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Schwarzenegger better choice for conservatives

I truly sympathize with Paul Marian (“McClintock clearly the better choice,” Sept. 26); however, as a (fiscal) conservative myself, I must disagree with his conclusion. Marian asserts that McClintock is the better choice because he is an experienced politician with a clear agenda and solid conservative values. I am curious as to why Marian does not differentiate between fiscal and social conservatism. Both Schwarzenegger and McClintock are fiscal conservatives – not complete opposites. And while Schwarzenegger may not state his position as eloquently as McClintock, there are currently a number of politicians who are proof that even those who lack political experience and finesse as public speakers are able to become capable politicians.

More to the heart of the issue, it’s a little absurd for social conservatives – in a state so dominated by democrats – to think they can hold out for a candidate who is everything they want and expect him to win. Democratic politics, by definition, involves some degree of compromise. A social conservative can never win in a statewide California election (every statewide position is currently held by a democrat). The only reason McClintock is in the Legislature is because he represents a conservative enclave in Ventura County.

You can vote for the candidate that is offering the entire wish list of governmental reforms, but because he has absolutely no chance of winning, you might as well be abstaining from the vote. Alternatively, conservatives can accept a compromise and vote for Schwarzenegger.

Kevin Williams Graduate student in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics

USAC budget allocations unfair

Justin Schreiber’s denial (“USAC denies JSU appeal for additional funding,” Sept. 25) of slate politics affecting Budget Review Committee decisions is highly disingenuous and obviously false. A cursory glance at base budget allocations from the Praxis/Student Empowerment!/Students First! regimes clearly shows that groups affiliated with the majority slate are rewarded monetarily while the others are unfairly punished. SF! cannot deny the correlation of political support with base budget favors. Neither can the victors claim that they are exercising the voters’ will; if so, Josh Lawson wouldn’t have the second smallest USAC budget. Petty, cutthroat student politicians cannot be entrusted with allocating base budgets. It is past time for ASUCLA to delegate this power to the Center of Student Programming or another professional and disinterested body. Not only would such a process mediate these perennial claims in a more equitable manner but would also reduce the hostility of USAC.

Robbie Hurwitz Former president, Jewish Student Union Political science, Class of 2003 First-year law student

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