 |
 |
Editor:
I am writing in response to Alicia A. Caldwell's Sept. 19 article "Political debate becomes heated shouting match" and Jackie Casey's Sept. 23 letter to the editor.
First, let me say that Caldwell's article was superbly written. However, Caldwell failed to include in her article one of the most shocking and disturbing actions that occurred last Wednesday night. Jackie Casey, the president of the Libertarian students, succeeded in completely offending all Young Democrats, and many, many other students at the UA, by making a Nazi salute to the audience after one particular round of verbal argument in which the Libertarians compared the Democrats to Nazis. This salute was made even after it was clearly explained that comparing anyone to Nazis (let alone Young Democrats' President Julie Lewis who is Jewish and whose relatives were victims of the Holocaust) is entirely offensive. This action clearly demonstrates the ignorance and insensitivity of Jackie Casey.
Jackie, instead of self-glorifying yourself as in your letter that listed all of your wonderful research, perhaps you should enroll in a course in blatant insensitivity and ignorance. You would certainly pass with flying colors.
As for your statement that we should "consider responding to requests to help plan an event before criticizing it," I can only say that had we in reality been asked to help plan this ridiculous event we would gladly have participated. At least if the Young Democrats had participated in the organization of the debate it may have been conducted professionally.
Jackie, I must thank you though. This was a learning experience for all. Hopefully, you and others have learned not to call anyone who isn't a Nazi a Nazi. We Young Democrats have learned not to assume that a debate organized by a partisan organization would attempt to be unbiased. And unfortunately, we have also learned that ignorance and insensitivity still exist even in academic environments.
Caron S. Spector
vice president of membership, Young Democrats
interdisciplinary studies sophomore
|
|
|