I am writing in response to the Our View in the Oct. 4 edition of the Daily Forty-Niner titled “Foley example of Republican hypocrisy.” I have never felt compelled to write to any newspaper in response to any article until now. The article discusses the issue of Republican Mark Foley and his recent scandal with a minor. The actions of Foley are no doubt reprehensible and, if convicted, I hope he receives the maximum penalty.
My issue with the article is the ridiculous connection made between Foley’s actions and the Republican party as a whole. The article reads, “This entire scandal should be a beacon of light for Americans to realize that what many politicians do is lie. When all those self-righteous Republicans preach about family values and core beliefs, of devout religious faith, and all American traditions, is this what comes to mind?”
I have no idea how the actions of one man can be extrapolated out to the entire Republican party being a hypocrisy. Not every Republican engages in sexually explicit instant messaging with minors or even condones such activities. The article stated no other examples to back the outrageous claim of “Republican hypocrisy.”
I am shocked such a poor, unorganized, poorly researched-based article can be printed in a collegiate level newspaper. If your newspaper wants to rag on Republicans for whatever reason, that is fine, but please bring forth intelligent, well thought out arguments and evidence to back up your view.
The fore mentioned article is an example of poor, lazy journalism that does not belong in a university newspaper.
Celeste Clippinger, graduate student
