George W. Bush is in office but not all Americans are happy, nor are all student groups at U of T.
The Muslim Students’ Association hasn’t taken a stance in the election but that hasn’t stopped the association from siding against Bush’s war on Iraq, says Asma Ali, the association’s vice president.
“A lot of Muslims don’t support George Bush because of the measures he takes against Muslims in the name of security,” she said. “But it’s hard to tell if Kerry won’t uphold the same measures.”
Ali hasn’t really been following the election, herself. “It’s supposed to be a huge issue for me,” she said. “But I’ve been busy.”
Hillel at U of T, the association of Jewish students, is not taking sides either, to avoid alienating anyone. “I don’t think it would be appropriate to take a stance,” said Johanna Herman, the president and a fourth year student.
Opinion, among students she’s talked to, is divided. “There are definitely those who support Bush because of his policy on Israel and there are some students who support Kerry because of his foreign policy…Opinions are as diverse as we are.”
Bush’s pro-Israel stance has appealed to some in the Jewish community but Herman isn’t convinced. She’d be voting for Kerry if she were American and she’s not alone: In the election, only 21% of the Jewish population voted Republican.
“[Kerry’s] had a great record as a Senator, he’s a very accomplished person, he definitely has his own merits,” said Herman. “So, I’m not just choosing Kerry because I don’t like George Bush.”
Herman’s also in favour of Kerry’s support of diplomacy, education, and health care. This is because of her values as a Canadian, she said, which co-exist with her religious values.
Still, Herman is trying not to be pessimistic about Bush’s win. She’s more concerned about the political division that the election has caused in the U.S. “I’m not that surprised,” she said. “I’m hoping that the American people will come together. I’m hoping Bush has something to unify the people.”
