LETTER: Don’t visit the zoo this week

Editor,

I am a political independent who served as an assistant to the executive board of the College Republicans a couple of years ago. In my capacity during this time, I was involved with Rob Bishop’s congressional campaign. Later, I flip flopped and ran for a seat with the College Democrats, which I didn’t win. However, I attended their retreat at Bear Lake, which featured former Utah Attorney General Paul Van Dam, who was seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate. In both cases, I enjoyed good company. But today, I am dismayed.

Behold, I see my inbox contains e-mails from both groups. College Republicans are “throwing a Communist Party,” where attendees are encouraged to “Come as your favorite dictator: Stalin, Hitler, [and] Clinton.” It is going to be absolutely crazy!” Wow, this really sounds like a blast! I am actually being prompted to dress up as good old Adolf and celebrate their “house party.” What sort of a house is this? It must be a nuthouse. Where else can anyone attire him/herself as an infamous dictator (Clinton excluded) and be rewarded for mocking the absolute seriousness of the Holocaust?

This is an outrage, active Republican students should steer straight while upholding values instead of parading around as Hitler or Stalin. Didn’t they pay any attention to what happened to Prince Harry of Britain? He is shoveling pig stalls in penance for garbing himself as Hitler at a recent event. Apparently it’s an Animal House all around.

The second email, from the College Democrats states “We are having our first meeting this Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 pm. Everyone come, we will have FREE PIZZA!!” This is enticing to lowly students like me. But where is the meeting? No location is given. Duh…

Having had positive experiences with both groups, I do recommend getting involved with either one, I just wish the elephants would exercise better judgment and the donkeys would pay attention to detail. As an independent, I will not be visiting the zoo this week.

Jesse Shelton