Kaitlyn Krasselt Editorial Submissions

1/20/2015 The Argonaut – Unpopular opinions: Why we run them

http://www.uiargonaut.com/2014/11/06/running-unpopular-opinions/ 1/5

Submitted by Editorial Board on 11.06.2014 – 11:03 pm 2 Comments

Home » Opinion, Our View

Unpopular opinions: Why we run them

Decision to publish was made consciously, with purpose

The Argonaut has received dozens of responses to the opinion column, “The poison of feminism,” by Andrew Jenson. Many were outraged by thecontent while others supported it and thanked Jenson for his perspective.

The piece itself was largely unpopular, and some discussion has centered on The Argonaut’s decision to publish the column in the first place.

It should be made clear: Jenson’s column does not represent the views of The Argonaut. His interpretation of feminism is his own, developed fromhis upbringing, beliefs and experiences.

It was the decision of Argonaut editors to publish the piece, not because we agreed with or condoned his beliefs, but because he has the right to them.Jenson — and anyone who shares his beliefs — has the same right to the platforms afforded liberal thinkers.

Jenson’s views, while unpopular among the majority of The Argonaut’s readership and most of its editors, represent the views of countless people inthe U.S., many in Idaho and on the University of Idaho campus. He is The Argonaut’s one conservative voice among a sea of liberal thoughts.During his time here, our decision to publish his columns has become an annual conversation among readers.

The Argonaut’s opinion section is often tagged as “liberal” and has published far more pro-feminism columns than anything else in recent history.

But The Argonaut has an obligation to present views that may be different from the majority. It is the duty of a news organization to hold a mirror tosociety and reflect every aspect of it. It is our job to uphold the First Amendment and not stop people who may believe differently from expressingtheir views in the same ways and on the same platforms as anyone else.

Jenson’s perspectives make people uncomfortable because they do not align with the majority. But he did not advocate violence or discrimination. Hedid not libel anyone.

He championed an ideology that is still popular among many Americans through a broad interpretation of feminism and its purpose that some believetwisted the movement for his own devices. While offensive to many, Jenson’s column sparked a mostly civil discussion and represented the views ofa significant portion of the population.

The Argonaut publishes these columns because these opinions exist. It’s important to know they exist, and it would be ignorant for for any liberalthinker to assume that they don’t.

The First Amendment provides an opportunity for a diversity of ideas, and — more importantly — open discourse.

HomeNewsSportsOpinionRawrRadioBlogsAdvertisingContactStudent MediaLegislature

Search...

NewsSportsOpinionRawrMultimedia



Tweet 0

We could sanitize content and pretend these views don’t occur, but that would not be an accurate reflection of the society we live in, nor would it

fulfill our duty to promote discussion and education to eradicate views that may be considered outdated or discriminatory.

To pretend alternate, unpopular opinions do not exist is a greater disservice to the community than publishing them ever could be.

The only way change can ever be achieved is by discussing and considering the viewpoints of those who may disagree. Discussing beliefs with

people who share them will only reinforce similar ideas, not bring about change of thought in others.

Instead of wondering why The Argonaut might publish an unpopular opinion, consider promoting civil open discourse on the content, writing a letter

to the editor or accepting the fact that we live in a society where not everyone shares the same beliefs — no matter how much we might like them to.

— KK

0

151Like

Tags: Andrew Jenson, feminism, Free Speech

2 Comments »

Chelsea says:

11.08.2014 at 1:28 pm

Great response! I’m waiting anxiously for the next opinion piece which I hope will touch on other important topics with a blatant disregard for

facts and statistics. Perhaps rather than gender you guys try an article about race?

Reply to this comment »

Count Leech says:

11.11.2014 at 8:28 am

This response is a joke. Everyone knows you publish “unpopular opinions” because they’re popular; that is, they “sell”.

I’m certain more people come to your website when you publish something Andrew Jenson writes because people like to be offended, just like

the Jerry Springer show.

In other words, it has nothing to do with free speech, and you know it. If it was truly about free speech, you’d publish opinion pieces that are

pro-rape or blatantly racist. But you sensor those things. Why not sensor Andrew as well? His opinions are just as toxic as a racist’s.

The Argonaut just wants people to come to their site, that’s it.

Reply to this comment »

Leave a comment!

Add your comment below, or trackback from your own site. You can also Comments Feed via RSS.

Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website (optional)



You can use these tags:<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <q cite=""> <strike> 

This is a Gravatar-enabled weblog. To get your own globally-recognized-avatar, please register at Gravatar.

