OPINION & EDITORIAL
Sifting and winnowing
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Also by Darryn Beckstrom:
- Ignorance, irresponsibility doom broken segregated fee system (November 15, 2005)
- State should endorse monotheism (November 22, 2005)
- Neutrality violations rampant in SSFC (December 14, 2005)
- Acidic justice (June 30, 2005)
- New course for Madison in 2006 (January 15, 2006)
Related Stories:
- Lapidus for Dane County Board (February 16, 2006)
- Hanson for Dane County Sheriff (November 6, 2006)
- New course for Madison in 2006 (January 15, 2006)
- 'I feel disengaged' (November 19, 2007)
- Many issues face County Board (May 1, 2006)
by Darryn Beckstrom
Monday, August 8, 2005
We've heard it time and time again. Madison is "twenty-five square miles surrounded by reality." We can thank this town's professional protesters, the strong presence of Progressive Dane and the dysfunctional Dane County Board of Supervisors for helping good ol' Madtown procure the title.
But there is something more that contributes to this city's unreality. It is the indoctrination that stifles incoming freshmen as soon as their parents drop them off and the car slowly pulls away from campus, returning to reality via John Nolan Drive. Welcome to Madison — the town you will come to know and love!
Now, here is the time where I should be giving you some generic verbiage about how you should get involved during your college career and how your attendance here will be some of the best years of your life.
Instead, I will take this opportunity to give you some words of wisdom to ponder before you embark on this esteemed university — wisdom you can rely upon for the rest of your college career.
- Question professors and intellectual thought. Universities should encourage us to think. This is why they are referred to as the "marketplace of ideas." Do you ever see just one brand of cereal in the supermarket? Of course not. So, why should you only receive one side of debate at this university? Expect more. It's your money and education.
- When you think of diversity, think beyond multiculturalism. I must admit this campus lacks diversity — intellectual diversity that is. Unfortunately, many of the professors on this campus seem to excel at teaching the course Liberal Indoctrination 101. What better way to coerce students into the ranks of "liberal groupthink?" Don't give way to being a lemming.
- This campus preaches tolerance — tolerance of homosexuals, racial minorities and gay marriage, among other peoples and things. While the school's higher-ups might like to have you think otherwise, tolerance also includes open-mindedness and respect for family values, Judeo-Christian principles and conservative thought.
- Progressive Danes in this city are like Chatty Cathy dolls — pull the string and let them blab away, spouting out nothing more than prerecorded phrases of liberal, anti-Bush rhetoric. Fortunately, because Progressive Dane lacks an intelligent and coherent platform, it hasn't been able to survive outside the confines of Dane County. Go figure.
- The pursuit for "political correctness" is highly overrated. This term has been used extensively on this campus to qualm opposing views and to limit the speech of individuals that might hurt someone's feelings. Last time I checked, there was no constitutional right to not feel offended.
- Don't take the advice of the administration as the gospel truth. Have fun during your four years here — learn new things, meet new friends, and explore who you really are. But, don't ever substitute these values for those you learned growing up.
- Despite what your professors may tell you, the United States is not the root of all evil present in the world today. You will undoubtedly have professors who can't resist the urge to use the classroom as their personal soapbox to espouse their hatred toward this country and its values. Don't ever forget what country gives them the right to go on their tirade.
Finally, during your time here, don't forget to sift and winnow for the truth. As you walk up the steps of Bascom Hall to attend one of your first lectures, you will see a plaque at the entrance to the building. It reads, "Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found."
You may have to look beyond the boundaries of Madison to find the truth. This is preferred. Nonetheless, as you search for the truth during your career here, don't be afraid to speak up. You just might be surprised to find more people singing your same tune.
Welcome to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Class of 2009! I wish you all the very best in your academic and personal endeavors.
Darryn Beckstrom (dbeckstrom@badgerherald.com) is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science and a second year MPA candidate in the La Follette School of Public Affairs.
