Anti Obama vandalism on the 6th

I'm mostly disappointed that people could be that immature. Sure, as a slightly left-of-center voter and someone who voted for Obama, I'm a little bit biased, but I think I'd be similarly disappointed if McCain had won and someone went around campus slashing tires of McCain supporters. Come on, people, there are more constructive ways to vent your unwarranted rage. And seriously... if you're that conservative, why did you come to Western?!

On a similar note, it's a little bit frustrating that some more conservative people are already saying that they think the country is going to be run into the pits with our next president. Honestly, it's nearly impossible to judge a president's performance before he's even been inaugurated. Sure, he could be similar to Carter, or he could be similar to FDR, or he could be totally un-noteworthy. Who knows? No one! Now that we've done all that we can and voted, let's just lay back and see what happens.

It's unfortunate that whoever did this felt they didn't have a better way of venting their frustration. I remember how I felt when Bush, somehow, got re-elected... and I remember driving through Seattle, listening to the radio, and hearing the DJ announce the next song as "the most requested song of the day" - REM's "It's the End of the World." It sucks to feel like the country is heading in the wrong direction.

Of course, I didn't slash anyone's tires... I volunteered my time for campaigns (Jay Inslee and Maria Cantwell previously, this year was all Obama), talked to people about the election and made sure I got out and voted (in Seattle, if you forget to register absentee you have to get up and go to the polls - really!).

I'm sorry whoever did this felt it was worth doing - whether they thought it meant something, or that liberals deserve to be punished for having divergent ideas - I'm not taking the Obama bumper sticker off my car, though.

I too was disappointed to read about the tire slashing incident on Western’s campus. My wife and I have been Obama supporters for more than two years, serving as Obama delegates in precinct, regional and state caucuses. While this senseless act of violence by die-hard supporters of George W Bush is appalling, I personally found it less disturbing than certain equally intolerant actions by some not-so-liberal liberals. I am a retired military, 100% disabled veteran turned anthropology graduate student and a member of Veterans for Peace (VFP is dedicated to the abolishment of war). In honor of Veterans Day, and in keeping with the theme of ending all war, I posted several flyers on the bulletin boards of Western’s library which included an image of Obama giving the thumbs-up, the VFP logo, and the words: “Out of Iraq, into Afghanistan? What’s the difference to our soldiers and their families Mr. President Elect?” My flyers lasted less than 10 minutes before they were torn down, ripped to pieces, and tossed in the trash. Obama is now our president, yet for many of us who worked long and hard to see him elected there are still many unanswered questions, including why Obama voted for FISA, is opposed to gay marriage, why he just flipp-flopped on the missle defense system, and why he opposes war in Iraq yet continues to support war in Afghanistan. To those who tore down my posters: As one of two parents of a multi-ethnic family with a son serving in Iraq (and facing possible redeployment to Afghanistan), Obama is not a helpless and powerless black man who needs your protection. He is the president elect of the United States of America, and as such should be called upon to answer these and other hard questions. Obama is not some pseudo-liberal “token” who needs to be sequestered and defended. President elect Obama is real and is not going away--just like these issues.

I agree, its really saddening that in all the excitement and joy about the new election that people felt then need to express themselves by destroying others property. For me, it just reiterates past events in Bellingham though. I used to feel so safe here, when I moved 4 years ago and since then I continue to be more and more disapointed with people in Bellingham. I have multiple friends who have had their houses broken into and had expensive stuff stolen, multiple people including myself having my mail stolen (mainly netflix), my car was stolen out of a back ally in a garage between Indian and High, all the recent women being attacked both on and around Western's campus, the people that bashed in peoples side mirrors on Indian Street I think last year... it just goes on and on and its all just horrible. What is wrong with the people in Bellingham? I wish this could be a safe community where we respect each other, and take care of each other. Instead, I fear the worst for myself and my property, until I can move away from here. 

