As a former opinion writer for The Hornet, I fully and faithfully support Briana Monasky’s article, not just because I cannot stand Palin and McCain, but because I value the opportunity to voice one’s opinion. I believe censorship undercuts democracy more than any other violation because once people cannot speak their mind without fear of censorship, then what is next? What do I mean by “next”? I do not know, that is what scares me.

The free flow of ideas across time is essential in helping writers and readers alike understand why they believe what they believe as well as to challenge the status quo and societal norms. Does that mean that this single column will change the world? No, that is not the point, but it is a very small contribution to the ever growing human lexicon- and a continuing exercise and exchange of belief systems, ideas and perspectives- that adds to the political and social dialogue form which we seek to understand the world we live and the choices we make.

The beauty of writing an opinion column is that one can engage and challenge the reader, regardless if they change people’s minds or galvanize beliefs already held. If one has graduated, not ever challenging their beliefs, then they have sold themselves short.

For all those disgusted by what Briana said about hoping Palin is raped by her dad, take the comment for what it is, a comment, not a “violent attack”. While her words provide ample shock value, I see her statement as an opportunity, theoretically, for Sarah Palin to challenge her own beliefs. Now, obviously, Sarah Palin does not read the State Hornet, but Palin supporters at CSUS do and I think it would be wise for those supporters of Palin and all people who do not support abortion even in the case of rape to stop and think about a pregnancy from rape. Would you keep the child? Would Palin keep a child after being raped?

I wish many people could experience things that they hold strong beliefs about, but have not experienced, to gain a new perspective on the issue. I wish for myself to experience new things. That is the point here people. Right, wrong or indifferent, the point of this column is not to condone rape, but to challenge a set of beliefs. In this case, it is whether a woman who does not support abortion in the case of rape would opt for an abortion if she were raped.

Not allowing a woman to have access to an abortion after a rape is rather inhuman in my opinion. Anyone who believes that abortion should be banned even in cases of rape (or incest), to me, has no sympathy for a victim of a violent crime. It goes against any sense of freedom and liberty to force a woman who is the victim of a crime as violent and dignity robbing as rape to carry the baby produced from that rape. If people believe as Sarah Palin does, then we need to ask some further questions. Should the rapist pay child support? What if the child turns out to have mental problems and becomes a criminal, should the state pay for the cost of incarceration or rehabilitation because it forced the woman to have the child? Regardless of how likely or not that situation is, these are the kinds of questions we need to ask each other, and ourselves, to figure out what it is we truly believe.

Perhaps people, after thinking about that scenario, may agree that abortion in cases of rape is allowable…or maybe not. However, we must discuss these issues in an open forum, free of censorship. Now, that does not mean that Ms. Monasky should be free from criticism. Anyone willing to put their beliefs on paper, and in public, is opening themselves to praise and criticism and I am sure she knows that. If people don’t agree with what they read in The Hornet and don’t want to pay the $2.50 included in their student fees to fund the publication, my suggestion is to apply for a position with The Hornet as an opinion columnist and put your beliefs on paper, or write a letter to the editor voicing how you feel about things so you get your money’s worth.

We all have beliefs that others do not agree with and some would rather not hear or see them published, but we cannot go around quashing opinions we do not agree with. People need to lower their guard, bite their tongues for a moment and listen; you might learn something about other people or about yourself.

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