Anonymous (August 8, 2005 @ 11:08pm):
The "Liberal Indoctrination" seldom survives contact with the income tax system - at least for those who actually make a living as opposed to feeding at the public trough.
Enjoy the University - soon enough you'll face the "Real World":
The Contest Between Taxeaters and Taxpayers
http://www.techcentralstation.com/072005E.html
Anonymous (August 10, 2005 @ 8:55am):
na na na na boo boo
Anonymous (August 10, 2005 @ 12:06pm):
You hit the nail right on the head. They wonder why more Alumni don't donate to the UW. If they would flush all the one-way thinkers and replace them with professors who promote free thought instead of trying to brain wash them the dollars would flow in.
Anonymous (August 11, 2005 @ 8:51am):
Thnank you. You're right on point.
Anonymous (August 11, 2005 @ 3:03pm):
Excellent article; well-written
Anonymous (August 12, 2005 @ 9:34pm):
"The "Liberal Indoctrination" seldom survives contact with the income tax system - at least for those who actually make a living as opposed to feeding at the public trough."
Let's test that theory. We'll use your lingo and call "taxpayers" those people who pay more taxes- in fact, the most taxes. From the U.S. Census, here's a state by state ranking, including how the state voted in the last Presidential election (Blue or Red):
Total Tax per Capita
1 *B* Hawaii..... 3,047.61
2 *R* Wyoming..... 2,968.00
3 *B* Connecticut..... 2,937.01
4 *B* Minnesota..... 2,888.63
5 *B* Delaware..... 2,862.03
6 *B* Vermont..... 2,844.96
7 *B* Massachusetts.....2,602.26
8 *B* New Jersey..... 2,411.94
9 *B* California..... 2,388.18
10 *B* New York..... 2,383.82
11 *B* Michigan..... 2,379.22
12 *B* Wisconsin..... 2,274.66
11 of the top 12 tax-paying states, with the exception of Wyoming, went Blue. They voted for the more liberal of the candidates, John Kerry.
We did the top 12. Let's look at the bottom 12 states:
39 *R* Iowa..... 1,737.69
40 *B* Oregon..... 1,697.66
41 *R* Arizona..... 1,672.41
42 *R* Georgia..... 1,650.31
43 *R* South Carolina..1,620.67
44 *R* Tennessee..... 1,616.00
45 *R* Missouri..... 1,584.65
46 *R* Alabama..... 1,549.28
47 *B* New Hampshire.....1,542.61
48 *R* Colorado..... 1,532.59
49 *R* South Dakota..... 1,378.37
50 *R* Texas..... 1,367.36
2 of the 12 went Blue. 10 voted for George W. Bush, the more conservative candidate.
If coming in contact with the income tax system turns people away from liberalism, why are the states that pay the most taxes liberal?
Anonymous (August 12, 2005 @ 10:16pm):
Great advice! Conservatives really are great at questiong authority and asking the hard questions of their leaders in tough times right?
Anonymous (August 12, 2005 @ 10:18pm):
Well everyone always told me that once I got into the "real world" I'd turn my back on my liberal ideas. Here's the thing; just because I earn a good pay check now doesn't make me a selfish douche bag. Unlike most "patriots" I understand that if there are no taxes paid our great country turns to shit. I'd be glad to keep paying my taxes to good causes, how about we start with giving our Army some proper equipment.
Anonymous (August 12, 2005 @ 10:21pm):
Way to tell people to think for themselves and to question what other people tell them. Of course by saying this you kind of come acrossed as an idiot because what is the point of your oped. Nothing like telling people to think independantly.
Anonymous (August 13, 2005 @ 12:06am):
So the states where people vote dummycrat are the most heavily taxed? Why am I not surprised? There's a reason they say the dummycrats are the party of "tax and spend".
Sometimes you don't get what you pay for, you just pay.
Anonymous (August 13, 2005 @ 9:56am):
"So the states where people vote dummycrat are the most heavily taxed? Why am I not surprised? There's a reason they say the dummycrats are the party of "tax and spend"."
