Conservative 'takeover' is anything but

After reading the article "Students search for answers on student government's political makeup"(March 15) I am pleased yet compelled to reiterate the article's headline to the Tufts community.

Since the fall, the Daily has printed several pieces mentioning the "large number of conservatives" in our student government. However, I have yet to read an analysis of this "vast right-wing conspiracy" by the numbers.

The aforementioned article cites a poll in which ten percent of Tufts students plan to vote for President Bush in November. Based on this number, it is clear that conservatives are actually under-represented in the TCU government. There are 28 senators, seven TCUJ members, and currently five student CSL members. There are only 3 prominent conservatives in these groups, totaling 40 students in all. Three conservatives out of 40? That's only 7.5 percent!

It is obvious that those spreading rumors and complaining about conservatives "taking over" the TCU are reacting to the strong, clear message presented by conservative groups. The Primary Source and the Tufts Republicans tirelessly challenge the liberal foolishness that takes place every day on campus by presenting factual, moral-based arguments.

Although the active members of these groups constitute a minority on campus (yes, minority -- where's OUR culture house?), there are many, many students who also hold conservative ideologies, but are not politically inclined, or are afraid of being confronted by those around them. What Tufts leftists do not realize is that the more outrageous they act, the more motivated these silent conservatives will be to stand up and challenge their liberal agenda.

So if conservatives are under-represented in the TCU, then what are Tufts' liberals complaining about? Are they really scared of those three students? By constantly exaggerating the campus right's presence inside the TCU government, leftists are trying to push these students out of their own student government. If the left succeeds, it would eliminate any conservative voice from the TCU government. How would a single-sided debate amongst like-minded people foster any of the "dialogue" that liberals constantly espouse?

Tufts liberals, if they truly believe in inclusiveness, equality and an "open-dialogue," must accept conservatives on campus. They must encourage Republicans and Conservatives to run for office and play an active role in the Tufts community. To do anything else is hypocrisy.



Nicole Brusco

LA '06