RHETORIC IN A NEW GENERATION
(In regards to Will Munsil’s Jan. 18 column, “Partisanship and the American rhetoric.”)
Will Munsil correctly observes in his column "that our generation seems willing to examine more closely the way we speak and reason."
When constituents want to change the way politicians use language, they should call them out on it by writing to them to complain, especially those in their own party.
The free debate of opposing views is central to our political system. What is unnecessary is the inflammatory speech that discourages discussion of the actual issues at hand.
The more our society refuses to tolerate those who waste words telling half-truths, the more these grandstanders will be seen as resorting to such rhetoric because they are incapable of debating the actual issues. Don't reward politicians who fail to contribute to the real debate by re-electing them.
Bill Swayze Faculty Member
PICKETING FUNERALS
Like everyone across the nation, I was horrified to learn about the shootings that took place in Tucson on Saturday. I currently work and reside in Connecticut, but I am an Arizona native. On Sunday, I read an article in USA Today about how Westboro Baptist Church is planning on picketing the funerals of those killed in the tragedy.
Even though I am not physically in Arizona at this moment in time, I would like to ask my fellow Arizonians to please take action! Continue to hold vigils for those who perished and let them know that what they plan to do is not right. And if you do decide to take any action, I would ask that you please do it peacefully.
Gilbert Celaya Alumnus