Whereas the Republicans are the party of "Tax less, Spend more." Super. At least Democrats pay for stuff. Does anyone else detect a little pattern here?
If you are presented with a bill and your first impulse is to pay it, you're a Democrat. If it's to get someone else to pay for it, you're Republican. Whether it's a different state or a different generation, the buck doesn't stop with the GOP.
Anonymous (August 13, 2005 @ 12:08pm):
Since when did this oped become about taxes? Good luck freshmen. You are going to need it.
Anonymous (August 13, 2005 @ 1:01pm):
"...how about we start with giving our Army some proper equipment."
Sounds like it's not lack of money so much as beauracrats that are probably all union and Democrat.
"But more than a year after military officials initiated an effort to replace the armor with thicker, more resistant plates, tens of thousands of soldiers are still without the stronger protection because of a string of delays in the Pentagon's procurement system."
NYT
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/14/international/middleeast/14armor.html?ei=5094&en=0fca05dd8b935b11&hp=&ex=1123992000&adxnnl=1&partner=homepage&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1123955916-iOTH7p9PDY8qGsTb5fZG8g
Anonymous (August 15, 2005 @ 2:42am):
Two things, to the author:
1) It's John "NOLEN" Drive, not John "NOLAN" Drive.
2) Progressive Dane has never survived outside of Dane County by design; ergo Progressive "DANE" - it is specifically a local effort.
I hope your substance improves significantly before you get your column canned. This same column, minus spelling errors and factual idiocy, has appeared in every Badger Herald since 1969. Get a new concept.
Anonymous (August 15, 2005 @ 2:58pm):
It's great when libs and other irrational people have to attack writing based on grammatical errors and not the substance of the piece.
"This same column, minus spelling errors and factual idiocy, has appeared in every Badger Herald since 1969. Get a new concept."
Maybe it wouldn't have to be written if it wasn't such a problem.
Anonymous (August 16, 2005 @ 1:53am):
Ah, I see the stupid Madison liberals are back in town once again. That is, if they were ever welcome back in their parents house.
Liberals, of which I used to be one, try to control yourselves this year. You've been steadily wearing out your welcome in Madison over the past three years, don't make rational people have to come out and chase you away. It's your home too, but if you're gonna trash it, you may as well live in the town dump!
Comprende?
Anonymous (August 16, 2005 @ 3:14pm):
Yo Darryn, you're hot-lookin'! Not only that, you're an excellent writer too! How often do we find all that rolled up into one nice package?! Nice to see some conservatives in all the right places for awhile, instead of those butt-ugly, brain-warped, face-has-been-pierced-so-many-times-they-look-like-a-friggin-pin-cushion liberals who'll never graduate. Keep up the good work!
Anonymous (August 17, 2005 @ 3:32pm):
Poor Northern Wisconsinites and suburbanites, how does it feel to know that Wisconsin will never go red as long as Madison and Milwaukee are in the state? You should just give those two cities to Minnesota or Illinois anyway, they were always far too urban and hip for a state such as Consin.
Anonymous (August 18, 2005 @ 1:32pm):
What I love most about this article is how original the introduction is. I think conservative writers should quote this little known Madison nick name more, seeing as how I have NEVER seen it before. Nice research finding that old gem.
Anonymous (August 19, 2005 @ 9:28am):
Well put. You said it better than I could.
Anonymous (August 22, 2005 @ 11:51pm):
"Yo Darryn, you're hot-lookin'! Not only that, you're an excellent writer too! How often do we find all that rolled up into one nice package?! Nice to see some conservatives in all the right places for awhile, instead of those butt-ugly, brain-warped, face-has-been-pierced-so-many-times-they-look-like-a-friggin-pin-cushion liberals who'll never graduate. Keep up the good work!"
By insulting one large group of people as ugly because of their political ideology, and degrading the other for being "hot", you show why political arguments of all sorts should be between people of civility, not just any old blowhard.
Anonymous (August 23, 2005 @ 1:38am):
"By insulting one large group of people as ugly because of their political ideology, and degrading the other for being "hot", you show why political arguments of all sorts should be between people of civility, not just any old blowhard."