I agree with a lot of the comments here and especially with the people who wrote that (I am paraphrasing) tolerance needs to go both ways.  In response to the vet/anthropology student, no Obama is not a helpless person, but no one ever said he was, at least not in this forum.  I am merely saddened by the response to his victory by intolerant people and, like you, I am saddened by your story of the intolerant reaction to your posters.  I am wondering if they were approved to be posted however?  I believe that things have to be approved to be posted certain places although I'm not sure.  At any rate, whether I agree with anyone's views or not, they have a right to express them - as long as they are not hurting someone or being destructive, as the ignorant people who vandalized property on the 6th were.

What caught me was the fact that they were putting "W" on the vehicles.

People do realize that no matter if Obama was elected or not, "W" wouldn't be president anymore...right? So why are they even bothering to 'support' him in this manner? I realize McCain is almost the same thing...but still. People are living in the past.

 I strongly agree that people are living in the past. I was deeply saddened when a friend of mine posted this as his status on facebook shortly after Obama became the president elect,  "in the next four years you will all see the error of your ways." I am very upset by some people's disrespect for the vote of the majority of America, and for the president elect, Obama.

Wow, just last week I had my car parked down there. I'm glad it wasn't there because I've got quite a few democratic stickers on there. I'm sorry to anyone whose car was vandalized. I, as a freshman, was pretty shocked to hear this news. I thought Western and members of its community would be better than that. Even during the last 4 years, I never even thought about vandalizing or destroying someone's property just because they thought differently than I did. It just never occured to me. I'm honestly disappointed and a little scared.

I was also very surprised to hear that people around here took such violent action towards those cars marked with Obama supporting stickers. I've always thought that Bellingham was a peaceful place. I know it is pretty heavily liberal so I wasn't surprised at the number of people really excited by Obama's win, but I really didn't think that anyone around here had it in them to participate in hate crimes, apparently I was being naive. I do have a question though, one of the other participants said the cars were marked with W's, does that stand for Western or something else?

I was thinking that one of the contributing factors to the vandalism might have been the overwhelming response of Western (and Bellingham in general) to Obama's victory with parades, parties, and people generally making a huge scene. Could it be possible that if people didn't go so public with their excitement that maybe others wouldn't have gone so public with their anger? Though I suppose people will be upset whether the Obama supporters celebrate or not, and I think it would have been wrong to tell that Obama mob to go back to Western because of free speech, etc. But maybe those McCain supporters just thought the rest of us were being inconsiderate.

The campaigns run this year were particularly brutal and it’s sad we now see the effects of it all. Everyone became so riled up in the journey to this election it is understandable that many people may still have ill feelings. Though it is sickening to see the way these emotions are coming out. The day after the election, I was wearing my Obama pin at night on the ridge. Some man began to yell profanity at me saying disturbing and vicious things. He looked so angry; I was so frightened that I ended up running away down the hill. It’s distressing to see that some people believe that is the only way to take out their pain. When McCain did his concession speech, he gracefully bowed out of the race. Unfortunately some of the supporters at his speech were booing every time Obama’s name was mentioned. They did this to the point where you couldn’t even here what McCain had to say. I worried about this clear division in our country and can only hope we begin to come back together. We all live in this country, we are all Americans, and these are all our problems. Aggression and rage isn’t going to solve anything and it is time we all realize that.

I largely agree with most of the views expressed in the postings so far. This election was huge, and I didn't come across anyone who did not have a strong opinion about who they were voting for and why. I worked on the Obama campaign this summer, and I talked to a lot of young people about who they would be voting for. Whenever I came across someone who told me they would be voting McCain, I would ask them why. I came across VERY few people who had a good reason to vote for McCain. By far, the most common response I was given was that they just didn't want Obama, not because they were passionate about McCain at all. The conclusion I drew was that a lot of young McCain supporters were primarily supporting McCain because they were so strongly anti-Obama. I think that all this built-up hatred and prejudice is probably what catalyzed the vandalism here at Western. I think that, had McCain won (and thank goodness that he didn't!), there would not have been a violent reaction, because most of the people I talked to this summer had much more sophisticated reasons for supporting Obama - they were not voting for him just because he wasn't McCain. Just a thought!

