4A the university daily kansan opinion wednesday, february 25, 2004 DEMOCRATS IN DETAIL Endorsement: Kerry only Democrat ready for the job George W. Bush's world is a black and white one where the evil-doers are bad, tax cuts are good and the American people will fall in line at their November voting location. John Kerry will rock Bush's world Kerry's consistent, sometimes monotone voice does not make him the most exciting politician. But, his manner of speech is an indication of his consistent and thoughtful maturity. We endorse U.S. Sen. Kerry (D-Mass.) not as what we want in a politician but as what we want in a president. The contrast Kerry provides to his Democratic opponents and to Bush is as obvious as the 6-foot-4 man is when he walks into a OUR VIEW The editorial board voted to endorse U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) for the Democratic nomination. room. He towers not only as a physical presence, but also as an intellectual one. lacked most; a backbone. Kerry is a different kind of Democrat who takes away Bush's best issue, national security, by being a decorated war hero. His fiscally responsible positions make him immune to the "tax and spend" label. Perhaps most significant, as his "bring it on" mantra shows, he has one thing past Democratic presidential candidates have Other Democratic candidates have run campaigns full of charisma, southern charm and passion. U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.) is the best communicator in the field and his positive, uplifting campaign has been as inspiring as his impressive rise from humble beginnings. The Rev. Al Sharpton and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) have represented their segments of the party with passion and conviction. We applaud their efforts, but Kerry is the best candidate to beat Bush and to unit the Democratic Party. Some say Kerry is a Massachusetts liberal who gives complex answers to simple questions. But his issue positions are nearly identical to those of Edwards, his leading rival. Kerry's complex answers are a reassuring contrast to Bush's simple answers to complex questions. Kerry is not only the candidate best prepared for a general election fight, he is the best prepared to make the transition from politician to president. Electability has propelled Kerry's campaign, and we agree with the statement Democratic voters and caucus-goers have made. His maturity is what we need in a complex,black,white and gray-matter world. 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. For more comments, go to www.kansan.com Professor Jeff Lang for president. Oh yeah. 图 I just wanted to say thank you to the those really cool fraternity guys who were handing out hot cocoa at Wescoe Beach. Thank you, guys. society creates such impossible standards for how women should act and look. it's so unfair that we HAVE to buy all these cosmetics and pretend like we are childlike and submissive. Damn right it's better than yours. society creates such impossible standards for how women should act and look. it's so unfair that we HAVE to buy all these cosmetics and pretend like we are childlike and submissive. Why isn't the guy worn wearing his tail and ears lately? What is going on? Gonzo? society creates such impossible standards for how women should act and look. it's so unfair that we HAVE to buy all these cosmetics and pretend like we are childlike and submissive. society creates such impossible standards for how women should act and look. it's so unfair that we HAVE to buy all these cosmetics and pretend like we are childlike and submissive. I think somebody better let the University know or the city know that I think that I just drove through a crater. My math teacher is so cute. I honestly think that I am in love. □ MIPs suck. I have taken 19 Tylenol is the past 24 hours. I don't think that that is too healthy. society creates such impossible standards for how women should act and look. it's so unfair that we HAVE to buy all these cosmetics and pretend like we are childlike and submissive. NEED MORE? For more Free for All comments, check out the Kansan online at www.kansan.com. well, it's also unfair that we men have to maintain the macho image by acting tough and emotionless...and now we HAVE to buy lots of hair gel. PERSPECTIVE First lady: position carries more than just title When using the term "first lady," a picture of our current first lady may enter one's head. There are no duties outlined for the first lady written in the Constitution. Laura Bush epitomizes every aspect of the typical stereotype of a first lady. She is quiet, but well-spoken while supporting every word that comes out of her husband's mouth. She uses her status to support a non-controversial subject and has that starry-eyed gaze toward her husband down to a fine art. COMMENTARY But why are these traits so important to the first lady status? Why does the press attack past first ladies and potential first ladies who do not fit this mold? But Americans hold high expectations for the wife of the president. Americans expect the first lady to be the support system of their leader. Brandi Mathiesen opinion@kansan.com The first to break the mold was Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Franklin Roosevelt. She pushed the stereotype to its breaking point and became one of the most loved and respected first ladies. She was passionate and committed to social reform. She proved that there was power in the position as first lady. She used the position to gain support for issues that she felt were important. She paved the way for women to continue her legacy. Hillary Rodham Clinton used her status as the first lady to push her own agenda. But that doesn't mean she should be criticized for using her brain and forming her own opinions. When signing her marriage license, she didn't sign away her views only to follow her spouse because he decided to run for public office, even if it was the top seat. The wives of Democratic hopefuls don't fit the mold either. The most covered and criticized is Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.). Heinz Kerry has opinions and is not afraid to use them. She speaks her mind. And why shouldn't a well-educated woman be allowed to speak her mind? She is a great role model, an aspect that is missing in American society. She is a woman unafraid to break the mold and follow her heart. She also exudes the confidence she needs to back her opinions. Elizabeth Edwards, wife of U.S. Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.), has a law degree, a college-aged child and two children younger than 6. Edwards has openly talked about putting family first and being sincere in the spotlight. She spends what time she can on the campaign trail, but continues to put her young children first. The aspiring first lady will be asked numerous questions about why she is The simple answer is because it is interesting to see a reflection of the candidates through their wives' eyes. People want to know why she supports him. It is the humanizing effect because she gives him character, passion and emotions. She helps people relate to him. The typical stereotype of today's first lady should include: outspoken, opinionated, intelligent and unafraid to do what she believes is right. The lady should wear the title, not reflect it. ON STUDENT SENATE Mathiesen is a Bonner Springs senior in journalism. Free Student Senate advice; take it or leave it COMMENTARY With the Student Senate campaigns beginning to kick into high gear, I want to take this opportunity to provide some suggestions for the two coalitions, KUnited and Delta Force. I imagine this will be taken with a little more than just a grain of salt. But this is just how I see it. KUnited is the incumbent coalition for the second year in a row.Much of the election is going to surround its track record.The advice, then, is phrased in terms of this structure; KUnited as the status quo and Delta Force representing a change. KUnited: The big bad campaign machine is at it again. So my first word of advice is to not come off looking like a big bad campaign machine. KUnited has a tried and true campaign strategy that has relied heavily on certain bases, namely student organization members and members of the greek community. Jeff Allmon opinion@hansan.com This is incredibly effective, but relying on your base is one thing and taking it for granted is something completely differ ent. Some students in these communities have complained on several occasions that they feel as though KUnited just assumes that it will get their votes simply in virtue of being KUnited. The feasibility of proposed projects are great notions to keep in mind. If you propose a project, of course you think it is a feasible one. Otherwise, why the hell would you propose it? KUnited really needs to come out strong with interesting, compelling and, dare I say, mildly idealistic platform goals. Students in the springtime exist in a vacuum of motivation. KUnited needs to rally to that vacuum with something compelling. Delta Force: I miss that old-time rhetoric of radical change and idealism it used to bring. You need this image more than ever this year for one overwhelming reason: with a third term potentially to be won this year, KUnited is now the establishment coalition. New ideas from a fresh source are almost always attractive. Use your position as an outside organization to shake things up and question the status quo. Many students, believe it or not, find this appealing. This now becomes an important time for the students to look hard at KUnited and what they have accomplished for the campus. Jaywalk's contribution to campus safety, the effectiveness of the Jayhawk Express bus service and other former KUnited projects are all important for Delta Force members to look into. not substantially benefited the Student Body is not what should get you elected. If these ideas are not providing the results we were told they would bring, then those ideas need to go. On the other hand, Delta Force needs to make sure that it keeps track record of its accomplishments. Hilltop Childcare, fall break and the Off Campus Living Resource Center are all nice. But those are projects that were completed years ago and students have short memories Think "recently." Being accountable is important, but being accountable for projects that have And, finally, a word of advice to all: Condom dispensers in the residence halls. Nineteen and 20-year-olds, if you didn't know this, have sex. Nineteen and 20-year-olds need to be protected when they have sex. You can connect the dots and remember my advice is only free for the first 568 words; after this point HERE, I start to charge. Allmon is a Wichita graduate student in philosophy. The Kansan welcomes letters to the editors 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 Meghan Brune or Johanna M. Maska at 864-4924 or e-mail at opinion@kansan.com. GUEST COLUMN GUIDELINES TALK TO US Maximum Length: Maximum Length. 650 word limit Include: Author's name Class, hometown (student) Position (faculty member) Also: The Kansan will not print guest columns that attack another columnist. LETTER GUIDELINES Maximum Length: 200 word limit Include: Author's name and telephone number Class, hometown (student) Position (faculty member) THE UNIVERSITY PAGE 8 KANSAN SUBMITTO Michelle Rombeck editor 884-4854 or mburhenn@kansan.com Andrew Vaupel managing editor 864-4854 or vaupel@kansan.com Meghan Brune and Johanna M. 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