The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Does DE push a conservative bias?

Everyday my routine is pretty much the same. I drive to campus, park, pick up a DE, and then head off to start my day of classes. I've already come to the conclusion that the DE must feel the same way about the articles and columns that it publishes. Each day it's a different article with a different topic, but all the same connotations. Don't get me wrong. There are a few exceptions to the fact, but in regards to the DE they are very slim to none.

I've seen the DE (in my opinion, that is) go from an unbiased, non-partisan newspaper to one with a particular ideology in mind. My theory on this is, if you're going to tell a story, at least give the other side of it as well. I have no problem with other perspectives on issues, but you can't be biased.

Especially if the newspaper you're running is one that is funded by a very diverse student body with very diverse opinions on everything from politics to athletics.

Examples of this are abundant even within the last few weeks.

Several articles have been published about the Undergraduate Student Government and its business matters within the last few days. Yes, we did learn about some actions that seemed to be very unbecoming of representatives of our student body, but what happened to the rest of the story? We read the editorials after publications that contained apologies from the parties involved and simply disregarded them based on the facts that were previously presented by the DE. The DE didn't falsify anything. The fact is, it just didn't tell the entire story and construed everything to look as if it were controversial even if it wasn't.

Touching on the politics side of the issue, isn't it kind of weird how our school paper is bombarded with "conservative" columns and even editorials and rarely ever (except for my far too often unbiased article) do we see anyone giving the other side of the argument? Is this because nobody writes in to express their views? Or is it just because the DE only publishes a few of the "liberal" editorials that are sent in?

Reiterating what I've stated previously, I have absolutely no problem with other people's opinions. In fact, I give anyone credit who voices their opinion regardless of what it is. For example, I receive comment e-mails on a regular basis and I absolutely love them even if they disagree with what I've said! I love and enjoy the fact that students are becoming active and taking the time to consider aspects that affect us daily.

The DE is our school paper. It belongs to the students and should showcase not one, but all of our opinions equally regardless of what they are. I'm asking all of you, as students, professors, alumni or whoever to help make this paper contain articles for everyone. Write editorials, help with columns, or even call and report a news story to ensure that all sides of the argument are given.

In closing, shame on the DE for letting our excellent newspaper come to this. We shouldn't have to feel that our opinions aren't being equally heard by everyone that reads this paper. Remember that tomorrow is election day and is a great opportunity for all of us to give our opinions. If you're not sure where you are supposed to vote go to this website: www.mypollingplace.com.

Sarah Bauer
president, SIU College Democrats

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