It's terrible that people chose  acts like these to express their thoughts and feelings. Regardless of political affiliation, there are appropriate times and places to vent.  Bellingham may not be a republican dreamland but I'm sure there are other more responsible conservatives that are not happy with the elections and are not slashing tires. I think this is a case of a couple misguided individuals that had nothing better to do then damage some cars. I question whether or not these crimes were even politically fueled. Who knows what their reasons were. I just hope they are caught and pay for the damage. Tires arn't cheap!

When I received the email of the hate crime that took place, I was shocked that something like this could happen on campus. I too agree, I hope they are caught and held responsible for their actions. Its sad that such crimes can be committed due to political views and plain immature people.

I'm not surprised that something like this happened, and I wouldn't be surprised if McCain supporters had their tires slashed if he had won. The election has been such a charged hostile situation that it doesn't surprise me at all that tires got slashed. We should be thankful that it was just property damage and not an attack. I don't condone the acts in the slightest, but they don't surprise me.

Addiotionally I find it to be such a naive comment that people are making saying that they wouldn't have slashed tires had McCain won  nor have they thought of doing anything destructive to Bush supporters over the last 8 years. Most people wouldn't think of doing most attrocities, but they still happen all the time. Just because you wouldn't do something doesn't mean you should be surprised when people do.

Amanda - you mentioned something about tolerance going both ways.  I attend TLA (Teaching and Learning Academy) meetings with students, staff, and faculty, twice a month to discuss topics and issues related to teaching and learning.  At the last meeting the word tolerance came into conversation in reference to President Bruce Shepard's response to the discriminitory acts against homosexuals at the University of Washington.  When we discussed the word "tolerance" we felt a hidden negative connotation with the word.  To tolerate something is to be able to put up with something or to be able to deal with something.  I believe a better ideal is to accept.  To accept something is to be okay with it and have no problems with it.  In all situations, including the tire slashing over the election.  I was thinking maybe we shouldn't try to teach tolerance, but acceptance instead.  Is it too much to teach acceptance when we live in a world when people don't even tolerate?  Or are our standards just not high enough?

I agree with my fellow classmate that acceptance should be taught in schools as well as tolerance.

I am a conservative, and did support McCain through the 2008 Presidential Elections. McCain's loss was disappointing for myself and other conservatives-- but it is my duty as an American citizen to follow our next President of the United States. Even though I may not agree with some if not all issues Obama supports, I am going to spend the next four years supporting him, my new Commander and Chief. All I can do now is hope for the best.

However, I do believe people should have had more common sense with their reactions to the elections. Thrashing tires, ripping bumper stickers off of cars, and carving "W"s on property that is not theirs is a felony and moraly inconsiderate. It's rare that you see a community massively excited for their new president, especially when people are aware that he will change the course of our history. To disrespect their privilige to celebrate is immature, no matter how upsetting it was to watch. If the situation had been the opposite, and McCain was elected instead of Obama-- I believe these events would have turned out exactly the same.

The point you make about tolerance possibly having a hidden negative connotation is a good one.  I do agree that acceptance is more positive than tolerance, however when thinking about the (possible) feelings of the conservatives on Obama's win, I think of my feelings for the past eight years.  I didn't agree, and still don't, with many of the policies and politics of the current administration.  That may be putting it quite politely.  However, I never took my grievances out on anyone else - if I felt something needed change, I worked on campaigns or took some sort of positive political or activist action - again - that hurt no one.  Acceptance can have an interesting connotation as well, in that it seems to say that I would accept Bush, or McCain, as someone that I respect.  And I don't.  But I do tolerate them and respect the office.  I work within the system in the way that I protest the moves that I believe are wrong, etc. Your definition "To accept something is to be okay with it and have no problems with it." doesn't apply to the way that I feel about McCain or to a lot of conservative politics.  But I am tolerant.  I believe that your statements about tolerance vs. acceptance are more pertinent to the conversation they were originally meant for, that of the discriminatory acts against homosexuals.  Here, I agree far more with you.   I hope that makes sense.

