Dear Editor:
As last Wednesday's Helmsman pointed out, there is indeed agrowing wave of conservatism across college campuses. This waveextends to every aspect of the national political scene, proof ofthe Republican Party's success in organization, fundraising, andpropaganda. As was said in the yesterday's article, "Students leanto Republicanism, says new college campus study", a good deal ofthis success is related to the atrocities of September 11, 2001.Such a catastrophe always results in a consolidation of politicalpower for those in charge.
However, I would suggest there is a strong fallacy in claimingthat growing campus conservatism is related to a greater percentageof Republicans amongst students. Rather, this change is reflectiveof the continued decline of educational standards in colleges andother educational institutions. As Republicans continue to cut backon spending for higher education, students become less aware of theissues. It might be of interest to female college students thatthey will be exiting college to enter a job market where their wagewill be, on average, twenty percent less than that of a man doingthe same job. Likewise, minority students should take note that, iftheir school is failing, there is little to no money available toimprove the schools before they would be shut down, thanks to BillGates' and others' tax cuts.
With Republicans in power in all branches of our federalgovernment, it is apparent that change will have to start from theground up. This is why I have decided to respond to the CollegeRepublicans with the organization of Tiger Democrats. TigerDemocrats will contribute another point of view to The U of M'spolitical spectrum, allowing for a true forum of ideas. Historyproves that when people are informed, they vote Democrat. StartingThursday, we will begin our own college survey, and find out whatpeople really want when they are given the facts. It's our future.It's our turn. It's about time.
Jason Hillner
Chairman
Tiger Deomocrats
