COLUMN: Hear all sides, then make a choice

Utah State University’s College Republicans are right. Not only our campus, but the world has become so liberal that any conservative opinion is automatically labeled with the word “hate.”

As I walked past Pride Day on campus, I didn’t see one College Republican hollering. I know I didn’t see or hear Gabe White, president of the College Republicans, calling them heterophobes.

Society has become too uptight and too scared of any conservative view. When Tom Robins was quoted in The Statesman saying, “The silent majority will be silent no longer,” I don’t think he was talking race – as many have misquoted him. I believe Robins was talking about his values not being accepted, his voice void due to his views.

A year ago I didn’t have the political energy I’ve since gained. With MTV, musicians, celebrities and the media force feeding their liberal ideas, I felt enough pressure to make me want to be active standing up for my values proudly. I don’t want to remain silent anymore. I joined the College Republicans this year and regret not doing it sooner.

In March, I was at a College Republicans’ stand while many students expressed support and said they hope to see more of the College Republicans fighting for their values on campus. I asked them why, and they told me they feel their voice is vetoed in public. They wanted and needed a group to represent them.

I’ve always heard the liberal side was fighting for equal rights. They haven’t practiced those rights when a conservative voice is speaking in front of them. Instead, they become too concerned with the conservative individual. The tolerance of another opinion is nonexistent.

Yes, the traditional marriage rally had many people uptight. Some said the College Republicans were out of control; those in the crowd were not all College Republicans. Many students were excited to see a group represent their ideas and their beliefs.

I want to see this campus become fair and balanced; I would like the youth to make up their own mind when they vote and say what they believe. If anyone goes to a voting booth it should be their voice, not the voice of their favorite musician, and definitely not MTV’s.

But when they go to the booth, they should be informed – aware of both sides. I listen to Democrats’ protests, debates; I listen to any party wanting their voice heard, and it educates me and connects me with my own values.

It’s a problem when MTV’s Fight for your Rights educates its viewers about lifestyles such as homosexuality and non-Christian religions. They never feature a 3.8 student losing a scholarship because he or she is white and the school has to award a person of color instead. Those rights seem to have vanished.

Bands such as NOFX, Offspring, Alkaline Trio and a Canadian band called Sum 41, are appearing on an album “Rock against Bush Vol. One.” When I was younger, I looked up to bands; many children are going to hate Bush because a punk band does.

If musicians want their fans to become intelligent, they would present issues and have their fans decide. And maybe respect those fans.

For conservatives who are ready to have your voice heard, get active. Spencer Lloyd is the new chairman for the College Republicans, and he’s prepared for a politically charged school year in 2004-05. Let’s make a difference on campus and in America. Support our president.

I hope the majority of the political left will be a little more tolerant with conservatives next year. Here’s to wishful thinking.

Shane Krebs can be contacted at srkrebs@cc.usu.edu.