I have to admit that I was pretty taken aback when I heard about the vandalisms! I mean, we are supposed to be a campus that accepts everyone's beliefs no matter what, right? What kind of world are we living in that just because someone has a bumper sticker on their car supporting their political view, they need to get their tires slashed and car keyed?! It just makes me sick to my stomach that somebody so cruel and torn up over the inevitable would lash out like that. I hate to think this but, this act just proves racism is still alive and well today. I wish it wasn't true, and hoped that everyone would be accepting of our future president, but I guess everyone isn't ready for the much needed change in America just yet. I just pray that everyone can come together and make this nation a better place for everyone to live in, because whether people like it or not, we are one big melting pot of cultures that isn't going to change anytime soon!

The fact that people went so completely out of their way to commit this act of hatred is completely ridiculous, in my point of view. The worst part is, I cannot simply believe that the vandalism was due to political party. The people who are committing these crimes, and talking bad about Barack Obama, haven't even given the man a chance yet. A boy in my dorm said to me, "I'll give Barack Obama a chance, but he's on a short leash." Shouldn't every President be on a short leash? Shouldn't we never trust a politician to come through 100% with the promises he/she made? No matter political party, politicians are politicians, and if you're going to vote, or even talk about a candidate in a bad light, shouldn't you do your research and see which candidate will honestly be the best person to run our country?

Vandalism is not the answer to your frustrations over who won the election, I wish people would see that. Everyone deserves a chance, right? Democrats have watched George W. Bush put our country into an economic depression, so when our country elects a man who can hopefully bring us up from the rut we are in, we are allowed to celebrate. We have watched George W. Bush for the past eight years, and it's definitely time for a change.

Give Obama a chance, if he doesn't live up to his promises, then you have the right to be angry. Even so, violence//vandalism is not the answer to any situation.

I am a western student that is independent, which means I do have some very conservative beliefs.  One of the most difficult times I have at Western are when people are so close minded with any conservative beliefs and do not listen nor attempt to understand why I belief in some of my beliefs.  They are simpy labeled wrong.  It seems sometimes that my beliefs are always labeled as the crazy, radical, and end of the world ideas.  After a few years, I have hermitted back about some of my ideas because speaking them can be very damaging to me because I do not want to fight or argue, but I just want the other person to realize that if they start calling my belief to be crazy or weird, or out of sorts that they are offending me.  I dont' even say offending me, I simply say my belief.  I wish that Western would recognize that the Republican party is not bad.  I feel sometimes that the Republican party has almost been treated as though they are truly evil.  I just wish that the Republican party wouldnt' get such a horrible wrap at the school.  Just because one person decides to go and mark all of these cars does not mean that all Republicans are evil and out to get all Obama supporters.  I would love to see see more Republicans around campus, or Independent voices talk about their viewpoints and not feel as though they cannot speak freely about their beliefs in fear of being called names or simply saying "you have stupid viewpoints. "

I agree totally. Its funny because Western prides themselves on being open to every type of person, but it almost seems as if lots of people on campus act the exact opposite of open. If you have any view that isn't Liberal, you are most likely going to be ridiculed for it. I guess I feel that it would be nice to see more Republicans, Independents, and the like around campus. Also it would be nice to know that if those people from those parties wanted to express their ideas they could do so in an environment where they won't be looked at as "evil." I never understood how this campus is supposed to be so open yet they use a person's personal and political views as a reason for treating them differently.

Hilary, I think it is wrong that you feel so alienated because you are a republican. Even though I lean more towards a democratic standpoint, I wish people were more open minded instead of divided by partisan lines- I for one try to vote for a candidate based on what they plan to do rather than what party they are in.

