Students For Liberty miss the mark on capitalism
In her recent letter to the editor, Irena Schneider, President of AU Students for Liberty, wrote that she is “baffled to see” how rapidly her libertarian student group has grown. Likely hoping to promote greater interest in AU SFL, she takes the opportunity to elaborate on what libertarianism is based on, citing the belief that “capitalism is not a system of power or oppression” and that “the free market is the most humane way of looking at the world” as the common inspiration for her fellow potential APA research subjects.
It seems Irena and her ilk somehow missed out on the economic developments of the last few years. They remain oblivious to the brutality of capitalism. Even the sheer size of the human costs of the financial crisis — evictions, foreclosures, layoffs, and hunger — seems to have had little impact on the so-called liberty movement.’ At a time when the failings of the free market are most evident, it is, indeed, baffling to witness the continued relevance of libertarianism.
Mikhail Romanov Senior, CAS
Don’t like partying? There is still plenty to do at AU on weekends
In “Upset Student Explains Transfer,” Jack Eichner complains that he wasn’t informed about alternatives to frat parties on the weekend. Did Eichner try to join any clubs? There are a few which I can think of. The first, American Literary, is the AU literary magazine. Many lit majors (and other majors) are a part of this student publication — which attracts a variety of members from lit majors to international relations majors to business majors. Another club, AU Gamers, existed last year — inviting gamers of all kinds (video games, board games, etc) to play. There is also the Philosophy Club — which holds events such as film screenings and talks — and may be of interest to those not interested in frat parties. There is even a Creative Writing Club! While extracurriculars do not make up for the academic dissatisfaction Eichner felt, I wonder how much of an effort he made to find his niche in AU’s social sphere. I hope, however, he finds happiness at his new school.
Emma Wimmer Junior, SOC
