Dear Editor,
On Feb. 22, the Tufts Daily published a letter to the editor by TCU Senator Ben Richards. Richards shared his belief that the Daily should cover more matters that have an immediate effect on the Tufts campus, specifically campus senators' opinions on why they choose to vote on or reject certain policies and plans enacted by the student legislative body. At the same time, however, he wrote that he believed matters such as gay marriage in New Jersey, which received a front-page article (as it should, mind you) should make way for more news on Senate happenings, and transform the Daily into a forum for senators to justify their opinions.
While Mr. Richards may think that adding more information about the TCU Senate is what this student body wants or needs, I would like to reassure him that when it's necessary to further investigate rationalization behind a certain policy, questions that need to be asked to Senators would be.
Richards writes, "While gay marriage is an important issue and I am not trying to belittle it in any way," that's exactly what he does in his letter. He continues, "I would also add that spending 40 grand for a chef is more controversial than gay marriage at Tufts." To that I must ask the question: Really?
Is gay marriage not a hot button topic nationwide? Yes, I will concede that at liberal arts colleges such as ours gay marriage may be "less" of an issue, but to say outright that it's a nonissue simply goes too far. Mr. Richards might like to take a second glance at our campus just to see the divide with regards to gay marriage. Maybe in Mr. Richards' circle it is a nonissue — and to that I would congratulate him — but if he were to venture out of that comfort zone, he might see some controversy.
So, not to belittle TCU Senate happenings, but articles such as the New Jersey gay marriage bill are just as important, possibly more relevant and deserve that coveted front-page spot more so than one senator's opinion on a grant to a culinary club. If senators agree with Mr. Richards, might I suggest a personal blog to voice your opinions? Senators' votes should speak for themselves.
Sincerely,
Alex Kaufman
Class of 2014