Post Comment

Refresh

Captcha *

Find us online

Argonaut — Latest Issue

Rawr — Latest Issue

Best of Moscow 2014

Recent Posts

UPDATE: Moscow shooting suspect pleads not guilty to Washington chargeRequesting reimbursementMoscow remembersOff the cuffSports briefs

Most Commented

Twice the independence—Kibbie Dome clash a battle of the conference-lessThe doctor is in — Moscow doctor becomes Palouse’s only board-certified obesity physicianInadequate increaseVandals outshoot AggiesNo kick Far(quhar) enough for Idaho senior

Most Popular

Powered by WordPress | Entries (RSS) | Comments (RSS) | Valid XHTML and CSSArthemia Premium by ColorLabs & Company



Reviews Corner

Follow Us

Follow @uiargonaut on Twitter

Archives

January 2015

December 2014

November 2014

October 2014

September 2014

August 2014

July 2014

June 2014

May 2014

April 2014

March 2014

February 2014

January 2014

December 2013

November 2013

October 2013

September 2013

August 2013

July 2013

June 2013

May 2013

April 2013

March 2013

February 2013

January 2013

December 2012

November 2012

October 2012

September 2012

August 2012

July 2012



June 2012

May 2012

April 2012

March 2012

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

December 2010

September 2009

August 2009

1/20/2015 The Argonaut – A students’ dean

http://www.uiargonaut.com/2014/10/16/a-students-dean/ 1/5

Submitted by Editorial Board on 10.16.2014 – 9:36 pm


A students’ dean

For 42 years, Pitman has served UI and its students

Homecoming Weekend is one of the most anticipated social weekends of the year — from the fireworks to the football game, Vandals near and farcome to show their pride.

This year though, Homecoming means just a little bit more, and people are coming from all over for another festivity. This weekend marks theretirement celebration of long-time Dean of Students Bruce Pitman.

With nearly 42 years of service to the University of Idaho under his belt, it’s safe to say he has touched countless lives. This is made clear by the morethan 400 people who plan to attend his retirement party and take this Homecoming Weekend as an opportunity to say “thank you.”

And though the gratitude will be overwhelming, Pitman should enjoy the spotlight and this appreciation of his service.

Pitman was a stabilizing force in a university that has experienced constant turnover and gained a reputation as an institution known as a stepping-stone to better options. It’s always been clear Pitman never thought of UI that way.

Pitman stuck with the university through thick and thin, tragedy and triumph, president after president. He’s always been in it for the long hall, andeven when given the opportunity to retire several years ago, he waited until the time felt right.

When Pitman announced his plans to retire last spring, it didn’t quite seem real. In August, he welcomed the new school year and fresh-faced first-year students, just as he had the previous four decades. He still comes into work every day and remains the guiding voice in Student Affairs.

Never did Pitman’s impending retirement feel more real than it did Thursday, when the Idaho State Board of Education approved UI’s request torename the Student Union Building. As of Jan. 4, the building will be known as the Pitman Center — the university’s retirement gift to a man whohas become a part of the school’s identity. It wouldn’t be right to let him go quietly or entirely.

He has worked in a division of university administration that is neither glorious nor highly paid. Yet he did it without complaint, and with enoughlove and dedication for the student body that few would argue he deserves anything less than a building and a well-deserved retirement vacation.

Pitman embodies what it means to be a university administrator. He never once believed the students came to school for him, but every day he cameto work for them.

If there was ever a time Pitman didn’t feel like going to work, or would have rather been doing something else, he never once showed it, and hisdedication was felt by everyone. Through student deaths, angry parents, student disciplinary issues and countless other unsavory situations, Pitman


Search...




Tweet 0

went above and beyond to protect student rights and show he truly put them first.

Even without a building, Pitman would be remembered for decades to come as an advocate for students, a thoughtful and calming voice in times of

student tragedy, a careful mediator and a friend to many.

So, as we congratulate Pitman on his retirement and remember his decades of service, we recognize that UI would not be the place it is today without

him.

And from The Argonaut, thank you, Bruce Pitman. Thank you for your advocacy for the student voice, for answering our endless questions and

letting us write feature after feature about you and your time here. There truly are no two better words to express our gratitude for everything you’ve

done for us and for this university.

Thank you. You will be missed.

—KK

0

26Like

Tags: "Pitman Center", Bruce Pitman, Dean of Students, SUB

Leave a comment!



Name (required)


Website (optional)

You can use these tags:

<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <q cite=""> <strike> 


Post Comment

Refresh

Captcha *

Recent Posts

UPDATE: Moscow shooting suspect pleads not guilty to Washington charge

Requesting reimbursement

Moscow remembers

Off the cuff

Sports briefs



Find us online



Best of Moscow 2014

Reviews Corner

Most Commented

Twice the independence—Kibbie Dome clash a battle of the conference-less

The doctor is in — Moscow doctor becomes Palouse’s only board-certified obesity physician