As for the vandalism on the cars, I do not see this as a matter of party lines. To me, I view this act as a hate crime. Disregarding race, this act is hateful towards Obama as a human being. Who would be so angered by his election that they would damage other people's vehicles? I cannot imagine the vandal's thinking process, if they even thought at all. What they did was wrong and disgrace to Western, and even more so, a disgrace to human kind. It was a shallow and stupid reaction to such an amazing step for equality and humankind.  

Thanks Danica,

I can defintly see your viewpoint on this being a hate crime.  Maybe that is what the W should for, do you think it might have instead meant like "white power'?  If it does, that is depressing.

This is a disgraceful thing and as a McCain supporter I am saddened to see someone act so childish. I have a friends car get a "W" scratched on all 4 of his doors and im just sad that we have come to a society where if we don’t get what we want me cry. If you were a true McCain supporter and you watched his concession speech you would have seen him give one of the most gracious speeches and he said Obama is now my president now and we need to come together because we are in a crisis and it is only through non-partisan politics we will get through it. I just hope that the person responsible for it will step forward and do what is right.
On a side note I was wondering if there was going to be anything done to help the people whose cars were vandalized because I know the school doesn’t have a responsibility for that but they should receive help on getting that fixed
 

to me, along with a lot of other people, i am not suprised. i read what had happened on e-mail as well and my parents told me after they watched it on the news. the day after the elections, i bought a specific obama t-shirt that signifies his winning of the election to wear the day after on wednesday. When i wore it, i was proud. It was my first election to vote in and not only did i get to vote, but i got to vote for a nominee i was proud of. i was walking around red square and passed by these dudes and got booed at. i did not respond, i simply looked at them and smiled, knowing that they are only booing me because they are sore loosers. I knew that if i responded in a negative way, i would be as low as them, and i would be going against the change that this country needs. this car slashing is just an example of how low we are as a people. I heard somewhere that someone had said, 'We need a President who can Lead not Divide!' Why must we be divided if we have a black man as president? Just like him, or you, or me, or our friends, he is just a person and only a person. We should look past colors and attributes. If we still look at that and are still segregated by it, then we as a people are failing. Some of us still are ignorant and do not want to grow up and be a part of a country that should be united. All of us are just going to have to wait and find out what becomes of us.

On the political standpoint I also lean more toward the conservative end, which has been very unwelcome here at western. I totally agree about feeling alienated for not agreeing with the liberal views. But, no matter what my political ideologies are, or anybodies for that matter, it gives nobody the right or the excuse to do something as harmful as vandalizing other's property. If people were upset about Obama getting elected they should have shown why their viewpoints were valid instead of giving themselves and other McCain supporters a bad name. Even though the actions were disgusting, I can't say I was surprised to see it happen. Ever since the campaigning started there have been heightened tensions over this election, especially in people of our age group. For many of us it is the first time we are able to vote, and the first time we have cared about this. I think it is so great that young people are getting involved and seeing how their voice can be heard, and getting upset when people don't agree with you happens (it is a tad childish, but it happens). The people who vandalized the cars really need to get thier anger in check because they are making people not feel safe at Western, and that is unacceptable.

To Hilary and petrofa, I just wanted to say that I am really sorry that people are so closeminded as to make you feel alienated.  I don't think you have "stupid viewpoints" but I do disagree with many of the conservative political ideals.  However, that doesn't mean that I don't have lots of friends that identify themselves as conservative or Republican and that we don't have very good conversations debating different points in a manner that makes us both feel that we are heard and respected.  Any person who follows a cause or a person blindly makes me a bit skeptical, however, and zealots of any kind are suspicious in my book - whether they identify as liberal, Democrat, Independent, conservative, Socialist, Republican or what have you.  I am truly sorry that you feel you can't be heard in a respectful way.  We all have different viewpoints but it is a great thing, and one thing that America historically likes to pride itself on, to be able to have different viewpoints.  Let's agree to disagree.  Hearing each others reasoning and beliefs may not change our minds but it can help us to understand one another.

