Opinion

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.

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States. As an American, I am proud for what this historic election means for our country; however, I wonder if the electorate really knows what they voted for.

Like many of you, I flipped though the cable networks watching the returns come in Tuesday night.

The United States is really the land of opportunity. Anyone can study what they are passionate about and build a career. However, to have a real opportunity to land that dream job, earning a college degree is more important than ever. It is not to say that one cannot be successful without a college degree because they can, but the chances of being hired for a coveted position over competition in the same field and earning a higher salary are far greater with one.

Harassment still unacceptable during a game

I was disgusted to read comments from people condoning the behavior of some of the students at the Cal Poly vs. UCSB soccer game on Oct. 17. I was right in the middle of the group of students responsible.

Throughout the game, I heard a group of guys shouting homophobic and racist slurs geared towards UCSB.

I know it’s customary after an election to righteously ridicule nonvoters, calling them names, like apathetic, uninvolved, lazy and ungrateful. Even though I did vote, I won’t indulge this noble tradition. My contention, shockingly, is with the majority of voters.

Our generation had a lot at stake in this election. Millions put up signs, wore buttons or traveled to other states to support the candidates and issues they felt strongly about. The issues of this campaign moved people in profound ways; with a presidency and the protection of/right to marry up in the air, it’s no surprise so many got involved.

Can’t stereotype CAFES

As a Cal Poly student in the College of Agriculture I would like to say I am saddened by the entire situation at the Crops Unit house, both in the students and the community’s quickness to jump to conclusions.

First of all I am disgusted with the students that were living in the Crops Unit house for their display of horrible racist paraphernalia; their actions are truly despicable.

“Trick or treat?” I asked myself on Halloween night. I could trick out to the holiday festivities, or treat myself to a little civic participation four days before the election. Fully equipped with door hangers informing voters to choose a candidate that supports green jobs, climate justice, and clean energy, I embarked on a late night dorm storm.

We, as the on-campus affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), acknowledge the First Amendment rights of all American citizens. It is unconstitutional to punish for the use of protected pieces of free speech. However, hanging a noose, at all, demonstrates the intent to intimidate.

I must take issue with Angela Kramer’s column on Oct. 7, “The (un)constitutionality of Prop 8.”

By expressing a disinterest in discussing the definition of marriage and focusing on the “threat to equal protection,” Angela effectively refuses to take an overt position on the central issue of the debate but then proceeds on the assumption that her implicit position is an established fact.