Bake Sales

I love these things.

The College Republicans at a local university setup an affirmative action bake sale.

When Ahmirah Cottman walked into the student center at Kutztown University earlier this month, she was appalled by the insinuations she thought were being made by members of the college Republican club standing behind a table with cookies, brownies and cupcakes.

Prices at the so-called ''Affirmative Action Bake Sale,'' which was actually against affirmative action, varied depending on the race of the customer, with whites paying more than minorities.

''The sign said $1 for whites, 25 cents for blacks and women got a 25-cent credit, so they told me, 'Go ahead and take it, it's free for you,''' said Cottman, a black woman.

That's a good deal.

''I got here because I'm bright,'' said Cottman, a junior studying political science.

I'm sure you did, Ms Cottman. That's precisely the point. You have to defend your admission to KU because of the taint of affirmative action.

Witness some silencing of dissent.

About 100 students — black, white and Hispanic — marched Thursday on campus to demonstrate their concerns about the Feb. 8 bake sale, allegations of offensive comments made by Republican club members, and why the university administration allowed the sale to happen and has not done anything to punish those involved.

Too bad the CR's didn't have the Mohammed comics. It would have been open and shut.

Here's another case where an offended group wishes to silence an opinion contrary to their own.

[University President] Cevallos said he understood why the students were upset, but added the campus has to accommodate a free exchange of ideas and can't silence political viewpoints some find objectionable. He offered to host a forum Tuesday where all sides could share their opinions and learn about the university's admissions policies, which do not give preference based on race.

Can't silence is the correct answer. Thank you Mr President.

Politics Posted by AlexC at February 24, 2006 10:55 AM