Over winter break, two events passed — one garnered attention from all corners of the globe, while the other unfortunately passed with considerably less attention given to it. The calamity that grabbed the nation was, of course, the tragedy in Tucson. The other was the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The two contradictory events were just nine days apart, but highlighted the same important subject: civil discourse.
In the aftermath of the massacre, much attention was given to our rhetoric, both political and otherwise, and how we speak to each other. A little over a week later, we recognized the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. , who promoted then-controversial causes through powerful but civil discussion.
It would behoove use to learn from both King and the Tucson tragedy. Turbulent times produce real events that pit us against each other. King lived in an extremely divisive period of this country’s history, and the Tucson shootings have highlighted the extremes that exist in our own time — extremes to which we can respond with words or actions.
This semester will be one filled with challenges. We cannot pretend that our student body and state will agree on everything, even in the wake of the Tucson tragedy. The issues we are sure to face have not changed and are likely to bring the same passions to a boil.
School is barely back in session and the university system yet again faces the possibility of more budget cuts. After three years of enormous cuts and spikes in tuition, Gov. Jan Brewer has recommended cutting $170 million more from higher education in an effort to balance the state’s budget. Of those cuts, at least $80 million would come from ASU, likely leading to another fight over tuition, and inevitably to another increase.
Gun control has also been thrust back into the forefront in light of the killings in Tucson.
The debate will once again focus on what limits should be placed on gun carrying as well as whether extended magazines, like the one accused gunman Jared Loughner used, should be banned. This is playing out both the state and national stage.
Two bills have been introduced in the Arizona Legislature to allow guns on campus. One would limit carrying weapons to just faculty members while the other one would let students carry firearms as well. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., is introducing a bill in Congress to ban extended magazines.
While we would like to see things change as a result of this period of relative unity, the bitter divisions over these and other issues will likely return. As we tackle these tough issues, we must remember to always remain civil.
That is what we here at The State Press would like to see and aid you in doing.
Throughout the semester, we hope to provide a platform for the discussion of all the important issues facing you as students at ASU and residents of Arizona. Whether you participate by reading, responding, sending a letter to the editor or just engaging in discussion with other concerned citizens, we hope the overriding theme of the semester is one of measured, thoughtful discourse.
