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Opinion | Organizations need wariness of irresponsible rhetoric

Jimmy Jordan, Chelsea Kiene, College Democrats

In President Obama's administration, the political climate continues to grow more divisive and malicious as our leaders struggle to resolve our nation's most pressing issues. Rhetoric that was once dependent on providing compelling arguments concerning policy has transformed into antagonistic and oftentimes irrelevant attacks on character. Both Democrats and Republicans are guilty of this irresponsible rhetoric and we should demand higher standards from those we elect to operate our government. Unfortunately, similar toxic behaviors have infiltrated our campus, creating serious concerns regarding how organizations grapple with their differences.

Last Thursday, Miami University College Republicans distributed handouts advertising the College Democrats' current deficit. While the numbers provided by the College Republicans about our deficit are factual, the contextual implications take no stride toward ending the inflammatory dialogue seen at the national level. Not only is this damaging to the political climate on our campus, but it is also distracting from real policy issues and what our organizations aim to achieve.

The College Democrats organization recognizes our debt is a serious problem and we hold ourselves accountable for eliminating this deficit, even though no current member had any part in accumulating the debt. Under university policy, funding provided by Associated Student Government (ASG) cannot be used to eliminate outstanding debt. We have complied with all of ASG's requests for debt relief and have been spending our current funds responsibly. Despite this, the College Republicans chose to attack us as an organization rather than on the candidates and issues we support.

Both the College Republicans and the College Democrats work to achieve one goal: spreading campus-wide awareness of political issues. However, the College Democrats spread awareness without resorting to libeling the College Republicans. As an organization we seek to heighten awareness by distributing flyers focused on candidates and policy issues. Members of both organizations are energetic, articulate leaders with strong convictions with the determination to make a difference. The similarities we share are stronger than the contentions that divide us.

Prior to this event, members of both the College Republicans and the College Democrats discussed planned to collaborate on joint events. We are frustrated and disappointed by the College Republicans' actions. However, we are still open to working with their organization if they stop their needless mudslinging attacks.

Not only should government officials rise above petty politics to resolve what has become a political reality, but also so should Miami's student organizations. Regardless of our differences, we are a collective student body that needs to respect the individuals that compose our organizations.


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