Editorial board misses the mark

The Chronicle's independent editorial board’s endorsement of Barack Obama was predictable. But its characterization of Republicans as “bloodthirsty” and “extremist” was absurd.

It belittles The Chronicle’s independent editorial board to descend into petty name-calling. Impugning the motives of those who disagree with you is the first resort of the lazy and self-convinced; it is not the hallmark of the thoughtful and well educated.

Don’t fall into that trap: Befriend people who disagree with you and engage them in conversation. Force yourself to step outside your own experience and understand how people of good intentions can disagree on the matters of substance. Or, for a start, read The Chronicle’s excellent Nov. 2 interview with accomplished Republican Hill staffer Katherine Haley, Trinity ‘00.

There are important issues at stake on Election Day—issues too important for the childish, churlish language of The Chronicle’s independent editorial board.

Abby Alger, Trinity ’09

Vik Srinivasan, Trinity ’10