Let us not lose sight of our human family, of our brothers and sisters, our lovers and our friends. Let us not stop caring about them simply because they are not in the room. Do not lie to yourself by thinking that we are not connected. Do not lie to yourself by thinking that our social climate does not permeate out into the sea of our world. Tangible tendrils are not required to feel the pulse and love of humanity.
If we love democracy, if we love equality, if we love our fellow man, the ripples of our love will course through the sea. Our vision will be felt throughout the land.
Why are students not an integral part of the debate regarding the future of Ohio University? We are the future intellectuals and leaders of this nation. We are the lifeblood of this university.
Who is it that chooses the path of our very own university? Who is it that takes our tuition money and chooses where to place it? Are these elusive choosers the types of people that deserve our respect? Do these all-powerful phantoms without faces love democracy? Do they cherish freedom of speech, does compassion course through their veins? Were they elected by the people? Selfish structure and leadership is not OK. With great power comes great responsibility. That responsibility comes in the form of humility, sacrifice and compassion.
Democracy is not something to feel once every four years. Democracy is something that we should breathe together every single day.
Ohio University and many other universities across our great nation do not share our love for democracy. The power to the people concept has been forgotten; the appointed few run rampant over our short memories and lack of unity. The institutions of higher education should be our nation's fortresses, our nation's bastions of democratic thought and process.
Why do these institutions not breed the concept that our forefathers died for? Why is the decision making process a one way, linear street at our university? Our world is dynamic; our communication is fundamental. How is it that our universities, with their abundance of knowledge, seem to have overlooked the roots of our nation's beauty?
Do not for one second think that democracy is eternal. If our institutions of higher learning can strut over democracy without a second thought, our democracy is mortal. Democracy is eternal only if we make it eternal. Only if we grab it in our hands and mold it, speak to it, feed it, love it, and defend it with our united might. There are those who would try to dilute it and take it away. Humans covet power. Do not think that our very own OU is above human nature. We are the guardians, my friends. We are the keepers of equality. For if it is not you and I to defend our own rights, then who?
My fellow students, my brothers, my sisters, my friends and my lovers, let us unite to defend democracy and our rights as students. Divided we whisper, united we roar. Join the OU Student Union; let us hear your voice. General body meeting at 2:00 p.m. this Saturday in Bentley 132.
Roger Sikes is a senior studying biology and Spanish.
4 Opinion