Hey, they're not just ugly, they're stupid. You should've been here to witness all the B.S. they were dishing out! I'm a racist just because I'm white? I'm a homophobic bigot just because I'm straight? I'm a Republican warmonger who deprives single mothers of every opportunity to succeed in life just because I dress presentably, as opposed to a stinking hippy bum? By the way, I'm not a conservative, just a disenfranchised liberal who has decided to be more selective in regards to where I lay my sympathies. Left-wing extremists are to blame for that.
Now you know how I REALLY define ugly!
Anonymous (August 23, 2005 @ 1:40am):
"By insulting one large group of people as ugly because of their political ideology..."
To me, it's their political ideology that makes them ugly. Their propensity to oppress others before they even know what their ideology is is what makes them so disgusting! Who's the blowhard now, kiddo?
Anonymous (August 23, 2005 @ 8:59am):
"Yo Darryn, you're hot-lookin'!" I love how a simple sentence turned into a clash between what side of the political ideological spectrum is more attractive. Have we finally figured it out yet, kids?
Anonymous (August 23, 2005 @ 1:27pm):
"Have we finally figured it out yet, kids?"
Yes. Liberals can be downright ugly when they put their minds to it.
To put it another way, attractive people have more important things to dedicate their good looks to besides hopping in bed with extremists. Just because people are attractive doesn't mean they're airheads. Darryn Beckstrom is proof of that. Ugly people are so god-awful militant because they never learned to express themselves in a more effective way. They don't articulate their ideas very well. That is why they rely on more physically confrontational tactics, like the street demonstrators on this campus did back in the 90's.
Good looks wouldn't matter so much if liberals just had their act together and did things right. Instead, they just went "Oh, she's pretty, so she doesn't have much upstairs." Christ, is that the price one has to pay for being beautiful, to be put down by a bunch of less-than-average losers who only notice a person's good looks before anything else?! Liberals make a practice of this all the time. No wonder they experienced such a rapid decline in popularity recently.
Anonymous (August 23, 2005 @ 7:18pm):
Stop responding to this crap! Conservatives just love to start fights about crap that has absolutely no relevance just to avoid talking about the real issues that they don't have a chance in hell of defending. Stop enabling all of this immature crap on both sides.
Anonymous (August 24, 2005 @ 12:33am):
"Conservatives just love to start fights about crap that has absolutely no relevance just to avoid talking about the real issues that they don't have a chance in hell of defending."
Start fights? What do you think liberals have been doing for the last fifteen years? What about all that sitting down in the middle of University Avenue? What about crowding into the Chancellor's office and locking yourselves onto the office furniture with bicycle locks? What about piling into the Mayor's office last year to demand that city funds be spent on a wet shelter for homeless drunks? And what about that road trip to Washington D.C. last year for that cute little media sight gag at the president's inauguration? What a waste of time and money THAT was!
Immature? Crap? Compared to what?
Anonymous (August 24, 2005 @ 10:12am):
I don't know, maybe compared to calling for the assassination of elected leaders.
Anonymous (August 24, 2005 @ 10:15am):
How come whenever a liberal complains about our current national government they are called unpatriotic and told to love America or leave it, but yet conservatives are allowed to bitch about "Progressive Dane County" till their eyes are blue. "Oh poor us, we are surrounded by liberals, please help us fight through this insanity!" Everyone in the damn country knows about Madison's liberal politics and you chose to come here still. Do you need to complain about something that much? You have power in the rest of the damn country, why can't that be good enough for you guys?
Anonymous (August 24, 2005 @ 10:16am):
Didn't the students use their own money to get to DC? What's wrong with going on an orgainzed trip to go to a rally that you support? Seriously, I'm not trying to be condescending, but in what warped world view is that seen as being immature?
Anonymous (August 24, 2005 @ 5:11pm):
"I don't know, maybe compared to calling for the assassination of elected leaders."
