The University Daily Kansan emphasizes the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
EDITORIAL: Brandon Minster bemoans students' tendencies to use vulgarities too often and for no reason. See Kansan.com for more opinions and Free for All comments
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007 WWW.KANSAN.COM
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
OPINION
PAGE 9A
》 OUR VIEW
Dishonesty ruins campus politics
It's little wonder that politics has a negative connotation.
Recent allegations of scandal in student body politics are disheartening, and not just because they allude to dirty campaigning and a lack of cooperation or solidarity in Student Senate. More significantly, such accusations suggest that, through student elections, university students are enabling the very conning politicians that we complain about in "real" politics.
Delta Force filed a case against United Students for defamation, alleging that presidential candidates Hannah Love and Ray Wittlinger had, on numerous occasions, lied about the number of bills they had authored in Student Senate as well as the number of bills authored by John Cross, Delta Force presidential candidate and student senator. Unconfirmed evidence suggests that Love had authored only 18 bills instead of 29 and Wittlinger, a three-year student senator, had authored none. Cross is said to have actually authored four bills instead of one.
On Tuesday, the Hearing Board Committee issued a continuance on this case, which will
not be readdressed until after the election. However, Cayla Witty, election commissioner, suggested that, if the accusations are verified, United Students actions may have been egregious enough to disqualify Love and Wittlinger.
Regardless of the outcome in this case, it is unsettling that university students may be voting for less-than-honest individuals whose actions could be harbingers of shady political careers. It is not the magnitude of the alleged behavior that is disappointing – such behavior could easily be considered petty
but the idea that students with political aspirations could so easily disregard rules, regulations and respect for their fellow candidates.
Indeed, the individuals that students empower in college could be future dazzling, wellspoken politicians whose lies give politics a bad name. In the future, these persons' political capabilities may be more significant than decisions regarding a $1 increase in student fees.
Alison Kieler for the editorial board.
》 LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Missing peace pole a 'sad thing'
If you walk near Malott and Haworth halls near the Anschutz Science Library you may have noticed a white pole with the phrase "May peace prevail on Earth" engraved in several languages. This commemoration to peace was dedicated in 2006 as a gift to the University of Kansas from a Japanese benefactor, Kazummi Nakayama, a friend of alumnus, Leslie Green Renzelman. Mrs. Nakayama took inspiration to promote peace in a non-sectarian way, according to the Web site www.worldpeace.org. She raised money to make the pole according to specifications that included several languages chosen by the officers of the University's International Students' Association. The Association made this a service project and helped get Student Senate funding for the
installation.
The sad thing is that sometime before March 5, 2007, the pole was evidently broken off and is now gone. Jack Campbell, University police officer, found no evidence to suggest how the damage occurred. It had been there about a week prior before it was noticed missing. Although snow removal equipment was not in use, construction equipment at Malott could have accidentally damaged it. No one has come forward. As one belonging to an organization involved in the dedication, Phi Beta Delta, I encourage anyone to report what they may know about this mishap to University police.
Linda Wiley administrative associate in molecular biosciences
Grant Snider/KANSAN
COMMENTARY
Students should watch their mouths
I've effing had it with vulgarity.
I'm not one of those people who thinks every use of a vulgar word is horrible. These words were invented because they have a distinct meaning. Sometimes the exact word you need to use to express your thoughts or feelings is a vulgar word, and that's fine.
But that's not how most people use these words. Instead, they use them as synonyms for "really" or "very". Or they use these words to convey meaning they don't even know themselves. It's the verbal equivalent to puncturing. Why be articulate when you can just throw out the f-word, followed, if necessary, by "Dude?"
I am surprised to find this level of intellectual laziness at a university. How much education is required before your articulation surpasses caveman level?
Part of the power of vulgarity is its infrequency. The person who resorts to vulgarity shows desperation to be understood or believed. When vulgar words compete with articles such as "the" and "a" in your speech frequency, you sound like an idiot.
There will always be those who wish to demonstrate how avant-garde they are by not obeying conventional rules of conversation. I admit that was why I started swearing, in fifth grade. By the time your parents can no longer wash out your mouth with soap, the thrill of swearing should be gone.
Defining yourself in opposition to something gives the thing you supposedly hate complete control of your life. Your "individuality" is really just a sign of your enslav
BY BRANDON MINSTER
KANSAN COLUNISTI
OPINION@KANSAN.COM
Part of the power of vulgarity is its infrequency. The person who resorts to vulgarity shows desperation to be understood or believed. When vulgar words compete with articles such as 'the' and 'a' in your speech frequently, you sound like an idiot.
really thinks this way about it anymore. I think for most it became a habit after fifth grade and they can't stop it. That's why I do it.
If it's a habit now, why don't you break it. You're getting an education presumably to be a more professional, hire-able person. Getting rid of a filthy mouth should go along with a diploma and knowing how to craft a resume.
