Editor,
I get such a kick when someone feeds the UNM population with propaganda. John Bauer, self-proclaimed "50-year-old Conservative Republican," seems to love doing it. I just loved it when he told readers of the Daily Lobo that the UNM College Republicans support free speech as long as we don't disagree with it. Wow, for a man who has never set foot into one of our meetings, he sure seems to know all about our message.
I guess our platform and all our tables and flyers are useless, because John Bauer is the all-knowing conservative messenger sent to UNM. Although we appreciate his perspective on our thoughts, let me humbly try and replace him for a moment to set the record straight.
We fully support the U.S. Constitution and its call for "freedom of speech." However, with freedom comes responsibility. I don't want to stay on the Berthold bandwagon, because we have all heard it before, but what he said to his students in a classroom and on the clock was totally irresponsible. I believe that he is truly sorry for his remarks, as he should be!
Just because we support his dismissal from the University does not mean we don't support and defend his right to speak. You can defend someone's right to speak, but don't have to agree with it. We heard him say his peace and we disagreed with it. Most people disagreed with it as well, so the College Republicans can't be all bad.
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from repercussions. There has to be some accountability on the part of the speaker.
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With the call for dismissal of John Dendahl, the Republican Party had to seriously consider and debate the drug issue within its ranks. They argued amongst themselves, but the issue was ultimately resolved and Mr. Dendahl was handily re-elected. They were able to work through their disagreements and press on. Again, disagreement with someone's thoughts or speech is not the same saying they have no right to it.
As far as our group trying to get people to join our ranks, I found Mr. Bauer's remarks quire comical. Our group does not recruit people for the sake of recruiting people or try to boost our membership to flash our numbers around campus.
We recruit civic-minded people who share our ideas. I don't care if we only had two members on campus, as long as we share a common goal and have principles. The message you mentioned, excluding your ignorant interpretation, is exactly the one we want people to see.
The College Republicans support responsible free speech.
We believe in honor, values, patriotism, morals and principles. John Bauer thinks he may not be a Republican anymore. I think he is right. He sure doesn't sound like one to me.
Steven Determan
UNM College Republicans