Uh, that would be religious fanatics who, fortunately, never become elected officials.
"Everyone in the damn country knows about Madison's liberal politics and you chose to come here still."
We come here to provide opposition so that Dane liberals(aka extremists) will not force their own ideology down everyone's throats. Hey, somebody's got to take 'em on!
"You have power in the rest of the damn country, why can't that be good enough for you guys?"
Not exactly, and we're not all guys. Do I sense a little anti-white-male mentality at work here?
"Seriously, I'm not trying to be condescending, but in what warped world view is that seen as being immature?"
It is immature because it was a poorly-conceived idea thought up by idiots who just wanted cheap publicity. It accomplished nothing. The news media didn't even waste any videotape on those morons. Yeah, they really got their message across alright!
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 2:34am):
"Immature? Crap? Compared to what?"
When the College Republicans ate hamburgers in front of hunger strikers protesting rising tuition. What was the point of that one, again?
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 8:02am):
"When the College Republicans ate hamburgers in front of hunger strikers protesting rising tuition. What was the point of that one, again?"
The point is that even though no one likes tuition increases, no one likes idiots who intentionally starve themselves over an issue that, even though it hits home, is not a matter of life and death.
Look, there are political prisoners throughout the world who hunger strike. THOSE folks I support. The nutcases who hunger strike over a tuition increase, however, are attempting to equate the rising cost of an education with real human suffering and indignation. Hardly a comparison, wouldn't you think?
So the next time liberals-I'm a liberal too, by the way-decide to work for a cause, they should try a tactic that is more convincing and realistic, not some cheap display of ignorance for the sake of making the headlines.
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 8:09am):
"Stop responding to this crap! Conservatives just love to start fights about crap that has absolutely no relevance just to avoid talking about the real issues that they don't have a chance in hell of defending. Stop enabling all of this immature crap on both sides."
Carp, crap, crap! Crap this, crap that!
New from Ronco: The Crapper! Crap on, crap off! Order your Crapper today while supplies last!
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 11:23am):
"We come here to provide opposition so that Dane liberals(aka extremists) will not force their own ideology down everyone's throats. Hey, somebody's got to take 'em on!"
Who asked you to come here for that? This belief is downright un-Madisonian. I won't stand for anyone questioning the politics of my city. You are treasonous and all of your civil rights should be thrown away because you views oppose the majority of those who live in our city.
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 11:29am):
"Look, there are political prisoners throughout the world who hunger strike. THOSE folks I support. The nutcases who hunger strike over a tuition increase, however, are attempting to equate the rising cost of an education with real human suffering and indignation. Hardly a comparison, wouldn't you think?"
Oh I see, because responding to one immature act with another immature act is the height of maturity right? Let's just face it; there will never be real political discourse in this city, both sides act like toddlers when they come together. Both sides poke the other side so much that the only way they can respond is with some immature reaction. We are no better than a middle school debate team in Madison. It's pathetic.
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 11:38am):
Liberals are always talking about open-mindedness and diversity of thought. Why don't you practice what you preach?!
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 5:07pm):
"Who asked you to come here for that? This belief is downright un-Madisonian. I won't stand for anyone questioning the politics of my..."
I'd wish this person was joking. However, if wishes were joints, we'd all take a toke.
Anonymous (August 25, 2005 @ 5:08pm):
"Let's just face it; there will never be real political discourse in this city, both sides act like toddlers when they come together."
Precisely. There's simply not enough apathy in this town!
Anonymous (August 26, 2005 @ 5:18pm):
If you want maturity, why look to a college campus. Hell, most of the faculty here haven't matured beyond 3rd Grade! How can you expect the students to be any better?
Anonymous (August 28, 2005 @ 7:17pm):
"So the next time liberals-I'm a liberal too, by the way-decide to work for a cause, they should try a tactic that is more convincing and realistic, not some cheap display of ignorance for the sake of making the headlines."
Now THERE is a liberal who deserves my respect! I tend to lean more in the conservative direction myself, but I'll pay full respect to anyone who's views are different from mine as long as he/she expresses his/her views in a mature, adult fashion. God only knows we could use more of that in this town!
