Kids these days

College Democrats are a strange breed. Their supposed support for a liberal agenda is undermined by the fact that they belong to a party whose ideals can best be summed up as “Republican-lite.” Evidence of the party’s incomprehensible platform can be found in nearly unanimous votes for the Patriot Act. Young Democrats are quick to point out that these votes were just a reflection of the times and yet, nothing seems to have changed. For instance, in a bill passed last week, House Democrats removed language from a bill that would have required Congressional approval for military action against Iran. Apparently, Democrats are unaware of the effect unchecked power has on President Bush. \nI am especially amused by the googly-eyed college students who have come out in full support for Sen. Barack Obama. Three years ago, news outlets opined about low voter turnout among 18 to 25 year olds. This time around, we’re determined to prove everyone wrong. While I am certainly happy with political involvement of students, I am somewhat perplexed by the rock-star status being conferred to Obama.\nOne common refrain heard from Obamanics is the senator’s ability to unite people. They passionately extol Obama’s dedication to bipartisanship and his positive spirit. While it is true that a good leader is probably never a polarizing figure, I wonder if all the talk about “bridging divides” applies to a two-party system like ours. By promising to listen to all sides of a debate, Obama is assuring us that he will be more open-minded. However, if elected president, he will have to support bills that will anger some groups. The question is, which groups is he willing to offend? Moreover, Obama’s immense desire to please everyone makes him seem contradictory and downright naive on key policies. Take the issue of equal marriage rights. Senator Obama has publicly stated that a marriage only exists between a man and a woman. However, in his book, “Audacity of Hope,” Obama claimed that he was open to the possibility that his stance on same-sex marriage was misguided. Well, which is it senator? \nCollege Democrats are also quick to defend Obama from accusations that he is too inexperienced to be president. Some claim that experience is not needed to be an effective leader. A common example cited in this case is President Bush. This greatly disturbs me – I had no idea that President Bush had become the gold standard for a good leader. They also like to remind detractors that the senator has introduced 152 bills and resolutions since 2005. Well, with gems like designating July 13, 2006, as “National Summer Learning Day,” how can one forget? \nCollege democrats are faced with an interesting irony. The very charisma and sense of unity that Obama is lauded for was one of the selling points of President Bush in 2000. Ignorance may be a dangerous thing but blind admiration is even worse.