I agree with the previous comments made, and I too am one of those people who are truely excited for what Obama is going to accomplish in office. When watching his speech on the 4th I felt so proud and excited for him and my heart just completely went out to him and his family. His speech was excellent and greatful and I really think he is all about what he says he is. I actually feel like I can believe every word he says. But while he was talking, I couldn't help but to be concerned for his safety. I really think that as not only as our President..but also as a African American, he is in more danger and that some racist Republican from the deep south might snap and hurt him or something. I don't know, but I just wish they upped his secret service because I a genuinely concerned for his life. Then hearing about this awful event that happened on the 6th just makes me feel worse about the situation. It only took two days for there to be some sort of hate crime...in Bellingham, Washington... a very liberal city in a very liberal state. I can only imagine what's going on all over the country in other more Republican cities and states. In TLA last week someone shared that they saw that someone's status on Facebook was "counting down the days until Obama gets lynched". I remember that everyone gasped when they heard that. What an awful think to think..let alone post up on the internet for the world to see. That person has to be truely angry to say something that horrible; and I'm sure there's more people exactly like that person. I love Obama and I am excited for these next four..and hopefully eight years...but I really am worried about what might happen during the course of his presidency. 

I've often wondered if Republicans at WWU have felt out of place!  Seems kind of silly for republican students to be treated as "evil."  Dems participate in the same game.

I don't think the vandals have anything to worry about with Obama.  He'll work to maintain capitalism, corporate welfare, and US imperialism as much as McCain, except maybe hide it under the guise of socialism.

I'm also a "minority" politically; I'm far left of liberal (I'm a social anarchist), but I don't feel particularly alienated at Western.  For the most part, I find the liberal students and professors curious my no-party politics.

I completely agree with you. I was so disappointed to hear that people had to take their emotions out on others with such a violent act. It is not a responsible or effective way to have others consider your opinions when you resort to vandalism. America is so divided when it comes to politics. People frequently stereotype too, such as when we look at someone and think, “They’re democrats, so they must be hippies” or, “He’s a republican, so he must be selfish.” I find myself even prejudging like that sometimes. Why are we acting like this? This time of year (especially when the new president is being elected) when people just tear each other to shreds over political issues. It can become so personal sometimes. The people that vandalized those cars did not act appropriately at all. First, it was incredibly cowardly. They are afraid to come out and say how they feel in a dignified manner so instead they sneak around at night destroying others’ property. Second, it doesn’t do a thing! In fact, people are much less willing to listen to these opinions when they are expressed in such a hateful and destructive way. I wish that there was a way that we could remain the United States of America, regardless of politics. Sure, one person may have a differing opinion on an issue like nationalized health care than another, but we should still find a way to be united in our country. It is critical that we do not divide. United we stand. Divided we fall.

I completely agree with you. I was so disappointed to hear that people had to take their emotions out on others with such a violent act. It is not a responsible or effective way to have others consider your opinions when you resort to vandalism. America is so divided when it comes to politics. People frequently stereotype too, such as when we look at someone and think, “They’re democrats, so they must be hippies” or, “He’s a republican, so he must be selfish.” I find myself even prejudging like that sometimes. Why are we acting like this? This time of year (especially when the new president is being elected) when people just tear each other to shreds over political issues. It can become so personal sometimes. The people that vandalized those cars did not act appropriately at all. First, it was incredibly cowardly. They are afraid to come out and say how they feel in a dignified manner so instead they sneak around at night destroying others’ property. Second, it doesn’t do a thing! In fact, people are much less willing to listen to these opinions when they are expressed in such a hateful and destructive way. I wish that there was a way that we could remain the United States of America, regardless of politics. Sure, one person may have a differing opinion on an issue like nationalized health care than another, but we should still find a way to be united in our country. It is critical that we do not divide. United we stand. Divided we fall.

