Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor:
Alberto Gonzales’s visit to campus on Feb. 19 promises to be an exciting event, and as the President of the College Republicans I am proud to be involved. It is abundantly clear, however, that the College Democrats and many others on campus are vehemently opposed to his visit. As most of campus is now aware, elaborate protests are being organized that will take place before the speech at 6:00.
What most people don’t know, however, is that Mr. Gonzales requested to meet with a small group of liberal students, such as the College Democrats, before the event so that he can directly address their specific questions and concerns. This is an admirable gesture for someone in his position; he is surely aware of the Democrats’ antagonism toward his actions while in office, but he is ready and willing to defend himself. When I heard about Gonzales’s request, I thought the Democrats would surely jump at the chance to engage in the type of dialogue that they claim to value so highly. Much to my surprise, however, the group declined the invitation. The reason? They do not want to miss out on the protest.
Let me be clear: I do not object to their right to protest. What I do object to is their preference for protest over discussion. They were offered the chance to debate the man who formerly held the position of attorney general, an opportunity that most Americans will never get, and they turned it down in order to add a few more people to the mass of students that will be protesting. It is a shame that the Democrats have let their partisanship and preoccupation with protest get in the way of meaningful discourse.
-Charis Fischer
President of College Republicans
Class of 2009
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