In response to the letter in the March 25 issue of The Spectrum titled "College Republicans Look for Public Explanation for Cancelled Debate," I, as the targeted figure, feel that I am obliged to respond to what should have been a private matter.
I canceled the Wednesday debate between the College Republicans and Democrats for a number of reasons.
First, the hope among our group was that this would not simply be a debate exclusive to two political entities, but rather an exchange of ideas among groups such as the NAACP and not just partisan war between Republicans and Democrats. I had asked certain individuals to get in contact with these groups. Either they did not, or these groups failed to respond. In either case, my feelings were that this debate would not be as worthwhile without the participation of these groups. They would have added a great deal in terms of ideas and attendance.
Second, I was forced to cancel because of the lack of public relations from both sides. Neither party advertised the event with fliers and things of the like. It would seem to me that others outside of our respective memberships would have liked to know about this debate. More could have and should have been done by the communication departments in both organizations.
In terms of another debate, I will certainly take it into consideration. A free exchange of viewpoints is propitious to all parties, whether it is our organizations or the student body at large. However, judging by the bellicose and hostile tone expressed by your club regarding the cancellation and my comments regarding the bake sale, I am not sure that much can be accomplished on a bilateral basis and in an amicable manner.
In conclusion, I certainly hope that any problems that arise in the future can be resolved in a private manner. I have never been one who has believed in "doing laundry" in a public forum. Just as I would avoid at all costs airing private grievances in public, I would never choose to express my anger towards an individual in a public forum like The Spectrum's editorial page.
It is my sincere hope that in the future, matters like this can and will be resolved privately between the two clubs. Although the College Republicans and College Democrats represent two very different ideological viewpoints, it does little good for the university to have either organization at near war with one another.
We are all Americans. We are all civil individuals. We are all committed to the progress and prosperity of this country, while at the same time helping students come to terms with what they believe and how they can act on their beliefs. This is the idea of a free society and a healthy and vibrant democracy.
