It seems everyday I hear more and more people talk about how “undemocratic” the California recall is. The more and more I hear it, the more and more I wish they would think about what the term “democratic” really means.

A democracy is defined as “rule by the people,” and this does not stop with California, and it does not stop at a liberal governor. It is the people’s choice who they are governed by, and a recall is the people’s decision that they no longer wish to be ruled by a certain person. How can giving more power to the people be undemocratic?

Also, Mr. Noble says that a recall “utilizes an army of confused people,” but couldn’t the same thing be said about them when they originally voted for Gray Davis? Were they smart when they voted for him, but got stupid when they decided they didn’t like what he had done to their state? Even if you disagree with the alternatives (I don’t like most of the candidates, either), that doesn’t mean the whole process is undemocratic.

Noble mentioned that candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger is “Hitler-admiring.” That statement goes without merit and is likely false. The person who did the interview with him in the 1970s has said Schwarzenegger’s remarks were taken out of context.

Coming to any good judgment requires an open mind, and jumping to conclusions only increases your chances of being wrong. The statement by Noble that worries me the most is that he encourages Californians not to vote. I thought this article was about being undemocratic? Democracy in America equals voting. We already have horrible voter turnout. The will of the people is not heard when votes are not cast. Anyone who thinks the recall is a bad decision should just vote no — it’s their democratic choice to do so.

William Lincoln

Freshman

Meteorology