As soon as everyone found out that Obama was elected president of the United States, it went crazy here at the ridge.  There were people yelling and cheering, running down to red square, and even a parade.  It was an exciting event to watch.  Its hard to believe that people could do such a thing, especially to their fellow classmates (assuming it was someone atttending WWU).  I find it kind of disgusting and selfish. Targeting people who have Obama stickers on their cars, come on people.  How ignorant.  It even forced my RA to take his Obama sticker off of his car before it was his turn.  This is quite a shocker to me and I seem dissapointed in these vandalist.  Its time for a change and its apparent that these vandlist arent ready for it.

I agree that this act that these nameless people did was very horrible and uncalled for.   I don't understand how cuting my tires effected the president.  I personaly was effected by this because my car was one of the many that had their tires slashed.  I believed that this was because my car contained an Obama 08 poster in the back window.  I do feel like that what had happened was horrible and childish and why would anyone do this to someone that is just trying to voice their opion.  But I am over this childish act, I feel that I still won and that no matter what those people did to my car Obama will still become the next President of the United States. 

Peace!!!

I was very appalled when I heard of the vandalism. That night, I actually heard a few car alarms going off from my dorm room and wondered what was going on. I was very upset to find out that these were acts towards cars promoting and supportive Barack Obama's election for president of the U.S. One can only hope that the act was not against his views as a person and not the color of his skin, at least that is my main concern. I also hope that these indiviuals see the light in the situation and that they become less hatefilled and more open minded.

I've had an Obama '08 button on my backpack for some time.  Good thing I wasn't walking through the parking lot when these acts of vandalism happened.

This isn't a response to any one blogger in particular but I must say that whether you lean republican or democrat or neither on this campus, I feel that you're views are open to disagreement and argument.  Someone might say: "Well, that doesn't mean you need to attack somebody."  I believe that is right; passionate arguments and disagreements are often (either correctly or improperly) labelled as personal attacks or persistent criticism.  Let me lay this down right now: This country was built on the backs of men and women who disagreed with each other.  Everyone who holds an opinion should be open to thoughtful and HATE-LESS discussion about those opinions.  If you vote for a leader who I must work with, you better tell me why he was the best candidate.  Or if you get to vote on initiatives or laws that I need to abide by later, I want to hear why these measures help more people than they hurt.

I think the democratic process does a good job of accomodating this fact that folks disagree (ALOT).  It was put in place so these people can discuss and come to a agreement/decision/compromise to benefit the entire group.  Let's all hope that we ourselves can find productive ways to contribute in erasing these partisan-lines that have plauged this country for many years.  Thanks for listening.

You know, just 'cause the vandals are targeting Obama cars doesn't mean they're republicans or McCain supporters.  There's a lot of other political positions, left and right, beyond the republicrats.

It is extemely saddening to know that people can't just express their vews with out being hateful or psychically hurtful to other people. It is also really scary that people are so upset that they are willing to go around campus causing choas. However, with such a historical event within out nation I kind of only expected things like this to start happening. With something that is so important to many people it is only bound to happen. People have so many strong emotions that they need to express, it's just sad that they can't find positive ways to express them.

I totally agree with what Jenny was saying about being worried for Obama's presidency. I am a big fan of him myself, but obviously him being the first African American president is a HUGE deal.  I am not an extremely political person, and do not have a strong knowledge of politics.  But I honestly believe that Barack Obama will do great things for this country.  I know that he was sincere in his speech and is so excited to show the nation how he can impact us all in great ways.

I am worried for his safety, I want him to be well protected because I want him to get the chance to prove to the nation what amazing things he can accomplish!  I am so upset about what happened here at the school about the vandalism.  Western is an extremly liberal school, and so is Bellingham as a city.  I understand the frustrations that people may have, but be mature.  Is it truly necessary for people to be that outraged, where they slash tires and key the sides of cars? Doesn't that seem a little outrageous?

When I read that someone posted on their facebok status "just counting down the days until Obama gets lynched" I was beside myself.  How horrible to say something like that about our new president. 

Just responding to this makes me more frustrated.  This is a historic election, let's give the man a chance before we attack and criticize.  Let's see what he can accomplish.

