead, show the people of Cal Poly’s campus the reasons why they should think conservatively; without the blatant name-calling and stereotyping which people from both sides are guilty of.
Gregg Schultz
electrical engineering junior