The criticisms of my defense of Eric Johnson’s voter registration efforts admit I was technically correct but argue the behavior was not ethnically sound, and thus I am a poor role model for defending it. I willingly admit I am a poor role model. In addition to my frequent support of Republicans, I have many other failings. Still, let me raise two points:

First, selectively encouraging people to vote is a long-standing and common practice in both American parties. When Cook County Democrats send buses to bring voters in “certain” nursing homes to the polls, are they doing so selectively? Why do Democratic activists talk of energizing the African-American vote in Ohio and remain mute on energizing the Cuban-American vote in Florida? Democratic organizations, like Republican organizations, also make partisan decisions about where to hold voter registration drives. Is it coincidental if DeKalb County Democrats seem to focus their registration drives on DeKalb and among the students and not among farmers? Could it be because the latter group is less likely to vote Democratic than the former? If the practice of encouraging one’s own supporters to vote is unfair, I would argue both parties are similarly flawed. Or, are we to be so naïve as to believe one party is selfishly encouraging only its supporters to vote, while the other is selflessly working to get everyone to vote?

Second, for me, fairness is being honest and following the many rules governing the political process. This is a high standard and one I expect the College Republicans to follow. However, American elections are competitive. As with sporting events, participants are not required or expected to provide equal assistance to help both sides win. They are expected to follow the rules. Are Democrats not partisan within the rules? Is it coincidental that the original “allegations” of impropriety were brought by the chair of the County Democrats? Should we assume the letters and columns criticizing Eric and me did not come from those supporting Democratic candidates?

As an American, I encourage everyone to vote. However, I also hope more Americans vote for the candidates who share my views and beliefs than for those who do not. Is it unethical or unfair to work within the rules toward that end? Isn’t getting your supporters to show up at the polls a democratic measure of the strength of your convictions and theirs? In sum, not only are both parties partisan, but there also is merit to the system. Just as our legal system depends on vigorous adversarial procedures and our economy works best with vigorous, market-driven competition, so, too, does our democracy depend on vigorous competitive political activity.

If believing that makes me a bad role model, so be it. When political competition ceases or is unfairly stifled, then I will worry.

Daniel Kempton

Associate professor, political science

Support the Huskies, but be respectful about it

I’m a senior here at NIU, and I’ve been to all home football games since 2000. I’ve seen the changes this team has gone through over the past few years. What the football team has accomplished is amazing.

I just hate to see it tarnished by fans throwing bottles and other things on the field at the visiting teams. The school already removed three rows from the 50-yard-line section, so let’s not make it another three rows. Our job is to make the away team feel uncomfortable, not unsafe. This weekend, bring the noise and your red and black, but keep your bottles in the stands. Let’s get those Zippity Doo Das. GO HUSKIES!

Bobby Wiemann

Senior, physical education