I have breaking news. The UNO College Republicans finally have a website. That’s not the most exciting part. What’s exciting is they actually put their opinions on the website!
You guys know what I do best so let me dissect the College Republicans website for you…
Planned Parenthood have decided to help out with storm relief. Are they providing money? No. Clothing or shelter? No. Free Reproductive Health Services? Absolutely! So if you live in Omaha, and the Hurricane managed to knock you up, you know where to go.
Very funny. I love it. College Republicans are off to a flying start. Continuing on…
Question: Who is Tony Ojeda, and what threat is he to Democrats at UNO?
If you have no clue what I’m talking about (and I’m guessing you don’t) read the World Herald article. Then read the editorial below it.
Uh, oh. It looks like the Repbulicans are going to attack our president Ryan Renner. (Let me point out something very basic. That was a news article, not an editorial. There’s a difference, but I will let that slide just this once.) So, how will they attack Mr. Renner…
Before reading Monday’s World Herald, I’m guessing the only people who even knew the identity of Tony Ojeda were related to him. To be honest, when a friend called me to tell me about the story, I had never heard of the man. But by the time he got off the phone, I was pretty pissed.
I’ve done a fairly extensive internet search on Tony Ojeda, and all I can find is that he is a University of Nebraska Regent, is pro-life, and a member of the Lincoln Independent Business Association. He’s also running for State Legislature in the 30th District, Gage County.
Oh, I don’t even know where to begin. First, Tony Ojeda is NOT NOT NOT a University of Nebraska Regent. Why don’t you visit the Nebraska Regent’s website and let me know where he is. I’ve learned over the past few years that nothing good ever follows “I’ve done a fairly extensive internet search.” They are correct when they say that Mr. Ojeda is pro-life. Actually, Mr. Ojeda is a Christian Motivational/Evangelical Speaker. We have our own little Pat Robertson running for Legislature in Nebraska.
Gage County is over 90 miles away from UNO, according to mapquest. What affect is Tony Ojeda in the legislature going to have on you, or the liberals at UNO? Tony Ojeda probably has a greater affect on you know as a Regent than he ever would in the legislature.
I’m too lazy to check the mileage to Gage County. We’ll give he (or she) the benefit of the doubt. This person is bound to get something right.
Did Tony Ojeda kick you one time? Did Tony Ojeda call you a bad name? Did Tony Ojeda not pick you during kickball in gym?
Actually, Mr. Ojeda beat Mr. Renner at cross country once and Mr. Renner is a very sore loser.
I’m sure if Tony Ojeda loses by 5 votes, those 5 people probably decided not to vote for Tony Ojeda because when they went to www.tonyojeda.com, they didn’t get his website.
To this date, that is the silliest/stupidest thing I’ve heard on this domain name controversy.
The only reason I can think of doing this is the whole “Ooh, I got my name in the paper” syndrome.
Wrong again. After discussing this with Mr. Renner, I was informed that he was contacted by the Lincoln Journal Star (it wasn’t the other way around). I suspect Mr. Ojeda cried to a reporter about this and the Journal Star decided to write the story. Get your facts straight!
Finally, the “opinion” piece reached its grand finale…
This issue has proven something even more to me. While the College Democrats sit around pulling stupid crap, the College Republicans are out helping win elections, and helping their community.
I would like to know what election the College Republicans have helped win in the past year. The truth is the College Republicans have not contributed significantly to any election in the past year. I’m sure a few of them volunteered a few hours on a campaign, but I doubt any of them made a significant impact on any election in the past year. I’d love for them to prove me wrong. The College Democrats on the hand have contributed significantly to several elections over the past year. You must also remember that what Mr. Renner did was done on his own time with his own money. I’ve known Mr. Renner for several years, and I’m sure he can sit around “pulling stupid crap,” lead the College Democrats, win elections, and then pull more “stupid crap” all at the same time.
In conclusion, I’m glad the College Republicans are more active on campus this year. It’s great to have two active political groups on campus. Unfortunately, I’m very disappointed in the opinions expressed on there website up until this point. Don’t get me wrong, I love to hear differing opinions, but their opinions have been poorly researched and constructed. I challenge the College Republicans to do a better job in the future. I would love to have an open discussion between the College Democrats and College Republicans but those discussions can’t occur until the College Republicans eliminate factual errors and form more educated opinions.
