Opinion > November 15, 2007

Too much money spent on Starr speech

As individuals on opposite ends of the political spectrum, we, the writers of this letter to the editor, agree on very little.

Impressively we share the following conclusions in response to “Speaker not worth university’s money” and “GSSA poorly represented at Starr speech” (Nov. 8).

First, the $10,000 paid for Ken Starr’s appearance was poorly spent chiefly because the event was indiscreetly under-attended.

College Republicans did a fair job publicizing this speaker, thus the small audience, at most 5 percent of the student population, was reflective of a generally apathetic undergraduate body.

This sum, however, could certainly have been allocated for a number of “better” causes, like Campus Kitchen.

While the Wake Forest community consistently demonstrates aptitude, we also neglect our pro humanitate motto on a frequent and regular basis. Many of us indulge ourselves with designer shoes, electronics, alcohol and sexual gratification too often and too heavily.

Starr’s pricey speech is just one past example of a host of extravagances. This $10,000 is gone; what will the next $10,000 fund?

In regard to senior Bryan Davis Keith’s assertion, we acknowledge that one GSSA member’s behavior clearly crossed the line, proving deliberately disrespectful and disgraceful. We recognize such conduct does not represent the attitude of GSSA.

Finally, Starr was asked a number of different questions and responded to many with the same answer: a national discussion is needed to address the constitutionality of marriage.

Of course, we cannot agree if this common reply was truly appropriate or an evasion of the questions raised in the columns.

Freshmen Haowei Claire Tong, Colby Meador, Ben Comer, Jon Wolff, Brent Thomas and sophomore Sarah Austin Hines