Election 2008 Primary Endorsements

The Spectrum editorial board endorses US Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain. Both candidates are willing to fight for change.

Obama and US Sen. Hillary Clinton, the frontrunners on the Democratic side, differ mostly in their personalities; while Clinton is the seasoned veteran, Obama is the charismatic young-gun.

Policy-wise, they both want major changes in healthcare, and both plans would yield similar results. As for Iraq, the senators agree on a phased redeployment of the troops. What Obama and Clinton bicker about the most is the start of the Iraq War. Obama was opposed from the beginning, while Clinton has tried to retract her vote, saying if she knew then what she knows now, she would have voted differently.

The numbers show that experience isn't everything in politics. Obama is leading Clinton both in delegates and total number of votes. With 63 delegates and a total of 399,863 votes from the N.H. and S.C. primaries, Clinton lags behind with a total of 253,378 and 48 delegates. According to S.C. exit polls on CNN.com, Obama won the overwhelming majority of nearly every group of voters imaginable - no matter their gender, race or age. Clinton did win the over 65 vote.

The general feeling in the country is that Obama is the true candidate of change, the one to set a new course for the United States, instead of staying the course. Obama is the best Democrat to bring about change.

On the Republican side, experience is undisputed. With 25 years of experience in the Senate, McCain also has an extensive military record, and even spent many years as a POW. His military experience gives him some understanding of foreign policy and first-hand knowledge about times of war.

McCain is the candidate willing to stand up for his beliefs, while he's still willing to cross party lines and negotiate with politicians, no matter their affiliation.

Even with 15 years gubernatorial experience, Huckabee's background as a Baptist minister makes him a poor choice to lead a country; while he seems to keep church and state separate in his debate responses, his positions on social issues violates the first amendment. When it comes to making a decision on behalf of the American people, Huckabee will side with the conservatives Christians, every time.

Former N.Y. Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney are weak candidates based on their recent changes in platforms. They were elected in blue states and they have since flip-flopped to appeal to the national ticket and conservative voters. Giuliani was even passed over for an endorsement by The New York Times in favor of McCain. McCain and Huckabee are the only two who have stayed true to themselves.

With Super Tuesday on Feb. 5, the race for the Whitehouse is largely undecided, but we encourage all students from this area to participate in the process.

Shame on you, McKinley High School

Freedom of speech threatened by administrators

When McKinley High School senior Jayvonna Kincannon thought her beloved basketball coach was terminated unjustly, she went to a Buffalo Board of Education meeting to try and speak her mind. Instead of a pat on the back, the honor-roll student and team captain was slapped with a seven-week suspension from school, according to The Buffalo News.

When protesting the firing of Michelle Stiles, Kincannon broke no rules. She even called ahead to be placed on the school board's agenda, but her name was never called. She tried to say a few words, and in response the school sent her a letter saying she was suspended for wearing a hoodie and using a cell phone.

While the obvious answer is Kincannon should appeal her suspension, McKinley Principal Crystal Barton has the right to transfer her if she does. Kincannon's grandmother appealed on her behalf, but the board took no action, according to The Buffalo News.

Since this is a matter of freedom of speech, we encourage Kincannon to get a lawyer. If the school won't do anything about her suspension when asked nicely, the potential for legal action should make them re-evaluate their punishments.

Administrators are supposed to look out for students, but by representing themselves, they have failed students. It's sad but typical - once administrators get their high paying jobs, they'll do anything to keep them, even at the students' expense. Administrators are in it for themselves, and have silenced students' voices in order to cover up an unsavory situation.