Rider University - Shadow Yearbook (Lawrenceville, NJ)

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I wasn't because what Dr. Elliott was referring to was something else entirely. He meant that the college should not become a political arena. What he was saying was that students or faculty should not be ex- ploited for political ends. Free expression of ideas, yes. But the college as a whole taking a political stand, no. And I think there is a good reason for it and one that I would agree with. If a political stand was taken it would leave the students open for exploitation by a partisan group. Remaining uncommitted leaves the air open for the free exchange of differing ideas. One of the pressing problems that Dr. lorio saw was the need for the 18-year-old vote. He supported that during his campaign. And he defended it when it has to be defended. Some people come up with the argument that 18- year-olds don't have the experience to vote. They also say in that vein unfortunately, it takes no brains to fire a gun but some to press the lever in a voting booth. I to- tally rejected-and will continue to in the future-that argument. I feel that it takes brains to preserve one's skin and to function within the military operation. Most men and women of this age have a sharper sense than most adults. This shows to me that there is at least some de- gree of intelligence in a young head. Enough, I think, to justify the responsibility of selecting political leaders. Turning to a more academic view of politics, Dr. lorio felt that his educational experience will, help him in his political life. The educational experience is helpful in that real po- litical solutions are found only in effective commu- nication. One must be informed in order to deal with a problem intelligently. I think the interaction I receive in the class room is a definite aid to me in this sense. Now it may seem incompatible for a philosopher to be dealing in politics because one is very deep and me- ditative, while the other is very pragmatic and open. But really philosophers as far back as the Romans have been involved in politics. And really each complements the other, as politics is sort of a social philosophy on life. Each also benefits from the other. Dr. lorio has a difficult task. He is straddling the fence between the generations. He must not alienate the youth but, by the same token, convince the older gener- ation that what he is doing is what is best for them. It is a very difficult task. Costigan Defeated In Congressional Bid Edward J. Costigan also has a difficult task in front of him. He, like Dr. lorio, ran for political office and was a member of the Rider faculty. Yet there is a difference. Ed Costigan lost. But he lost more than just the election. As he would probably say now, Victory has a thousand fathers but failure is an orphan. Ed Costigan is the orphan. He no longer has a lucrative law practice and many of his friends of last fall have disappeared. Costigan started his campaign last fall in a store in Trenton. He aligned himself with the Republicans and the Nixon administration. He waved the flag a lot and spoke out against subversive forces in the country. He confronted his opponent fearlessly, the most memo- rable occasion being in the Student Center Theatre Oc- tober 8. U.S. Representative Frank Thompson, the Democratic incumbent and holder of the seat Costigan was attempt- ing to gain, was scheduled to give a speech. A small crowd gathered and Rep. Thompson began. A few sen- tences later a voice in the crowd cried out for Rep. Thompson to eat his words. With this introduction, Costigan bounced in. So the stage was set for a debate. It became a mud-slinging af- fair instead. He apparently Iost many supporters by his antics, antics which led a Rider News editorial to point out that while Thompson showed his eloquence and knowledge . . Costigan's entrance-and perform- ance-was a put on. Costigan battled with Thompson after that night right up until the night of the election. But the figures gave the challenger the awful result. A loss by about 20,000 votes. Worse than most had expected. Now he began the difficult task of rebuilding a shat- tered life. He would need help, thought, and as said be- fore not too many were willing to give him any. Ed Costigan built up a debt of 330,000 according to a local newspaper. I have notes all over town, he was quoted in the article. He was a victim of the society with which he struck allegiance and now it was constricting around him. ln addition to the monetary and emotional disaster suffered by the former Rider prof, there was the de- struction of his own health. The long trail worsened an 111

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already bad back and his eye sight deteriorated to a point where an operation for cataracts may be necessary. The final insult came when his contract for teaching at Rider was not renewed. Again, he was a victim of the society he pledged allegiance to. What is Ed Costigan's reaction to all that happened? I think I ran a good campaign and have nothing to be ashamed of. I don't rule myself out of political life but it will be a while before I return. Sk ik :lf The two professors were not the only political activ- ists on campus last fall. By way of the Princeton Plan students took time off from their studies to help the poli- ticians of their choice. Most went canvasingg others just stuffed envelopes, but it all had a purpose. It showed that, in reality, the college community here is not that apathetic and when an issue or issues arouse them- the students will rise in its support or pound it into sub- mission. Not too many students did take the time off, but those that did had much to say about it. We got to see a cross-section of people and under- stood better what they felt and why. said one of the canvassers. Others expressed similar feelings. It all adds up and points to the fact that Rider is becoming more and more of a politically aware community. What it lacks in manpower it makes up for it in the intensity of those who do feel a need to step into The Political Arena. SQ Stl 1' 112 ll ag ii I f 1 if