To the Editors:

As a student at Oberlin I kept my opinions to myself and spent most of my time practicing and studying. Knowing that I was one of the few conservatives on campus, I knew that I would have to deal with harsh criticism and intolerance if I did voice my way of thinking (funny how the left is so vehemently intolerant of points of view other than their own, doesn’t sound too liberal to me) — so I chose to keep quiet. However, I realize now more than ever that much of the social activism (if it can even be taken seriously) at Oberlin represents a subversive way of thinking. This thought process is not so much rooted in a genuine concern for social and political issues as it is a selfish and ignorant expression that serves to make those that participate in so called “die-ins” and walk-outs feel better about themselves. These demonstrations attempt to undermine the efforts of a just cause, those that protect the participants’ right to be so selfish and ultimately really effect no change whatsoever. War is always a last resort, and I am positive that our leaders are much more aware of the real dangers here than some 19 and 20-year-olds living in an ivory tower in Northeast Ohio. I suppose that college is the best time to partake in things like war protests, but I find it annoying that Oberlin carries with it so many negative connotations when it comes to such blatent displays of anti-Americanism. I take comfort in knowing that Rush Limbaugh is the most listened to talk radio program in the nation and that millions upon millions of true Americans tune into Fox News every evening,

—Michael LaMattina
OC ‘99