Opinion: Letter
Herald no place for hackery
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The Badger Herald was wrong to publish the guest column written by Rep. Steve Nass (“University governance must permit conservative values”) in its Sept. 1 registration issue.
Printing this article was a mistake that the editors of this paper need not make. Nass’ article not only fails to conform to the basic standards of journalism this paper seeks to uphold, but provides no basis for any of its accusations beyond mere speculative leaps of logic and cheap shots at public figures.
Nass fails to present anything resembling a coherent logical structure, making this piece an embarrassingly bad contribution to this paper. Indeed, it can be reasonably deduced that Nass has argued nothing and just presents a series of unanswerable questions intended to create the appearance of impropriety.
But that’s not the only reason why this should not have been published. Nass presents no unique viewpoint, as he merely reiterates an overdone and politically-dead rhetoric that neither surprises nor impresses anyone. Nass has revealed a lot about himself, as if he hasn’t before this episode, by engaging in personal attacks against Gov. Doyle and former Chancellor Wiley. This lack of professionalism is something the Herald need not participate in, regardless of who wrote this.
Make no mistake, if Nass feels that the university system is overrun by liberals, that’s fine — it certainly is his right to think so. But what isn’t his right is to publish elementary garbage that even a child would consider sophomoric.
Take a stand next time and reject pointless pieces like this one — even if the author is a state representative. Even though I’m sure Nass would have failed to see the rationale behind that decision and engage in even more personal attacks against the university, that backlash won’t ever measure up to the hit this paper’s reputation took when it published this.
Robert Phansalkar (rphansalkar1@gmail.com) is a second-year law student and former columnist for The Badger Herald.
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While I agree completely with Mr. Phansalkar, I also think Nass’ piece speaks for itself in exposing his partisan motives. Nobody is going to be swayed by him. His words only serve to divide. Unfortunately, he lacks the ability to reach across the aisle except in token ways. Because of this he will never be a true leader, just a bully.
While I agree completely with Mr. Phansalkar, I also think Nass’ piece speaks for itself in exposing his partisan motives. Nobody is going to be swayed by him. His words only serve to divide. Unfortunately, he lacks the ability to reach across the aisle except in token ways. Because of this he will never be a true leader, just a bully.
I would like to see an analysis of the average educational attainment level of the state’s legislative branch…by party.
I would like to see an analysis of the average educational attainment level of the state’s legislative branch…by party.
The Herald’s reputation took the biggest hit of all by publishing this piece of shit
So- you are all in favor of censorship with viewpoints you don’t happen to like? Or is there a “hurdle”- like having a graduate degree, before a person is allowed an opinion in Madison? Mr Attorney, did you flunk that class on the 2nd amendment or what? Those of you who believe Rep Nass is not allowed an opinion are a big part of the Madison “holier than thou” problem. You may not like or agree with his opinions, but he is not the only person who thinks that there is no room for conservative thought at UW Madison, outside of the Business School.
3:42-
“Mr Attorney, did you flunk that class on the 2nd amendment or what?”
Is that a threat?
HA HA A CONSERVATIVE DOESN’T KNOW THAT THE RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH IS GUARANTEED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND THINKS IT’S THE SECOND AMENDMENT
I AM (not literally) PISSING MY PANTS IN LAUGHTER
Like 3:42 said, just because you don’t agree with Rep. Nass, you think he shouldn’t be published in the Badger Herald. Badger Herald, I applaud you for publishing Rep. Nass and encourage you to keep it up! There are not enough conservative articles/editorials in the Badger Herald (due to the fact Madison and the UW have such large liberal populations) so whenever you can, please publish to keep alternative viewpoints out there.
Thank you Rep. Nass for continuing to fight for conservatives while having to put up with people like this.
Like 3:42 said, just because you don’t agree with Rep. Nass, you think he shouldn’t be published in the Badger Herald. Badger Herald, I applaud you for publishing Rep. Nass and encourage you to keep it up! There are not enough conservative articles/editorials in the Badger Herald (due to the fact Madison and the UW have such large liberal populations) so whenever you can, please publish to keep alternative viewpoints out there.
Thank you Rep. Nass for continuing to fight for conservatives while having to put up with people like this.