March 17, 2004 Right Hook Response Scott Allan OP Contributor At Douglas College, like most Canadian colleges and universities, the majority of students hold political views to the left of center. Many of these students do not want our school newspaper to publish what I often hear referred to as the “right wing rants” of columnist J.J. McCullough. Other McCullough’s inaccuracies and argumen- students complain about tative fallacies. Those who find fault with his writing may ask, “Should our newspa- per publish McCullough’s column?” The answer is yes. Despite its unpopularity and technical problems, McCullough’s column is an indispensable part of our school newspaper. The problems in McCullough’s column, “Right Hook,” technical give readers necessary critical thinking practice. Students can hone their skills on the occasional inaccuracies and frequently fallacious arguments. Our culture bom- bards us with diverse viewpoints, incoher- ent political statements and worst of all, advertising. Without the ability to think critically, one can become lost in this maze of conflicting information. While classes like “Critical “Argumentative Essay Writing” teach us and Thinking” the basics that we require to navigate a sea of rhetoric, poor reasoning, half-truths sand outright lies, we still require constant practice to keep our critical thinking skills in form. Mr. McCullough’s column, like all argumentative writing, helps to provide the necessary experience. McCullough’s writing also helps to ensure that The Other Press supplies its readers with a plurality of opinions. This plurality is an important element of the press of all democratic societies. If our school newspaper were to publish only writing which supported locally popular left wing views, it would risk joining the ranks of many major daily newspapers worldwide, which, while championing objectivity and pluralism, have become a medium with a goal. We all have beliefs and changes that we would like to see implemented; but a free press, while hav- ing the right to publish anything it wishes, should always strive for objectivity. A responsible newspaper should publish arti- cles that are contrary to the views of the majority of its readers; this plurality allows readers to make intelligent decisions by comparing arguments. While individual objectivity is difficult to achieve, providing a plurality of viewpoints for readers is not. The third service provided by McCullough’s column is that it routinely challenges left wing views held unques- tioningly by too many students. His col- Opinions ¢ the other press © http://www. filibu stercartoons.com umn has tested the validity of statements such as “all war is unnecessary evil,” his writing dissects and examines these erro- neous “truths.” Some students choose their beliefs based on careful, rational thought. Others side with the “popular” viewpoint, without pausing to give thought to the rea- sons for it. All political positions have adherents who are unable, or even afraid, to question their beliefs. It is a mistake for anyone to hold a viewpoint that they can- not allow to be questioned—only a fool accepts beliefs and all that they entail dog- matically. Arguments should be seen as investigations, not as competitions. Therefore, when we argue, it is not vic- tory that should be sought, but truth. A wise person should always be confident in the reasoning behind their belief, and should McCullough’s articles, by questioning not fear its examination. popular opinions and the arguments for them, are providing a beneficial service to all students. Most students fail to recognize the importance of “Right Hook.” They see it | as the views of an enemy—this is too bad, | because his column should be appreciated most by those who disagree with it. While McCullough’s column is unpopular and has its problems, it is an invaluable part of our school newspaper. Pe a (7 | Cartoon by J.J. McCullough PMH Accounting Services 10 Successful years in business IT’S TAX SEASON! - Personal Tax returns - Small business returns - Competitive rates - 10% off for students Contact: Alyona Douglas College, New Westminster Campus Other Press Office, Room 1020 - Mon, Tue, Thr 10:00 - 4:30 7335 Edmonds St., Burnaby Tel: 604-522-2152 Fax: 604-522-7891 pomhtaxes @ shaw.ca V3N 1A7 http://www.otherpress.ca ¢ Page 9