Republicans still in the ‘Big Tent’

In his most recent column, my friend Shurid Sen incorrectly characterized Republicans as abandoning their “”Big Tent”” (last Wednesday’s “”GOP big tent made of cards””). But to be fair, if certain individuals are thinking of stepping out of the Republicans’ “”Big Tent,”” then the Democrats burned their tent down long ago.

It’s true that there are a variety of ideological positions within the Republican Party. Many of these differences, especially on social issues, are being discussed and worked out as the Republicans concern themselves with the business of governing the nation.

Then again, the only thing uniting Democrats these days is the message “”We’re not Republicans.”” And while that might be good enough for them to pick up a few House seats this year, it’s not a platform that’s likely to produce results for the American people, Republican or Democrat.

On the contrary, in the Democratic Party, we have politicians like Howard Dean dragging their party further to the left in the name of “”Democratic values”” and getting further out of touch with the American people with every step they take.

Moderate Republicans may draw criticism for their views, but moderate Democrats, even ones with years of experience and leadership like Joe Lieberman, are being thrown out of office and abandoned by the party they have served for so long.

Republicans have always been better at banding together in pursuit of common goals. For example, our own Sen. Jon McCain is notorious for having butted heads with President Bush several times during his first term in the White House.

Yet it was McCain who spent the fall of 2004 on a national tour with President Bush, introducing him at key campaign events all around the country and making a dramatic statement about the nature of Republican unity.

Democrats have not been able to unite behind a single candidate for president in such a complete and sincere way since Franklin Roosevelt was seeking reelection.

From Libertarians to “”values voters”” to fiscal conservatives and even moderate social liberals, Republicans feel at home in the Republican Party. And contrary to what Sen would like to believe, as long as the most important debate on the other side is “”How liberal is too liberal?”” they still will.

Michael R. Huston

political science junior
co-chairman, Arizona College Republicans

A chance encounter with the new president

After completing another long week of my freshman year, I was ready to sit back and enjoy my flight home three weeks ago. While everyone else seemed to indulge in the same idea of a break and keep to themselves, an older-looking man in the seat beside me smiled and commented on my Arizona sweatshirt. It did not take long for me to share my experiences with school, the football games and new friends at the UA.

Ten minutes into the conversation, I decided to ask the man a little more about himself. Judging by his interest in the UA, I asked if he was an alumnus. He simply said “”No, I’m the new UA president.”” Holding out his hand, he stated, “”Hello, I’m Robert Shelton.”” Feeling a bit oblivious and almost embarrassed, I apologized for not noticing in the first place and said he looked different at New Student Convocation. He did not mind at all and continued asking me all about my UA adventures, likes/dislikes and viewpoint. Perhaps he wanted insight on the freshman experience, but Shelton seemed very interested in what I had to say and wished me a nice trip home once the plane landed.

Shelton is new to this university, so I believe this may give students a better understanding of who he is as a person. Along with demonstrating decisiveness, getting work done and giving insight into local campaigns, Shelton expressed his genuine interest in UA students in talking to one for 20 minutes. As a modest, warm, proactive and hardworking president, Shelton will do great things for the UA.

Laura Donovan
freshman majoring in elementary education and creative writing

Border enforcement will lead to clean environment

This past weekend I had the opportunity to assist with a desert clean-up project near the border. I always thought the figures on trash left in the desert by illegal immigrants quoted by Republicans seemed overestimated (even being a Republican myself), but now I realize that the figures quoted may very well be too low. After just 10 minutes of picking up trash, my friend and I had a pile of backpacks, blankets, bottles, jackets, cans and other garbage so big that we didn’t know how we would ever get it all out, even with my big truck. My point: The illegal border traffic must be stopped, and a vote for border enforcement candidates is a vote for a clean environment.

Alex Hoogasian
political science senior

Courtesy is an act of giving, not receiving

I’d like to respond to a recent letter (“”Is chivalry dead?,”” Oct. 25) bemoaning the lack of chivalry (courtesy is the more appropriate word in this case) on the UA campus.

I think the message that the writer of the letter intended to convey is that there is not a lack of courtesy, although that may be true, it’s that he felt his courteous acts were inadequately acknowledged.

An act of courtesy is always an act of giving, not receiving. If one holds a door for another person, it should be done as a show of respect for that person – a giving of respect, if you will. If a door is held open with the expectation of thanks, then the act becomes a selfish one.

From the other perspective, one should not expect a door to be held. But if it is, it would be polite to say, “”thank you.””

To the writer of the previous letter, I applaud your courtesy in a day when it is almost non-existent. I encourage you and others to continue.

John Nangle
math graduate student