I can’t believe the republicans being so pro-life and “life is so precious from conception”would call a pregnancy, being knocked up. Maybe just a little contradictory?
Wow, you are a genius.
Repubicans aren’t pro-life. Mike Brown’s incompetent leadership of FEMA prolly resulted in the death of 5000 people. Meanwhile, President Bush cannot cut his vacation short to lead the relief effort. Bush should have acted promply like he did on 9-11, which I actually applaud President Bush for.
I’m confused. Republicans aren’t pro-life? Since when? A vast majority are. And what does the hurricane relief effort have to do with the UNO repbulicans website?
The “UNO Repbulicans?” At first I thought it was a typpgraphical error. Now, I think it is proper re-branding. Perhaps a slogan, “UNO Repbulicans, Full again with bull again.”
Gary Di
Apparently the College Democrats love sensorship
And apparently idiots don’t like education (or spell check). Joe is that you?
What was the nature of the comment that was censored David? I have found the moderator of the site to be very open to all comments regardless of their political nature. The only comments I am aware of that have been removed are ones that are vulger or inappropriate in nature or are largely based on name calling and have little or nothing to do with the issues affecting either political party. On the above comment by James Dean, all I can say is, James glad to see you are back from the dead; hopefully we can revive a few more Democrats in the future.
To answer your question Michelle, the College Democrat commentators above were referencing the first piece on the editorial issues page of the UNO republicans site. So I would throw the question back to D.H. September 6, 2005, as he drew the orignial analogy between hurricane relief and planned parenthood providing reproductive health services for women. What does the issue of providing reproductive health services for women have to do with hurricane relief?
I was thinking about writing up a rebuttal to a few of their “Editorial Issues,” but I’ve decided to do something less painful like shooting myself repeatedly in the foot with a nail gun.
It’s nice to see that the UNO Republicans finally splurged and got a domain name for themselves. I know their budget is tight, but their site may actually be helpful in recruiting new members. I saw their poster at HPER, advertising the site and decided to check it out. Then, as I made my way to the UNO Dem blog I noticed that others have beat me to the donkey punch. After reading their editorial page, I laughed at lines like, “So if you live in Omaha, and the Hurricane managed to knock you up, you know where to go” (referring to the free services provided by Planned Parenthood). Whether you are for or against abortion, at least planned parenthood is doing something to help hurricane victims. Can the College Republicans match planned parenthood’s contribution by doing some service for them? I doubt it.
One other thing that strikes me as odd is the way the issues are presented. Does D.H. have all the opinions and everyone agrees with the policies and procedures of the president? Nevermind… I forgot for a second how the Republican Party works.
Our open discussion on issues makes our site superior. I would recommend to the UNO Republicans to do a discussion format site, but, at this point, I would imagine more Democrats visit their site than Republicans. They may not be happy with some of the responses. Seriously, how would it look if a new recruit went on their site and saw all the misinformation and misleading opinions called out?
Jared, you have to at least give the College Republicans some credit for the fact that they settle who is going to speak for them internally unlike the proliferation of Republican candidates for office this election cycle who are spending so much time infighting that a majority of their time is spent on defining the direction of their political party rather than the direction of the State of Nebraska.
In the 3rd Congressional District where I grew up and live, we have seven Republican candidates for Congress and other than broadly defining where they stand on the issues, I have yet to hear a genuine idea on actual public policy or for that matter Congressional legislation that will benefit the citizens of the 3rd Congressional District.
Another thought, two more candidates in the Republican primary field for the 3rd Congressional District and they’ll be able to field a baseball team.
I checked out the College Republican’s website. It’s nice! They should be applauded on their efforts to bring awareness to their club. I’ve seen them in the student center quite often recruiting members and bringing awareness to their club. Their website even says that they have one person being an intern in the White House and another being a national Field Rep representing the College Republicans. Congratulations to them!
Michaela: Considering this administration, some would say congratulations…others would say “guilt by association.”
So, the fact that the UNO Republicans have a website and opinions is all of a sudden a “breaking news” outrage among democrats? And as far as dissecting everything about the opinions posted on the site, that just shows how much time you actually have on your hands. You’re so busy trying to disprove everything that you ignore your actual purpose of being a sort of leader among UNO Democrats, someone who should trying to PROVE your views and thoughts without trying to dump on other people. I just hate the black and white of the situation you are creating. Let them do their thing, lord knows they let you do yours.
