Yes, it has been raining lately on campus. While it is dreary, much studying is necessary, and the sturdy roof of the library surely keeps me dry. An article appeared in the Daily on Thursday expressing discontent on the pro-Obama sidewalk chalk near/around Curtiss Hall. The author of said article stated that, “Making it so that we cannot walk five steps without crossing what, in terms of taste, is a hair-line step above graffiti.” I argue otherwise.

I attend a land-grant university, Iowa State University of Science and Technology. We live in a global world now, where, as President Barack Obama said in the recent debate, low-skilled, low-paying jobs will be outsourced to the cheapest labor market possible. This beautiful collection of buildings and scientific equipment serves as a monument to America’s commitment to innovation in the face of challenge.

What we must do now is not cut the budget of Iowa State further on top of the 50 percent state funding cuts over the last decade but boost funding to continue scientific exploration. Republican candidate Mitt Romney would rather let those with the right connections keep the vast amount of their massive incomes while ignoring critical investments to infrastructure and education to pay for it.

Now, there is a point. This “graffiti” expressing motivation to vote Obama outside Curtiss may well be a lifeline for this wonderful place we all learn in. Iowa is a swing state. Most of it is extremely conservative, but the most populous areas, including Ames, seem to be much more progressive. Perhaps we can make up for the backwards views of most of this state by painting our sidewalks with reminders to support this institution we attend. If not, as the author said, eventually the rain will rinse it harmlessly away. After all, freedom of speech was the first amendment.