LETTER: Campaigns on campus are entertaining

To the editor:
   
    Just when all Americans began to breathe air that wasn’t saturated with hope, change and other self-proclaimed acclamations of the many candidates of 2008, election week hit campus.  Student elections in a college setting are fascinating; it’s as though some people have not quite been able to bring themselves to the cutting of the umbilical cord from the womb of high school popularity contests. In addition, the English language seems to be on sabbatical during campaign week as many of the slogans defy and blatantly ignore basic elements of grammar. Instead of actual platforms, campaigning becomes a contest about who can create the best limerick with their last name. FYI, my last name, “Ure” pronounced “your” will always win this competition – ‘cause I’m not Ure average candidate.
    Yet, election week has its perks … it is immensely entertaining. Sometime during this campaign season visit the southwest side of the library and watch human nature in action.  From here, you are likely to see the following scenarios: People will either completely dodge the candidates by disregarding the sidewalk and opting for snow filled shoes rather than an encounter with a zealous candidate for office, or they will pretend their shoes are foreign entities to their bodies and the harder they stare at them the more elusive they will become, or people will play the “If I don’t make eye contact I am invisible” game.
    So what is a student to do in such a situation? Phone a friend or use the buddy system. People on cell phones might be given a flier but are under no obligation to reply to the person. Also, large groups are less approachable. Walking solo is a death sentence.
    With all this talk about change, I’ve decided to adopt a new policy for this election year. I’m calling it the No Name Recognition Deal or the NNR. The people who have not assaulted me with fliers or attempted to bribe me with candy, or blared their name in my ear-will earn my vote. Sometimes doing nothing is the best way you can do something. Happy campaigning.

Laura Ure