I promised this page’s main editor that I wouldn’t give Jim Gilchrist anymore breathing room in this space. But being the bad assistant editor that I am, I couldn’t follow through.
I was originally going to cover the Gilchrist visit, but I changed my mind. You see, the words that this man spits come way too close to home. The people he refers to as “criminals” and “racists” are people I call my friends. Covering this event would be a conflict of interest, and in the world of journalism, this is a big no-no.
I’ve met the president of the Conservative Student Union, Jason Aula. His group invited this man to this school. Overall, he’s an nice guy with an extremely different view from mine. I think most of us students have this urge to believe in something, even if it means believing in not believing in anything. His group represents a segment of the population that has the same beliefs.
I didn’t say much when I met him. The job of a journalist is to see both sides of a story and ask questions. I questioned a lot of the references that he cited. But here’s where the tricky part comes. Regardless of my own viewpoints, I had to let the man speak. Like everyone else, he’s got a right to say whatever he wants.
To anyone planning to attend the event, please go with an open mind. When things turn into turmoil and feelings get in the way, the opposition wins. May I remind you of his Columbia University visit a year ago?
This man is creating a buzz around campus and I’m pretty sure he’s loving it. Let’s be wise about our actions and remember that a silent protest is always stronger than shoving someone off of a stage.
– Julio Salgado