Anonymous (August 28, 2005 @ 7:43pm):
"I'll pay full respect to anyone who's views are different from mine as long as he/she expresses his/her views in a mature, adult fashion."
I couldn't agree more. I lean right, too. But, I respect all liberals who can at least take the time to listen to a conservative argument-even if they would never agree.
Anonymous (August 29, 2005 @ 1:48pm):
Are we going to have to see this partisan crap weekly?
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 2:22am):
"Are we going to have to see this partisan crap weekly?"
Welcome to the Badger Herald, honey. Don't like it? Go somewhere else! If all you are gonna do is whine because other people have a right to their own opinion then maybe you just SHUT UP!!!! THAT'S RIGHT, JUST WHUT UP, YOU STUPID WHINY BIMBO!!!! GO HOME AND CRY TO MOMMY AND DADDY IF YOU DON'T LIKE FREE SPEECH! GO ON GET OUTTA HERE!!!!! AND DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ASS ON THE WAY OUT!!!! DON'T LIKE ME TELLING YOU OFF, LITTLE WHINY BABY? DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!! BRING ALL YOUR STUPID LITTLE WHINY TREE HUGGING LIBERAL FRIENDS WITH YA! I'M A GIRL BUT I'LL STILL KICK YOUR ASS AND ALL YOUR LITTLE WHINY FRIENDS IF YOU ALL THINK YOU'RE BAD ENOUGH!!! I'M GONNA SAY WANT EVER I WANNA SAY HERE WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!!!! TRY AND SHUT ME UP WHY DON'T YA!!!
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 6:31am):
What does "partisan" mean? Does it mean you're queer when you tell people you're partisan? Where can I find one of these partisans to redecorate my apartment? As long as they don't sneak away to my bedroom to screw each other out when they're supposed to be redecorating, especially if they charge by the hour! Goddammit, now that would piss me off big time!
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 8:10am):
"Are we going to have to see this partisan crap weekly?"
How do you know this is a girl?
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 9:42am):
"How do you know this is a girl?"
How do YOU know you're a man? Bunghole!
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 9:55am):
The more important question: Are we going to be seeing this columnist week after week?
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 3:23pm):
"Are we going to be seeing this columnist week after week?"
Oh, I don't see why not. As long as she can juggle a weekly column and her studies and still have time to PARTY PARTY PARTY, she can have it all. But Darryn, don't forget to brush your teeth, Dear, and stay away from those Alpha Phi boys. You know just what kinds of trouble they like to cause. Remember your cousin Timothy at Mid-Tennessee State? He flunked out at the end of his freshman year from too much lager. Now he's bagging groceries at Piggly-Wiggly. Heaven forbid, sweetheart, we want you to do better!
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 4:22pm):
"stay away from those Alpha Phi boys"
I'm sure she'll stay away from your boyfriend at Alpha Phi. She doesn't strike me as the fraternity type anyway.
Anonymous (August 30, 2005 @ 10:33pm):
"I'm sure she'll stay away from your boyfriend at Alpha Phi."
Theis poster didn't say she had a boyfriend at Alpha Phi. She didn't even say she was a she! Have you no analytical skills at all?! If you are a college student, God help us!
Anonymous (August 31, 2005 @ 3:21am):
Further proof that UW-Madison students are among the most immature college students in the world.
Anonymous (August 31, 2005 @ 3:30am):
"Nice to see some conservatives in all the right places for awhile, instead of those butt-ugly, brain-warped, face-has-been-pierced-so-many-times-they-look-like-a-friggin-pin-cushion liberals who'll never graduate."
Yeah... I shave and bathe daily, get regular haircuts, don't dress like I raided a dumpster, and the only times needles have entered my skin were for immunizations and surgery. I also have a job. I think Stalin was a monster, and I'd rather live here than Venezuela.
Republican? Nope, Socialist. (did that just turn your world-view upside down?)
