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The Elephant and Donkey Tango

By Allen Arnold

Living in twenty-first century America, the "bastion of free thought and speech," why do we feel it necessary to stigmatize members of opposite political parties?

The Democrat/Repub-lican political relationship has developed to the point whereby their views are often only a compromise away. If you were to sit down and actually think about all of the national and worldly issues that our government currently has to deal with, it would most likely make you wish you still played with He-Man. I firmly believe the best way to approach any political issue is to tackle it in a surgical manner. We must dissect each issue and respect different points of view.

I don't think anybody with supposed political ties believes in every issue that their party is affiliated with. The sheer volume of political issues makes it almost impossible for people in a specific party to agree on a singular subject.

The only way that our government can possibly work together to work out issues is to look past party lines and compromise on the best possible solutions for our country. That means the eminent war with Iraq is not because of some right-wing conspiracy, nor is it just a plot to make the Baldwin brothers go on every talk show. The answer most likely lies somewhere in between. Whether or not you believe it, our government officials are working diligently to appease the mass populations of our country.

One might ask, if I voted for George W. in the last election what the hell am I doing writing for an independent, "liberal" college magazine? Perhaps it is because I really want to have some person read my article and think that I am a tight-ass conservative. Even better yet, maybe this person could write me numerous hate letters, warning me of the evils of the corporate influence on our government. Or maybe some ultra-conservative could even firebomb my shitty apartment because I believe in pro-choice.

Most people that know me would not consider myself a tight-ass, for I am way too apathetic, nor do I carry a Ronald Reagan Appreciation Club membership card. Being so cool that I am a Park student I feel that I am pretty well versed in the day-to-day actions of our government. Therefore I do not feel the need to have somebody inform me of the evils of corporate influence.

Although my roommates would disagree, I really do not have a Ted Nugent shrine in my room, for he too scares me. So just because I voted for Bush in the last election does that mean that my opinion in liberal circles isn't worth a damn?

Party affiliation in actuality is about just as valid as the born on date on a case of Busch. All I ask is an open mind on campus, downtown, in Vermont and in Texas. Go ahead and shake hands with a Republican, their hands aren't too clammy. Give a big, smiling "tree" hug to your local Green Party member, and go complain to a liberal about the potholes in the road. At the bare minimum get to know more than one side of the issue before you firmly state your opinion, for we can all use a little education.

Allen Arnold is a senior media studies major. Email him at jarnold2@ithaca.edu