<< Front page Commentary September 10, 2004

More Letters to the Editor

Obie calls for decisive action on Election Day

To the Editors:

During orientation last week, Carnegie was flooded with voter registration booths and a flurry of eager Obies ready to register in Ohio — perhaps the deciding state of the election. Among the tables were the Oberlin socialists, with slogans like, “A vote for Kerry is a vote for Bush.” I had to stop in utter outrage and ask them to explain this rationale. In brevity they said that the day after Kerry took office, troops would still be in Iraq and so they proposed a vote for Nader…my worst nightmare.

Let me explain — I am not a vehement Kerry supporter, nor am I against the socialist party. I encourage them to battle for a third party. But this is no time to encourage the celebration of idealism. In fact, it is a spoiled opinion and we should be so lucky to elect someone like Nader. Not voting in protest or voting Nader is a luxury this country cannot afford, with severe repercussions on the well being of the poor, the unemployed and the Oberlin population being drafted.

We need to remain united not only against Bush, but for a bit better America with Kerry, where third parties can flourish, where liberal ideas can be free from investigation and censorship (Patriot Act). Face it — we need someone with a brain who can create change sooner rather than later.

Kerry is not my favorite, but right now he’s all we got. Socialists, get real. Swallow your pride and your idealism and vote against Bush. Vote Kerry.

–Julia Vogl
College sophomore

Oberlin logo — a true inspiration to alumnus

To the Editors:

“Bring me an Oberlin hat,” my 77-year old father requested. “Nice people come up to me and talk about how they love the school. And they’re interesting people!”

My father’s request was a surprise. He didn’t attend Oberlin. It also has been more than 25 years since I was an Oberlin student. Yet for three decades he has seen the pivotal ways an Oberlin perspective has shaped my career, interests, and passions.

My dad follows the news and knows that Obies are a community of passionate artists and activists. He met my professors and shared my deep respect for their knowledge and dedication. He endured my crazy friends. And he witnessed commencement weekend when I lingered to hug yet another classmate. He and other Oberlin parents will always have the satisfaction of knowing the unique sense of fulfillment their children attained. I believe that pride is why my dad wears an Oberlin hat, women have “Oberlin Mom” coffee mugs and families parade cars displaying Oberlin stickers.

The demand for these types of insignias will rise this weekend when hundreds of alumni return to campus for meetings and programs. These volunteers share a sincere and devoted desire to give back to Oberlin whether it be as mentors to students, admissions organizers, career counselors or coordinators of regional events.

This council meeting will be my last after more than 13 years of affectionate service. Nonetheless I look forward to the special moment back in my hometown when I’ll see an alum or student wearing an Oberlin hat or shirt. That encounter will provide me an opportunity to try and be one of those nice and interesting people my dad talks about, and for me once again to share the delight of being an Oberlin graduate!

–Clyde Owan ‘79
Past President of Alumni Association


 
 
   

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