LETTER: Letters need to make argument

Editor,

It’s just like being back at elementary school during recess every time I’ve read the Statesman lately. Although I don’t agree with everything Mr. Westbroek says, the fact is that every time he writes an article that expresses his view with thoughtful argument, there is an immediate slew of letters attacking him personally. These letters include everything from “He hates gays” to “this kid Jared’s a dark horse like I’ve never seen.” Several people have written in saying how his articles are an “abomination” or it leaves them “chuckling.”

If these people are trying to express their view, they sure haven’t convinced me of anything. Whether or not you agree with Mr. Westbroek’s politics, he is legitimately arguing his point, and those who don’t agree with his politics spend their time trying to discredit him by calling him names or deriding him. The only reason I can imagine why they would act like this, is they have no argument. Here’s a reality check, name calling or labeling doesn’t do anything for your cause. People like me, that are trying to consider both sides of student opinion and decide which is right, see a well thought out argument on one side, and childish name calling on the other.

If you want to influence people to see things your way, try thinking through an argument and presenting it like Mr. Westbroek. Then readers like me will be able to consider your point of view. But if those who do not agree with Mr. Westbroek’s politics resort to labeling, name-calling, or degrading him, students who read the Statesman will continue to think you have no fact or proof behind your opinion. So let’s stop acting like children and start acting like adults. If I want to hear students’ opinions, I’ll read the Statesman. If I want to hear name-calling, I’ll go listen to the elementary kids at recess.

Wiley Barker