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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 18. 26th July 1973

Peter Rotherham — President

Peter Rotherham — President

Members of the Young Socialists are continually being asked by students: "Why are the Young Socialists hated so much by the other student leaders?" Apart from Out political differences with these other "radicals", the answer is simply that the Young Socialists are the only organised force on campus which has been prepared to consistently stand up to the in group which currently dominates the students' association.

This point is highlighted by the fact that the Young Socialist candidates are the only candidates which are standing up against this in-group control in the current elections. Where the Young Socialists aren't running for a position, people have been elected unopposed.

This cannot simply be explained away as "student apathy". This state of affairs is, in our opinion, a direct reflection of the disgusting atmosphere which has been generated on campus this year — where virtually anyone who openly opposes the current administration runs the risk of being abused, slandered, and "trot- baited". The 1973 executive bears a large share of responsibility for this atmosphere.

A central obligation of the student president and of the student executive will be to strongly condemn this state of affairs, and campaign for a free and democratic atmosphere on campus. This does not mean that the Young Socialist candidates have no firm ideas on all the major social and political questions of today. A glance through our programme clearly indicates where we stand on a number of important issues. It does mean, however, that we will actively support the right of all students (including those we disagree with) to freely express their opinions and organise around whatever issues they choose. This stands in sharp contrast to Peter Wilson's record.

A vote for the Young Socialist candidates is a vote against the stifling atmosphere on campus and a vote for respect for the viewpoints of all students.

Photo of Peter Wilson