Let me know where it says anything about a “breaking news” outrage. Are you calling “chief” a leader among the UNO College Democrats? That couldn’t be further from the truth. Just because his/her name is “chief” doesn’t mean he/she has any position of power (or is leader).
I’m going back to the dead,
James Dean
You said: Let me know where it says anything about a “breaking news” outrage.
First line of the post: “I have breaking news. The UNO College Republicans finally have a website.”
I said nothing about a “chief”. It’s sort of common knowledge to think that something posted on your website would be from someone who has some sort of leadership in the group. Way to represent. I have just become a Republican thanks to you.
Girrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrl. What the HELL is that. That is the shittiest excuse of website I have ever seen!!! It looks like something “straight” Ryan would have done at the age of 3!!
Quick “shout out” to Matt and all my girls!!!
College Republicans can say they help win elections because Republicans actually win elections.
Ryan,
Why do Democrats always have to use some sort of profanity to TRY to prove their point? Why don’t they learn from the Republican Party and show class? Profanities the Democrats use just show the level that Republicans don’t go.
A Republicans and class. I love a good joke when I hear one. Keep it up Michaela. Here’s an idea for your next bit “Repulbicans and honesty”, I think there might be something there.
Cody, there’s nothing honest about a Democrat.
You still didn’t answer the question….
Why do Democrats always have to use profanities when try to prove their point? Need an example, look at what Ryan said five comments up, look at your buttons, look at your fliers etc. etc. etc. So, don’t try to avoid the topic by changing the subject!
Michaela,
A Republican saying there is nothing honest about Democrats as you did above is just as foolish and misinformed as a Democrat saying there is nothing honest about Republicans. Good ideas have come from each political party. And to address your above point, Democrats don’t always have to use profanities when they try to prove their point. I just proved my point as a Democrat and didn’t feel the need to use profanity at all. No avoiding the topic. No changing the subject. No profanity. Point made. Point scored. Game. Set. Match.
Honest? I can see a lion in sheeps clothing anyday of the week. I can hardly call underhanded lies and corruption “classy”. The only classy thing I have ever seen from GW was this last week when he finally admitted that the buck stops at him. Im glad after 5 years of presidency he may have finally realized that. Oh and have I said any “profanities” yet Michaela? Maybe you should stop generalizing and stereotyping and come back when you escape from your republican pompous attitude. Also, you dont have to take the “moral high road” when it comes to speech, I highly doubt you are perfect yourself.
Damn it! Dayton Headlee Does It Again!
Part of Dayton Headlee’s commentary on the specific percentages of outrages of College Democrats about the College Republicans site:
According to Dayton “(3.2%) My overwhelming sarcasm. Some may say it’s my insecurity, but I say that at the time of the apocalypse, all the sarcastic people will be called upon to repopulate the Earth.”
Dayton goes on to say, “I’m pretty sure that some portion of this will wind up on the Dems blog calling me misleading, or something along those lines. (Keep calling me misleading, it fuels my fire) I stand by everything I write, and when I make a mistake, I live up to it and make a retraction.”
Finally Dayton says, “I look forward to this upcoming school year. I think having two strong political groups on campus will help both of us, and hopefully at some point we can work together with the Campus Democrats.”
The percentage of UNO College Democrats who object to your overwhelming sarcasm is more accurately reflected in the 5% to 7% range. Your original percentage is misleading in the opinion of College Democrats.
Glad to see that you are willing to live up to your mistakes and print a reaction if necessary. As for myself, I misread your original editorial and thought that was your commentary rather than the Gateway’s words.
It is encouraging to know that there is a possibility of the Campus Republicans being willing to work together with Campus Democrats in the future as debates and dialogue will help further interest in each group.
Lee,
I think you put it best. I will be honest–I’m pretty conservative fiscally (more of a Libertarian, really), but I genuinely feel that politics has ruined the morale of our country. That goes both ways. When I read some of the above posts I am apalled by the cynicism of extreme rights and lefts. At the end of the day we are all Americans and that is what should matter first and foremost. America should be primary, political affiliation secondary.
Is it not reasonable to hope that one day Dems and Reps at UNO could work together for the betterment of the school and community. There is far too much blatant hatred of our President, and that’s the one problem I have with the College Democrats. I have a lot of friends on both sides of the aisle, but it is discouraging to walk past the UNO Democrats table and see pins and bumper stickers that elicit nothing but hate and resentment. I was also disgusted at the extreme right’s neverending assault on former President Clinton in the latter 90’s.
