My Opinion
Watch out for extremists and other PSU political pitfalls

You should see my nephew Nick. He's not even three years old yet, but it's hard for me to remember him not being around. Granted, he's only my nephew, but when I take a look around me, I worry for Nick. I worry a lot.

One day Nicky will enroll in the university of his choice, and if he's anything like his dad or uncles, he'll be spending his Friday afternoons at Cafe 210 West trying to solve the world's problems while sipping a Long Island iced tea.

Memory is a fragile thing, so I'm going to write him a Penn State handbook before I turn 40 and start driving back to the Happy Valley in a big old blue and white winnebago. I wish someone had written this for me.

Dear Nicholas,

The other day my friend Andrew and I were in our economics class. Earlier in the semester the professor asked the class members whether they were communists, capitalists or economic nationalists (mercantilists, if you're keeping score). My hand shot right up when she asked for the capitalists. I was so sure of myself.

Well, that was about two months ago. I'm not too sure anymore. The more I've studied this semester, the more I've come to see the benefits that communism and nationalism can bring to a nation and its people. The more I learn, the more I am confused. Does there have to be an absolute truth? I'd have to say in many cases, no.

But around here, Nick, many people disagree. The world is a black and white place for these folks. I'm not big on labels, but in this case, I'll make an exception. These peple are extremists.

Nick, beware of campus extremists. They talk without thinking and listen without understanding. You'll find them on the extreme left as well as the right. What they say will always be the Truth. (Nick, notice the capital T.) Their beliefs are chiselled in stone and they will hold their stone for all the world to see.

What will be on these stones? It depends. Some believe America can do no wrong. Others believe America can do no right. For some, complicated and twisted plots by conservatives have caused all the world's poverty and suffering. For others, conservatism is the answer to all problems.

Some will yell that the CIA is everywhere. The left is morally bankrupt, others will counter. (Sometimes I agree. Sorry Nick, I can fall into the extremist trap as well.) Just make sure you take all they say with a huge grain of salt.

Often the world's complexity can really seem daunting. People try to break the world up into black and white or into good versus evil. They'll grab on to an issue and hold on for dear life hoping that this world won't buck them off.

Please don't be so naive, Nick. This world is not black and white, and just saying there are shades of gray won't cut it either. The world is a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes and it's constantly changing and shifting -- at times exploding all around us. There aren't just two sides to a story; there are scores of sides.

If you meet an individual who claims to have figured all these dilemmas out, be very wary. This person is either a genius or a naive fool. I'd bet your toy trucks on the latter, Nick. (Don't worry, it's a safe bet.)

So don't be frightened by this world's complexity. Embrace it. It is this complexity that gives life all of its beauty, as well as its hardships. The world is full of both, Nick, and don't forget it. Some look just at what is wrong with the world and put blinders on to all of God's wonders. Others convince themselves that all is well while their world crumbles around them. Balance yourself, Nick. Balance yourself.

Don't get me wrong. You can have opinions -- but remember -- opinions are a great responsibility. Are you entitled to an opinion? Well, as long as you do your homework. Too many people flap their gums around here without having a clue about what they are talking about. That is when the sh, sorry Nick, that's when the caca hits the fan.

Wow, that sounded kind of preachy. Usually your Uncle Tony doesn't get that way until 11:30 p.m. on a Friday. All I want you to do is to think for yourself. If you do, you'll be one of the few, and you'll be a nephew to be proud of. So eat your veggies and listen to your mom and dad. (At least let them think you do.)

Love, Uncle Tony.

P.S. -- If you go to Pitt, I'm cutting you out of my will. I'm not kidding.