Schwarzenegger better choice for
conservatives
I truly sympathize with Paul Marian (“McClintock clearly
the better choice,” Sept. 26); however, as a (fiscal)
conservative myself, I must disagree with his conclusion. Marian
asserts that McClintock is the better choice because he is an
experienced politician with a clear agenda and solid conservative
values. I am curious as to why Marian does not differentiate
between fiscal and social conservatism. Both Schwarzenegger and
McClintock are fiscal conservatives ““ not complete opposites.
And while Schwarzenegger may not state his position as eloquently
as McClintock, there are currently a number of politicians who are
proof that even those who lack political experience and finesse as
public speakers are able to become capable politicians.
More to the heart of the issue, it’s a little absurd for
social conservatives ““ in a state so dominated by democrats
““ to think they can hold out for a candidate who is
everything they want and expect him to win. Democratic politics, by
definition, involves some degree of compromise. A social
conservative can never win in a statewide California election
(every statewide position is currently held by a democrat). The
only reason McClintock is in the Legislature is because he
represents a conservative enclave in Ventura County.
You can vote for the candidate that is offering the entire wish
list of governmental reforms, but because he has absolutely no
chance of winning, you might as well be abstaining from the vote.
Alternatively, conservatives can accept a compromise and vote for
Schwarzenegger.
Kevin Williams Graduate student in microbiology,
immunology and molecular genetics
USAC budget allocations unfair
Justin Schreiber’s denial (“USAC denies JSU appeal
for additional funding,” Sept. 25) of slate politics
affecting Budget Review Committee decisions is highly disingenuous
and obviously false. A cursory glance at base budget allocations
from the Praxis/Student Empowerment!/Students First! regimes
clearly shows that groups affiliated with the majority slate are
rewarded monetarily while the others are unfairly punished. SF!
cannot deny the correlation of political support with base budget
favors. Neither can the victors claim that they are exercising the
voters’ will; if so, Josh Lawson wouldn’t have the
second smallest USAC budget. Petty, cutthroat student politicians
cannot be entrusted with allocating base budgets. It is past time
for ASUCLA to delegate this power to the Center of Student
Programming or another professional and disinterested body. Not
only would such a process mediate these perennial claims in a more
equitable manner but would also reduce the hostility of USAC.
Robbie Hurwitz Former president, Jewish Student Union
Political science, Class of 2003 First-year law
student