Both parties have made it such a point to attack others, and often, I have found myself wanting to shrink back out of politics for fear of being disillusioned. Sometimes I sit back and envy those who don’t follow politics because they are completely oblivious to the outside world–less time is spent getting frustrated with political climates.
I am not really active politically on campus, but I will offer my $.02 about the visual outlook of both the UNO Dems and UNO Reps: I am immediately put off by the UNO Dem tables when they are out (as previously stated), and I am even furthered put off by your recruitment posters (the first ones this semester aren’t as bad as last semester). There is just such a tone of hatred whether it’s an evil looking picture of Cheney, or accusations that Bush is in Iraq for oil, I just am completely disinterested with your organization. It sure doesn’t seem like, “the best part on campus”; rather, I get a feeling of pessimism.
On the other hand (from a nonpartisan perspective), the College Republicans seem very open and nice (without venturing into Editorials). From what I’ve seen, they don’t sport pins with faces of Hillary Clinton X-ed out, or Bill Clinton Lies bumper stickers. Their website might not be top notch, but I visited it BECAUSE of their casual approach to recruitment. I never visited this site until my curiousity got the best of me on THEIR site.
My advice to the College Democrats: project an image of hope rather than one of despair and anger. Instead of recruiting, I think that you might turn people off, at least I was. But that goes the same for College Republicans, too.
With my political views, I don’t want to feel that if I support Bush’s economic I will get laughed at and condescended to, nor if I feel that homosexuals deserve to have civil unions should I be shrugged off as atheist (I’m not). I have met a couple of people from College Democrats who are very open and very talkative, in stark contrast to their “tables”. I have also met some very nice Republicans who welcome new ideas and speak pleasantly (not in a pompous or moral high-ground manner, as suggested above). This should be the goal for both parties, and from my experience, the College Republicans have a better handle on it than due the College Democrats.
Thought I would write in and give what my first impressions were.
PS–I’m seeing the same thing with Bush as I did with Clinton, but I’ll let you all in on a little secret……Bush isn’t up for re-election, neither was Clinton. In short, instead of character assassination (sp?) focus on something else. Bush will be gone soon enough, it is those who realize that soonest that will ultimately benefit the most from it.
Mr. JBG-
Though I think you give the College Repbublicans far too much credit, you’re points are generally well-received. Still, I don’t think you grasp the tongue-in-cheek quality of much of the UNO College Democrats’ material. The buttons and fliers are meant to be funny. They’re intended to provoke a response and, yes, push peoples’ buttons. This material isn’t motivated by hate but rather by the old-fashioned, all-American urge to dissent when the powerful abuse their office or simply pursue policies one finds generally disagreeable.
On matters of the environment, civil liberties, and even going to war in Iraq, President Bush has pushed an agenda that should at least give pause to any thinking person. That doesn’t mean they’re actually going to object upon full consideration, but they have a duty to question exactly what’s going on in this country. Frankly, I’m glad the UNO Democrats have been pushing those buttons, asking those questions, and making people consider the other side….even if it offends their sensibilities in the moment. When did we become so scared of a little provocation?
Good point about Bush not being up for re-election, though. There is a certain element of “put-up-or-shut-up” that the Democratic Party owes this country in terms of a comprehensive agenda. Letting the Republican Party destroy itself may make for fun spectatorship, but the cost to this nation is too great for someone not to stand up and offer an alternative rather than watching from the bleachers with finger out-stretched.
Funny how where you see “despair and anger,” I see humor and healing through community-building. Maybe it’s because I’ve been to a meeting and know these are smart, passionate, hopeful young people rather than the embittered cynics you imagine.
Regardless, doesn’t it feel good to be debating this? Damn it, this is what democracy is all about -
Be Loud, Be Proud, and try to work Be Smart in there the best you can!
I totally agree with JBG from a non partisan look at both the UNO Democrats and the UNO Republicans; they have completely different approaches towards representing their party on campus. I walked through the student center to see the UNO Democrats have their profane “F” Bush buttons scattered on the table with a few Democrats around the table doing their homework. Remember, even though people disagree with Bush, he still is our President of the United States. There is never a time when everyone is completely happy with the President, but they respect him. That is the image that the Democrats should portray, respect rather than hatred.
