Western Oregon Journal

Unfortunately, Gerry Blakney's column reappeared in the Journal ["That's How I Roll," Western Oregon Journal, April 26, 2006]. And, not surprisingly, Blakney is now using his column to cry out against the "injustices" done to him, now that he has been removed from the governing body of ASWOU.

But when I read his opinion column, misspellings and poor grammar aside, I was appalled. I am forced to respond to this childish ranting because I, Thomas Bell, have always been proud of myself, have never been afraid of anyone and I am NOT willing to allow people like Blakney to slander those who remain in ASWOU.

First, Blakney's personal life: I fail to understand why his ruined relationships and the neglect of his family should impact us. Those are failures that one should not blame on a job or on Western students. Those are character flaws, not occupational hazards. He criticizes the rights of others to hold positions on ASWOU, and I find it interesting that Blakney fails to mention he was beaten in the Senate President race two years ago, and was, luckily, appointed as Chief of Staff.

To the students: Yes, you need to get involved, need to start finding out about the candidates, and need to make an informed decision about who will be in charge next year. Don't rely on people like Gerry Blakney. He is a cancer: malicious and malignant.

I am graduating in June, and my only concern is, when I am gone, who will defend Western? Hopefully you, the students, will.

-Thomas Bell, Student

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