I am beginning to dread my trek across campus. Students face people every day who preach about our “conspiracy theorist” government and proclaim our country is completely corrupt.

These people voicing their opinions isn’t the problem — in fact, it is important to hear different points of view. It reminds me not everyone thinks like I do. We are a diverse country; of course peoples’ ideas and opinions will vary. The problem is people have now begun to disrespect others for thinking differently.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t voice our opinions. I realize not everyone supports our actions in Iraq. I know not everyone has to agree with President Bush. I support the Patriot Act, you don’t. That’s okay. Let me have my opinion, and you can have yours.

People are beginning to write others off as ignorant simply because they don’t agree. It’s time to stop this. We can continue to disagree on the United Nation’s credibility and on just how patriotic the Patriot Act is. You can despise President Bush, and I can adore him. The fact that we don’t think the same way is fine, but please respect that there is another side.

I have a challenge for every person on campus: Open your mind a little bit more this week. Try to recognize one flaw of your opinion and a good point of your opposition’s. It doesn’t have to be on a political issue, it can be anything. It probably won’t change your mind. We will hold our opinions for whatever reasons we may have, but force yourself to see things from another point of view.

We won’t all agree all the time. In reality, we will probably never all agree. We are lucky enough to be able to voice our opinions. Just think — in another country, voiced opposition isn’t permitted. People are punished and persecuted for voicing disagreement. We have the chance to discuss our differences — it’s your decision to take that chance. Let’s allow ourselves to be different, and do so peacefully and respectfully.

Erin Makey

Sophomore

English