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Democrat' | guest columnist | I am sure most of you have heard the story. It is one of those stories told to you in Sunday school when you were just a child. I write of the Parable of the Lost Sheep. Oh, yes! Among tax collectors and "sinners," Jesus tells us of a shepherd who leaves his flock of 99 sheep to search for the one missing. The sheoherd sac rificed the security of the whole flock just to retrieve the lost sheep. Although a wall separates church and state, South Carolina and America should follow this example. Unfortunately, many citizens today exclude and divide themselves. Misunderstood Christian beliefs often generate a climate susceptible for separation. Followers of the religious right encourage advantages for selective schools, em hancing only wealthy students in districts with an affluent tax base. Some Christians favor legislating morality as a means of upholding only their principles. Conservatives discourage racial, Student be< All I wanted was a sticker that said, "Be nice to me. I gave blood today." For a first time donor, it was my F~ _ ? chance to 4. .f H.. SARA LADENHE1M like such a columnist big deal, but for me it was a highlight of my day. As my friend and editor, Jenn, and I approached the friendly table where representatives from the American Red Cross were smiling and handing out clipboards to perspective donors, I was totally excited. I was ready to prove to the world that the former 98-pound weakling Yankee editor finally gained enough weight to give blood? I "J B?1 T a1 I |H aSlJ&I?L*> -i|i?^H m *4 2 ajn >, liberalism ethnic and sexual diversity, claiming fi diversity disintegrates America's val- tl ue system. t In the past election, conservatives bashed Democratic candidates by im- p plying liberals were "evil" aqd "un-Chris- a tian." Being a liberal or democrat r simply does not mean one acts im- fi morally or irresponsibly. Liberalism fi means serving and providing for all b South Carolinians and Americans, not o just a privileged few. Under democra- si tic principles, our nation entitles every i< citizen to an equal education, personal choice and tolerance of opinion, and the a inclusion of all into society. v After years of neglect, education in h fho c+a+o r\f SnntVi Parnlina rnrronflv r? VA&V UVUW VI k/VUIUl VU1VUUU VU11V1AV1J Vt lies in a state of despair, and the De- ti mocratic Party possesses a plan which ii could revamp our schools. Unlike Re- ti publicans who want to aid private E schools through school vouchers, De- t; mocrats believe public policy should li support public education for eveiy child o instead of giving up on his or her potential. By increasing revenue through p a lottery, the state can equalize more p :omes donoi thanks, I believe, in part, to the carrot a cake from the Grand Marketplace. b For someone who waited her whole c life to gain weight and look healthy as ii opposed to scrawny, this year has been a paradox for me. This year's blood bat- s tie was supposed to be my chance to f< show the world that I could compete J with those Clemson girls and actually ti give blood. i] The staff from the Red Cross was exceptionally friendly and helpful. As a we waited for our turn to be called, Jenn v and I pondered where our blood would s go and how much a pint of blood real- n ly meant to the body. Our turns were o called, and the detailed questionnaire ii was administered. Then came the moment of truth. It was my turn to do- a nate. fl My flobotomist was an expert nee- fi die administrator. She raved at how e my veins were so "wonderful," and how d I was doing excellent. In all, it took 16 n minutes for my cells and plasma to be a passed on to needy hemophiliacs and s surgery patients. ji ' As I finished, I was overwhelmed tl by the excitement of the moment. I had ti |l J. ' VHBI'" ' ; v. ;>' ../ k- - I^TTThc Project i helping ev< inds among poorer counties. In turn, ed. Cc tiis policy will provide the opportuni- nic, rz y for all to receive a quality education, sibilit Also, accepting different beliefs about cultui ersonal freedom among individuals is many core characterization of the Democ- ^ians atic Party. Despite passionate cries g rom the religious right, the founding ithers did not create the United States e v e r i?? undei aacu uii v^iuistiaii pi mcipico. uvcn ou, onservative Republicans push for re- ^ trictive legislation which divides Amer- t? W0] :ans on many personal issues. mocrs On the other hand, Democrats re- ed ins lize an absolute consensus on personal "outci alues can never be reached. People sesses old different beliefs regarding personal m ecisions such as alcohol consump- parat ion or methods of raising families, and ^uke adividuals themselves should decide jn ^ tieir own actions, not the government. ,. ~ )espite the improbability of unanimi- p y, Democrats welcome anybody's be- a efs and appreciate the diverse range outf principles. ^ Furthermore, just as Democrats ap- Jbn E reciate diverse beliefs, they also ap- the sfc reciate the diverse groups God creat- in ord r... finally [f ctually done it. I had actually given lood. For some people, excitement omes from skydiving or bungee jumpag. My moment was my blood. As I approached the "canteen," I poke with the fraternity boy who ofsred me a soda and a t-shirt. I heard enn calling my name, so'I walked oward her. Suddenly, a strange feelag overcame me and I had to sit down. I sat on top of her backpack and sked if she had anything to drink. I /as then incredibly hot, and I couldn't ee anything. The next thing I reaembered I was on the floor, and somene was yelling my name and throwag freezing cold water on me. Jenn told me my hps turned white nd she had to catch me before I hit the ioor. I realized then that my glorius efart to help mankind was in vain, lit rally. After an hour of shaking and' linking lumpy orange juice, I was fially ready to apply my sticker. All in 11.1 missed a test, got soaking wet and cared my editor to death. All this ist to be able to say that I was a donor be year Carolina beat Clemson at some- I I? bing. La \ jf|g| :arolina ~2*TM ASS I ST ?r m I v IT'<? ayone mservatives believe diversity (ethtcial and sexual) destroys any posy of assimilation into American e, therefore they strive to exclude minorities, women, gays and les- fj with attacks on affirmative acind hate-crime legislation. How- ^ , diversity strengthens our ' ^ standing of our differences, and v\ ( >c lie fho nnnnr+iini+v fn lonrri Vinw rk together despite them. The De- i itic Party serves as an open-mindititution which includes even the asts" and "sinners" society pos- $ 5aybe that is why I like this tie from Luke's Gospel so much. always defended the underdog. writings, Luke shows how Jesus ed women, the poor, prostitutes I .11 other groups society had cast I opefully, the election victories of lodges and Fritz Hollings will give ate the positive leadership it needs ler to seek social justice. IIt's air, in Interested rush Information Ses \A//y si n /? csi/rv F F Ks \JVt l/\~s u Russell House =1 FRE INCOM rA ii UNTIL 2 Lower phone prices New shipment of phones with lor battery life, which means more ta or standby time for you Special credit considerations E-mail can lower your long distar Voice mail, caller ID, paging feati No roaming charges in our n.etwc @ BELLSOU "Free incoming minutes valid through 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, 1999. when roaming outside the BellSouth Mobility DCS service area. Offe is subject to an early cancellation tee. 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