Inadequate increase

Vandals outshoot Aggies

No kick Far(quhar) enough for Idaho senior

Most Popular

Powered by WordPress | Entries (RSS) | Comments (RSS) | Valid XHTML and CSS

Arthemia Premium by ColorLabs & Company



Follow Us


Archives

January 2015

December 2014

November 2014

October 2014

September 2014

August 2014

July 2014

June 2014

May 2014

April 2014

March 2014

February 2014

January 2014

December 2013

November 2013

October 2013

September 2013

August 2013

July 2013

June 2013

May 2013

April 2013

March 2013

February 2013

January 2013

December 2012

November 2012

October 2012

September 2012

August 2012

July 2012

June 2012

May 2012

April 2012

March 2012

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011



March 2011February 2011January 2011December 2010September 2009August 2009

1/20/2015 The Argonaut – Fighting a losing battle

http://www.uiargonaut.com/2014/10/09/fighting-a-losing-battle/ 1/4

Submitted by Editorial Board on 10.09.2014 – 10:20 pm


Fighting a losing battle

Otter should stop spending tax dollars to fight gay marriage

Same-sex couples lined up at courthouses throughout Idaho Wednesday morning to apply for marriage licenses, after a federal appeals court struckdown the state’s ban on gay marriage as unconstitutional a day earlier.

But, 20 minutes before the state was to begin granting marriage licenses the United States Supreme Court issued an emergency temporary stay at therequest of Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter, to halt the issuing of licenses to same-sex couples. Rather than photos of jubilation, the images capturedsame-sex couples embracing in tears at the news that they, yet again, were being denied the rights afforded to all other U.S. citizens.

When the Idaho federal district court overturned the ban on same-sex marriage in the spring, Otter requested a stay and pledged $1 million to fight fora continued ban on same-sex marriage in Idaho. Otter further stated he would, in fact, fight the issue all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.

While Otter’s stance on the issue — that marriage is defined as between a man and a woman — is in line with a plurality of Idahoans, recent historydemonstrates Otter won’t win this battle. Instead, he is simply wasting taxpayer dollars on an issue that’s essentially already been decided.

Earlier in the week, the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the 10th Circuit Federal Appeals Court to overturn bans on gay marriage in five states— effectively making the court’s stance on the issue clear while they wait for the rest of the circuit courts to make their decisions.

In the past, Otter has repeatedly denied the availability of any additional funding in the state and refused to raise state taxes to fund things likeeducation, infrastructure, Medicaid expansion and more. Yet when the sanctity of unions defined by a church is put under siege, he’s more thanwilling to find the money to fight it.

Throughout history, Idaho has been the state that comes last in everything — from education, to traffic safety, to healthcare. It’s time for Otter and therest of Idaho to accept times are changing.

No longer is it acceptable to cite church doctrine as a means to define the law. No longer is it OK to violate the 14th amendment of the U.S.Constitution — a clause that guarantees equal protections to all born and naturalized citizens of the United States.

No longer is it tolerable to spend tax dollars to deny privileges guaranteed by state-recognized unions based on sexual orientation and an outdateddefinition of marriage.

The fight for marriage equality isn’t — at the heart of the issue — about love. It’s about providing equal opportunity to anyone — regardless ofsexual orientation, gender, race or any other definable quality.


Search...




Tweet 0

It’s time for Otter and the rest of Idaho to get with the times. They need to realize the sanctity of their marriage is at no more risk once gay couples are

allowed to wed than it was when Brittany Spears and Jason Alexander filed for divorce after 55 hours of holy matrimony.

It’s time for Idaho to stop being the asterisk at the end of the sentence when it comes to change. Idaho needs to accept a separation of church and state

and understand its place in history shouldn’t mean being stuck in the past.

— KK

0

0Like

Tags: Federal Appeals Court, Idaho, Same-sex marriage

Leave a comment!



Name (required)


Website (optional)

You can use these tags:

<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <q cite=""> <strike> 


Post Comment

Refresh

Captcha *

Find us online

Recent Posts

UPDATE: Moscow shooting suspect pleads not guilty to Washington charge

Requesting reimbursement

Moscow remembers

Off the cuff

Sports briefs

Most Commented

Twice the independence—Kibbie Dome clash a battle of the conference-less

The doctor is in — Moscow doctor becomes Palouse’s only board-certified obesity physician

Inadequate increase





Best of Moscow 2014

Reviews Corner

Vandals outshoot Aggies

No kick Far(quhar) enough for Idaho senior

Most Popular

Powered by WordPress | Entries (RSS) | Comments (RSS) | Valid XHTML and CSS

Arthemia Premium by ColorLabs & Company



Follow Us


Archives

January 2015

December 2014

November 2014

October 2014

September 2014

August 2014

July 2014

June 2014

May 2014

April 2014

March 2014

February 2014

January 2014

December 2013

November 2013

October 2013

September 2013

August 2013

July 2013

June 2013

May 2013

April 2013

March 2013

February 2013

January 2013

December 2012

November 2012

October 2012

September 2012

August 2012

July 2012

June 2012

May 2012

April 2012

March 2012

February 2012

January 2012

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

December 2010

September 2009

August 2009

Documents

Kaitlyn Krasselt Editorial Submissions