The Daily O’Collegian

Dear editor,

Jeff Campbell’s latest “cartoon” is offensive as well as uninformed. There are four recognized flags of the Confederate States of America, the First National, Second National, Third National and the Battle Flag. The Battle Flag has been taken by white supremacists, defamed and used as a symbol of hatred and intolerance. Due to Jeff Campbell’s use and perpetuation of this stereotype, he is spreading the ideas of racism and elitism and is therefore no better than the objects of his ridicule. To many, the flags of the Confederacy symbolize the ideals and convictions of founding fathers such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. The Declaration of Independence states it best, “…That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…” The Confederacy is one of the purest implementations of these ideals as they seceded as a final resort from an oppressive federal government in the hopes of maintaining the dreams, ideals, and desires of the founding fathers of this nation. We hope in the future, The O’Collegian staff will be more mindful in it’s perpetuation of stereotypes.

Alexander Schwartz

Forestry Junior

and

Nicholas Johnson

Civil Engineering Sophomore

Dear editor,

I would like to respond to the Daily O’Collegian article “Underage Drinking a Problem at OIL Conference” published on Oct. 2, 2008. In this story, OSU Vice President of Student Affairs Lee Bird said that OIL is “a big drunk fest.” As governor and chairman of the Board of Directors of OIL, I can tell you that this is the farthest from the truth.

OIL is a mock parliamentary body founded 40 years ago by former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh and several other young leaders in the state. The purpose of the body is to create a legislative learning experience and draft legislation of the concerns of college students and advocate those concerns to the Oklahoma Legislature. Many current serving and former Oklahoma legislators count themselves as alumni of OIL and credit their service in OIL as reasons why they are successful in their legislative careers. Many engineers, doctors, lawyers and small business professionals passed through OIL during college and our Moot Court competition has been declared one of the best in Oklahoma at the collegiate level. The bottom line is that for 40 years OIL has produced Oklahoma’s leaders.

The notion that OIL provides alcohol for students is simply wrong. Never under my term as governor or as a member of OIL leadership has OIL bought or provided alcohol for students. We strongly discourage underage drinking and excessive drinking of those that are of age. If any person drinks alcohol at OIL, it is of their own choice and provided by their own funds in their own private hotel room while attending an OIL conference.

I want to whole-heartedly assure Lee Bird, any university official, student or campus leader that students attend OIL for the right reasons. I invite anyone who wishes to observe our 2008 fall Legislative Session this Nov. 5 - 8 at the Oklahoma state Capitol. You will find that OIL is not a “drunk fest” but a place where Oklahoma’s leaders of tomorrow meet.

Joe Hartman

Governor and Chairman of the Board

Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature

Dear editor,

Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL) is not a “drunk fest.” Recent rumors as well as the Oct. 2 article about the organization have been totally inaccurate about what its main focus is, which is to promote the growth and knowledge about the political process, as well as encourage dialogue among students and public officials across the state. My time in OIL has been rewarding, challenging and has provided a rare opportunity to voice my opinions at the state Capitol. Former governors, representatives, senators and Truman scholars, and hundreds of other distinguished leader have all benefited from what OIL has to offer. I am extremely thankful to the university’s administrators and student leaders for continuing to make OIL a great experience for students across the state of Oklahoma. Applications are available in 040 Student Union.

Eric Smith

Vice-chair, OSU OIL

PR/Political Science Sophomore