Perspective needed on Rove talk

We are writing to express our displeasure over Elad Gross' Dec. 6 letter to the editor, "Rove forum disrespected in more ways than one." While we do not condone Duke graduate Stephen Miller's actions during last Monday's "Conversation with Karl Rove," it is illogical to hold members of a group that Miller used to run-the Duke Conservative Union-accountable, since he no longer is in charge-he has graduated. Similarly, it is illogical to blame another group-Duke College Republicans-in which Miller never was active. In response to Gross' allegations that the DCU is still under Miller's rule, a simple search of the OSAF Web site reveals that Trinity sophomore David Bitner, not Miller is president of the DCU.

Anyone who attended Sen. Rick Santorum's speech Wednesday would see that the DCU has accomplished much on its own with Bitner, not Miller, at the helm. In addition, Gross claims that we-the DCU and DCR-prevented people from interacting with Rove and that we violated decorum. We're curious how cheering violates decorum, especially given the way in which protestors yelled and blocked views at various points during the speech.

We're also curious how we prevented people from interacting with Rove. We would like to know the grounds on which you base this allegation before you attempt to slander our clubs. All that being said, Gross' great concern is that an act of line-cutting has not been noted, especially by the media. This is odd when one of our freshman members was verbally abused in language that could not be printed in a newspaper and was physically assaulted by one of the protesters. This too has not been covered in the media, nor was the lack of security outside. The safety of our members, especially freshmen, concerns us far more than a childish act of line-cutting, so we would appreciate some perspective.

Samuel Tasher

Chair, Duke College Republicans

Trinity '09

David Bitner

President, Duke Conservative Union