Authors:
Once again, the aim of the College Republicans is being
misconstrued. Friday’s cartoon is a prime example. The Republicans
are being portrayed as belittling only the vandals who paint
slogans we are opposed to and ignoring the “mere” obscenities. This
is simply not the case. We are opposed to all vandalism because we
feel it is unnecessary, as well as illegal, and it gives a negative
impression of our campus to visitors and the community. The plain
fact is, however, that the vast majority of the graffiti blighting
our walls and walkways is of a political nature, usually containing
anti-Republican or anti-government messages. The primary purpose of
the Campus Insanity Project is to draw attention to this graffiti
so it will be removed. It never has been and never will be about
silencing views that we may disagree with.
I am baffled that by posting images of this vandalism on our Web
site (
“http://www.csurepublicans.com”>www.csurepublicans.com
), we are
accused of censorship or trying to limit free speech. Pointing out
what is clearly visible does not restrict anyone’s First Amendment
rights and it is ludicrous to suggest it does; not to mention that
such rights are not extended to vandalism, a fact that has been
established in several Supreme Court cases.
We welcome rational disagreement and calm discussion. We do have
an open invitation to come to our meetings, generally on Thursday
nights at 7 p.m. in the student center. Anyone who wishes to see
what we are about is welcome to come. However, illegal graffiti and
heated insults are not ways to engage in civilized debate.
Sara Farb,
Vice-chair, CSU College Republicans
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