I wanted to take the time to introduce myself to the student body. As your new opinions editor, I think it’s only fair to let everyone know right off the bat that I am not an anti-Walker Democrat. Actually, I’m not really a Republican either. I’m more of an Independent (oooohhh… she’s one of… those).

One of the reasons that you won’t hear me own up to either side is because of the almost ridiculous manner in which they align the “issues.” I personally don’t think it even makes sense how most of them are categorized.

Take a look at the “God issue.” According to stereotype, “them Dems” are the non-believers. I find it ironic though that the blue side is the ones who are more humanitarian in nature, the ones who are looking to help out their brothers and sisters in society in an unselfish manner. The Republicans – as I said earlier, stereotypically – are the “Christian white class” who don’t want to give their money to the good of the group, unless it’s to their church, then they will gladly give a tenth.

When did guns become a party issue and not just something that is a personal choice? Really, there’s a party card for whether or not I personally feel guns should be in private homes? What if I disagree? Am I going to get my party card removed from my wallet? What if you’re a Democrat who believes in creationism? Is that even allowed?

Take the issue of abortion for example. Democrats are known to be the pro-choicers. Well I know a few democratic mothers who will sharply disagree with that now that they have felt life inside of them. To them, the choice is adoption or parenthood now, not to bare or not to bare. On the other hand, I know a few members of the GOP who have taken a little pill at their doctors office and then another at home 24 hours later… ironic huh?

Why there are only two major political parties is beyond me. Whether or not I believe in the trickle-down effect or not should not have any sort of influence on whether or not I support concealed carry. Too often though, I seem to run into individuals who jump on the party card bandwagon finding a way to reason with themselves on each issue almost because they feel they are supposed to either fully agree or disagree.

I hope that my Independent status will allow me to be a fair opinions editor here at The Clarion. But ultimately, it is your opinions that I want. How much do you agree with the party you most affiliate yourself with? Eighty percent? Sixty? Do you feel stigmatized when you speak out against a portion of the party to other members of the same party?

One area we are looking to expand this year is to increase student feedback. We welcome letters to the editor and story submissions. Please, I encourage you to email me your thoughts at [email protected].