Letter to the editor
Viewpoints have led to revolutions in the past
February 22, 2007
The words “Opinions don’t matter,” graced the Letters to the Editor section of the Student Voice last week. Out of fear that these words may have been taken to heart by anyone, I am compelled to respond. While all are entitled to speak, I would concede that one with an uninformed, backless opinion is relatively powerless.
The power, however, of one informed voice to inspire and make change should never be doubted. Even unpopular opinions, when appropriately stated, have the power to become widely held beliefs. Unpopular opinions face much resistance but are often among the most grave. If opinions are pointless and powerless to change the world than to accurately reflect this truth, we must rewrite history.
History should reflect that on August 28, 1963, over 200,000 people, by fluke and not cause, found themselves in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Having not known how they got there, they listened to the words “I Have a Dream.” All were uninspired; a man was seen yawning and then life, or rather the absence of it, proceeded as usual.
The opportunity to be lazy and live a complacent life is yours because it was someone’s opinion that freedom is important. If we hold the belief that the time we spend at this institution is a vacation before life, we condemn ourselves. Much of the force of the Civil Rights Movement came from college students; Kent State ... anyone? I don’t recall ever hearing my father say, ‘I wish my generation didn’t change the world.’
I would not credit myself, but if by chance these words have inspired you. A Legislative Affairs Committee exists on campus under the body of Student Senate, with the purpose of making known to legislators the opinions and values of students. I, being the director of that committee, would be delighted to hear your opinions and help to facilitate positive action. My e-mail address is jenifer.biss@uwrf.edu.
Action and inaction are your options; there is a 50 percent chance you will pick the right one.
Jenifer Biss
Student Senator