I was so shocked when I heard what had happened. Granted I was a part of the group that was celebrating euphorically in Red Square, as opposed to the minority of WWU students who were disappointed with the election results. However, I agree with those who think that this vandalism may have been spurred by the overwhelming Obama celebrations. Don't get me wrong - I obviously don't believe that there was anything wrong with Obama supporters celebrating such a victorious, historic moment. But I just know that it isn't easy to be a part of the minority group and can only conclude that McCain supporters must have constantly felt the need to defend their beliefs and views to an overwhelming majority of people. 

I'm just sad and disappointed that a few people 1) took their frustration out in such a terrible way and 2) probably caused other McCain supporters to feel further stigmatized and/or disliked. I know that politics are very important to so many students here, especially with so many first time voters, and that such strong passion can cause people to take drastic actions. The problem is that, if the vandalism was in fact a result of "angry McCain supporters", the wrong people were at the recieving end of the culprits' anger. This vandalism does not accomplish anything - it merely caused a few students to suffer unfairly and created greater tension and anger between people of different political beliefs. Slashing the tires of Obama supporters will not do anything to further any political beliefs, will not change the results, etc. We need to realize that the election is over and instead of dividing ourselves into liberals and conservatives, we need to unite and either support our next president, or continue to fight for our respective "pet causes" in a constructive way. I know that's easy for an Obama supporter like me to say, but keep in mind that Bush was my president for the last 8 years. I certainly wasn't happy about it, but I realize that attacking others for their different beliefs will only make things worse. Sadly, I think we forget that even though we are Obama supporters, or Mccain supporters, liberals, conservatives, straight, gay, etc., we are all still students at Western, and we are all Americans. We should celebrate our differences, but recognize our similarities as well. 

 As said before in many of the other posts, i was very shocked to hear about the vandalism her on Western Washington University's campus. It was strange for be because at 11 P.M. when the stations stated Obama was the winner and would be the next president of the United States of America everyone on the ridge went crazy. There was even a parade going around the ridge down to red square and even to town. And when hearing about the vandalism on campus with cars with obama stickers i couldn't believe it. Should we have more security, cameras i just don't know. I know the school isn't responsible for it but i think the university should do its best to make sure this doesnt happen again. To the people who are doing this i just don't understand why. Is it just because the election didn't go the way you expected or what? I just believe this is a stupid crime and has no place her on Western's campus.

You're right, Ariel.  But i'd say it's more than likely that they were McCain voters. 

All I can remember of election day back in '04 is being disappointed that there weren't any liquor stores open. I really wanted to get drunk that night. I just played video games instead.

What worried me most during this election was just how hostile the rhetoric was getting. Does everyone who voted for McCain honestly believe that Obama is a socialist? Did everyone who voted against Bush back in '04 believe that he would declare war on half the world? It seems that we only ever hear the most extreme views, like how liberals are ungodly, amoral, baby-killing, homosexual perverts that want a socialist society and conservatives are arrogant, irrational, greedy, war-mongering, prudish, narrow-minded oppressors of progress who would rather see an American theocracy. Sure, there are people like that, but they should not be considered representative of the majority of people in this country. They're just louder. I have a lot of very liberal views, but I also happen to agree with conservatives on a few points, though often with mitigating circumstances. I do not consider republicans to be evil, since their traditional concerns for small government, fiscal responsibility, and a healthy criticism of society are in many cases to be admired, and act as a counter-balance. Liberalism could be considered forward momentum, but not all progress is necessarily good in and of itself. Conservatives serve as the part that asks "is this a good idea?" Taken to extremes, anything is bad. In some ways, though I voted straight democratic, I'm kind of glad that the democrats didn't get an irrefutable, all-powerful mandate. Obama seems to me to be a rational, thoughtful and compassionate man, but I'd be worried that certain elements in the party would try to do too much too fast, inviting a strong conservative backlash in four years, or during the mid-term elections.

Moderation! Find the "middle way"! What would Buddha do?!