Your right Kyle, Be Proud, and try to work to be smart in there the best that you can be. But you don’t have to be disrespectful to get your point across either.
If the fuck bush buttons are soooo horrible, why do we sell so many of them?
Molly, I disagree with your position on our buttons. Every American should respect the office of the presidency, but does not necessarily have to respect the person. There is a clear distinction between the two, but I am sorry that you didn’t recognize it.
I also would argue that although it would seem that the UNO Democrats just Bash Bush, we actually do more for our party than the UNO Republicans. This is very debatable and the argument has been made many times so I won’t bother backing it up with facts.
Congrats again to the UNO Republicans for keeping their site up to date. I noticed D.H. is still posting on there. Keep it up.
About our buttons I used this quote before in my letter to the editor in the Gateway last fall and I am posting it here again for all of our critics to read.
“The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency in rendering loyal, able, and disinterested service to the Nation as a whole. Therefore it is absolutely necessary that there should be full liberty to tell the truth about his acts, and this means that it is exactly necessary to blame him when he does wrong as to praise him when he does right. Any other attitude in an American citizen is both base and servile. To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public. Nothing but the truth should be spoken about him or any one else. But it is even more important to tell the truth, pleasant or unpleasant, about him than about any one else.”
“Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star”, 149
May 7, 1918
I can not for the life of fathom when it became unpatriotic to criticize the president. I think that is something that Bush is sorely missing from his own party and his administration.
And can someone please tell me why it ok for the Vice President of The United States to tell another american to “Go Fuck themselves” and there be no outrage by the right or the evangelicals that have taken over the Republican party but,
everyone gets their panties in a bunch if a bunch of college students tell the President to fuck off.
Maybe we should be debating the fact that under republican rule Nebraska came in dead last in economic development or , that we have the largest federal defeceit in history or that a lot of debt is held by China of all places.
My bag I guess going after College Students for selling a button that is one Of our most popular ones( supply and Demand) is easier than holding this President and his administration accountable for its’ miserable failures.
I don’t really care what you think about the President…. You’d hate any Republican, and that’s not the issue.
The issue is selling buttons with profanities on them in the middle of a public place.
the key word Bill is public place. the University is a public institution and last time I checked the students on campus were covered by the first amendment.
If you don’t like our buttons don’t buy one. The fact of the matter is that we started out with buck fush buttons and students yes the students and staff and faculty asked that we change the letters around.
that button is actually our second best seller. So, not everyone is as offended as some or else they wouldn’t be flying off the tables.
The buttons are gimicks. They are our way of expressing dissent.
I am really sorry that people think criticism of the president has to be done in such a genteel way.
As for hating any republican ..I leave the broad based hatred and intolerance up to the right it seems to be the one thing that they are doing so well right now.
well bill i think john mccain would fit in nicely
Is it too much to ask of the College Democrats to not lower the discourse to four letter words and display their insidious (some of them) buttons all over campus? A little hint-it makes you look foolish. Things along the line of the “F— Bush” merchandise is why the Democratic party still can’t gain traction. I particularly love when all the 4th Graders are visiting campus and you people have these things all over your backpacks like the Air America puppets too many of you are. That’s really the image we want to portray at a supposed institute of higher learning.
Moreover, I think we can all agree that Ryan is a rat. Any intellectually honest person knows it’s cheap and tawdry to purchase a domain name of someone who disagrees with you ideologically. Maybe he’s been listening to another idiot, Heath Mello, who claims it is done to get the other side to think harder about making their tactics more effective.
Stop drinking the Kool-Aid, stop selling the F-Bush buttons, and engage on the issues. Otherwise we’re going to be bleeding red in this state for a very long time.
Poor Devon. Takes almost two months to comment on a September 8 blog entry. Wants to talk about raising the level of debate, then calls people he disagrees with a “rat” and an “idiot.” Devon, take a hint. Devon’s party is falling apart in Washington. This week alone, Scooter has scat, your “most qualified” Supreme Court nominee has imploded, and the war in Iraq (entered on false or manufactured information) has now claimed more than 2,000 American lives. At home in Nebraska, the GOP appears to be in turmoil, with two statewide incumbent Republican officials facing challenges in the Republican primary. As for the buttons, poor Devon is likely to be disturbed more and more every day, because I understand the buttons are selling like hotcakes. Who’s the idiot now?