Two weeks ago, the editors of Student Life wrote an editorial encouraging students to engage in politics of “substance.” With national media attention on our campus and a major election coming shortly, I must say that I am somewhat disappointed in the response. As a member of the conservative minority in need of representation on campus, but apparently undeserving of it (thank you, Mr. Guthorn), I would hope that the students here would be a little more accepting of diverse beliefs. Instead, I feel that I have been placed into a kind of political box by emerging liberal voices. Rather than attack, insult or scold the remarks or even the beliefs demonstrated, I will instead ask only for you to listen as I explain why, at least in my case, my political views do not fit into such a constraining container.

First of all, I do not, in fact, live in a box, or bubble, for that matter. I am fully aware of global and domestic human rights crises, income and health care disparities, poverty and hunger. I have witnessed some of the above situations firsthand and I am a strong advocate for change. I do believe, though, that big government is not the solution to these problems. I believe that solutions arise when people have incentives, either personal or financial, to fix these problems. My incentive happens to be personal and I have faith that, with some assistance and to a limited extent, the private sector can make significant progress in these areas. The ever-expanding non-profit market is energetic, diverse and creative. It is the government’s job to regulate and support these organizations to ensure a satisfactory response.

Misconception No. 2: I am not rich or elitist, nor am I a closed-minded and ignorant fundamentalist fanatic. Enough said.

I furthermore do not discriminate against women, minorities or homosexuals. I call myself a feminist; I just happen to believe that a baby’s life is not the price to pay when someone is not ready to take full responsibility for their sexual actions. I think abortions should be used only in extreme cases—including when the health of the mother or sexual abuse and violence are involved. Unfortunately, the present reasons for the majority of abortions extend far beyond these boundaries.

Furthermore, just because I believe that the marriage is reserved for a man and a woman does not signify that I personally discriminate against homosexuals.

I recently saw a photoshopped picture of Sarah Palin, in which she was wearing a bikini and sporting a shot gun. This stereotype is not only inaccurate but also absurd. Though it is not an issue on which I have a personally vested stance, I can assert that support of hunting is absolutely not equivalent to the advocacy of guns or violence. There is a marked difference between gun use in cities and its use in hunting areas. Pertaining to this issue and many others, I think that people are aware of this misconception and consciously choose to highlight negativity. Both parties are guilty of this crime, and I think it is shameful.

As a final point, I want to emphasize that I don’t want to push my own ideas on other people. In fact, my opinion of the ideal government is centered in local, people-powered politics. State and local branches of authority have a much better idea of what constituents need, and therefore many hotly-debated issues could be more easily resolved. Interests and ideologies often fall along geographic lines, and local policies are actualized faster and in a more efficient manner.

It is incredibly confusing for me to hear calls for change and tolerance when I feel that there is an inherent intolerance of beliefs that are based on morals, faith or that suggest non-governmental solutions to problems. You don’t have to agree with me, but I ask that you please maintain an open mind throughout this election process. If we could all just appreciate the fact that we want to make our world a better place, instead of jumping to conclusions and judging one another, perhaps, even on this small scale, we could make the bipartisan difference that has so utterly failed to come about in Washington.