Ignorance isn’t bliss

I am writing in response to an opinion piece by Nicholas Wallace in the Feb. 11 IDS. I realize that the way newspapers largely define themselves is through their opinion sections, which are typically meant to be provocative and thought-provoking. In attempting to do this. Mr. Wallace has shown that his point of view is that of an immature, un-seasoned thinker. His argument reminds me of when I was in high school. You remember that kid who you could never debate because he would argue with no basis or truth because solutions and thought were not his objective, winning was. And even you in all of your inexperience knew that some people just don’t get it and they never will. This piece has somehow mistaken ignorance with illiteracy and then goes on to say that ignorant and/or illiterate people should not be allowed to cast a vote. Wallace is insinuating that the only voice worth hearing is that of elitists, those academics like himself that know what’s best for everyone. What he should truly be concerned with is that the undeserved are able to express themselves regardless of race, gender and educational opportunities. So Nicholas Wallace, maybe you should start thinking about anyone except yourself for a moment. Take a second to think about what it is actually like to feel powerless because for some horrible reason you were never taught to read, and then think about who’s point of view needs to be expressed.