Republicans should focus on uniting country, not divisive bickering

Barack Obama’s inauguration as president of the United States, as even George W. Bush himself has noted, is a cause for the entire nation to celebrate. It is a historical milestone by any estimate, far above and beyond the kind of partisan rancor that has poisoned our politics for more than a generation. President Obama has already shown that he is serious about ameliorating the situation, keeping Bush’s own defense secretary, Robert Gates, and appointing other cabinet members from across the political spectrum, liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans alike.

Thus, it is truly disappointing that the UA College Republicans would use what should be a moment to unite the entire country as another occasion for them to engage in the divisive politics of the past. This is precisely the kind of thing that turns off many young people towards politics, and a huge reason why students at the University of Arizona supported Barack Obama by an overwhelming margin in the November election. We want solutions that bring us together by focusing on what we have in common as Americans, and want to stop the unproductive bickering and pursuit of the failed policies of the past.

At a time when our beloved school and the entire country faces unprecedented challenge, Ry Ellison and the College Republicans would be better off focusing on ways to shape conservative policy in a way that might actually benefit the University of Arizona and the nation instead of waging pointless partisan warfare over a school-sponsored event that seeks to include everyone. The election is over and it is time for us all to rally behind our president.

James J. Jefferies IV
former President, UA Young Democrats

Brittni Storrs
President, UA Young Democrats

Campus overreacted to inauguration

Is this what we have come to? Look, I understand the historic nature of the first African-American president is important and extremely special. However, that is no excuse for the travesties that persisted on Tuesday.

Not only were we made to watch the crowds and introductions in all our classes, but we were made to watch the invocation with Pastor Rick Warren. Where’s the outrage about separation between Church and State? Why did I come to school Tuesday if I was to be subjected to something that imposes on my religious beliefs and I was ultimately forced to watch? Since the class has mandatory attendance…what am I to do? This never happened in any inauguration during Bush’s tenure. The bias here is extremely disturbing.

Adam Lewis
political science senior