I have two children who love the University of Kansas more than life itself. My daughter's dream is to have a Jayhawk ont yard. The biggest
statue in our front yard. The biggest
treat my children receive is a visit to campus. But how frequently can that happen when so many overheard conversational snippets contain coarse language? Forgive me for not understanding the nuances between "I was so drunk," and "I was so f-ing drunk." They say the same thing: "I'm an idiot."
Cultural institutions continue to abet this degrading slide of vocabulary. Here at the University, the primary cultural forum, Free for All, continues to print an advisory statement that says obscene comments will not be printed, but lately it seems it can't be a complete Free for All without at least three f-words.
If the point of a college education is to educate, to teach students to think for themselves, why does a stroll across Wescoe Beach sound like a sailors' convention? It's getting to the point where it's ridiculous.
Minster is a Lawrence junior in economics.
FREE FOR ALL
Call 864-0500
Free for All callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. Kansan editors reserve
the right to omit comments.
Slanderous and obscene statements will not be printed. Phone numbers of all incoming calls are recorded.
You see, Julian Wright? You see what happens when you tell us you're going to stay and you don't? You get weather like this. Just kidding. I love you, Julian.
recorded.
I opened up the Free for All today, and it was really huge, and I got excited until I realized that half of it was some idiot singing about
CSTA
Free for All, can you please tell my friend Nate that Everybody Loves Raymond is the worst show ever, and he is awful at Super Smash
Brandon Rush better.
Wang Chung is the name of the band that made the song "Everybody Have Fun Tonight." As far as the deeper meaning of "wang chung" wow man. Dude. We really don't have time for that.
To the kid who doesn't love Raymond: I don't love you.
This is Spartal!
I swear to God I just saw a 75-year-old woman doing a paper route.
Hey JuJu, I knew I always liked
ally don't have t
est convenience? Thank you.
Dear Mitch, you dressed up as a Viking today, and missed it. Could you please do it again at your closet? convenience? Thank you.
Brothers
Julian, I thought you said you were staying? Why did you pull a Roy Williams on us? Oh well. Good luck with your future. I still love you.
I'm voting for Delta Force tomorrow, because they have a Greek letter in them.
What the hell is Delta Force?
图
Free for All, when are you going to get stinkin' text messaging?
Free for All, I just got a $35 parking ticket for parking too close to a dumpster.
You're cute. Let's kiss.
none of their candidates sexually harass their other candidates.
When was the first Free for All published?
Lewd is spelled L-O-O-D.
none of their candidates sexually harass their other candidates.
Free for All, my favorite band isn't answering the phone, and you're kind of a big deal, so you think you could work something out for me? Appreciate it, thanks.
Chris pulled the greatest prank in the history of mankind and is given a medal and a parade.
none of their candidates sexually harass their other candidates.
Okay, I messed up my last message, so this one is "Hey Free for" (laughing followed by someone in the background shouting "You ruined it")
Hey Free for All, I just got all up in your afternoon! Woo!
none of their candidates sexually harass their other candidates.
Courtney Hagen, opinion editor
864-4924 or chagen@kansan.com
》 TALK TO US
I'm going to vote for Student Rights and Delta Force, because
Gabriella Souza *editor*
864-4834 or gosuzaan.com *manager*
Nicole Kelley *managing editor*
864-4834 or nkelley.com *manager*
Patrick Ross *managing editor*
864-4854 or porskan.com *manager*
Curtiss Hagen *guest editor*
-
Hey Free for All, I just got all up in your afternoon, boy-ee!
My bus driver just ran into a pedestrian crossing sign. I scared.
Natalie Johnson, associate opinion editor 864-4924 or njohnson@kansan.com
Lindsey Shirack, business manager
864-4014 or lshirack@kansan.com
Jackie Schaffer, sales manager 864-4462 or jschaffer@kansan.com
Malcolm Gibson, general manager, news adviser 864-7667 or mgibson@kansan.com
Jennifer Weaver, sales and marketing adviser
864-7666 or jweaver@kansan.com
》 SUBMISSIONS
The Kansan welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns submitted by students, faculty and alumni. The Kansan reserves the right to edit, cut to length, or reject all submissions.
For any questions, call Courtney Hagen or Natalie Johnson at 864-4810 or e-mail apoinljenkins.com.
LETTER GUIDELINES
General questions should be directed to the editor at editor@kanan.san
Maximum Length: 200 words
**include:** Author's name, class, hometown (student) or position (faculty member/staff) and phone number (will not be published)
SUBMIT LETTERSTO
111 Stauffer-First Hl%
1455 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 60445
(785) 684-8400, opinionkamman.com
Maximum Length: 500 words
GUEST COLUMN GUIDELINES
Maximum Length: 500 words
Author: Index author (class, hometown (student); position (faculty member/staff); phone number (will not be published)
Also: The Kanars will not print guest columns that attack a reporter or another columnist.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Gabriela Souza, Nicole Kelley, Patrick Ross, Courtney Hagen, Natalie Johnson, Alison Kieler, Taha Riggins and McKay Stangler