argumentation fallacies

I fully understand and accept that at my University, there are many liberal professors and classes, but if I have to hear "because Bush is an Idiot," or "republican's are wrong" as an excuse for something I'm going to scream!! Especially in my argument class where the whole point is to argue without sounding stupid. some girl actually used the example "Well, Bush said that you are either for or against him when it comes to terrorism, but I think bush is an Idiot and I don't like terrorist, so I don't fall into either category." How the heck is that an acceptable argument!?!? all my teacher said was "yeah, um, Ok that's a great example." How is that an example of a false dichotomy (An argument that neglects the fact that there are more than two sides)? It's a darn good example of an ad-hominem attack (attacking a persons character to make your argument more credible), but as we learned last week those are bad in argumentation, and make you look like a retard. She may not like President Bush, and she may not like terrorists, but a good argument should include reasons why she doesn't agree with the President, not attacking him as a person. How can a professor accept this? Seriously, who has PhD in rhetoric? It just means that she's going to be really really good at lying to people, but that's a blog for another day...

ROTC article

You may have seen the marines jogging on campus, or watched the Air Force fall into formation up by the Huntsman Center, but have you ever stopped and thought about what sets these students apart from others? The Cadets and Midshipmen of the University of Utah come from many different backgrounds with many different majors, yet they have all decided to serve their country as officers in their respective braches of the military.
The Reserve Officer Training Corps, or ROTC, is a program dedicated to providing students with leadership skills and military training. Teamwork is essential in any career you will have, and through ROTC cadets are able to develop their teamwork and leadership skills by actively participating in problem solving exercises and hands on activities. These students plan on commissioning as officers in the armed forces after receiving their bachelors degrees. The standards are set extremely high, and it’s not a program you can coast through. Cadets are required to fulfill certain physical, academic, and leadership requirements, including participation in summer training programs. On top of all this there are mandatory classes required each semester. Once a graduate commissions, they serve a specified amount of time as active duty officers in a chosen career field.
So what are the benefits of becoming an officer over just enlisting in the military? Let’s face it; some people are just born leaders! ROTC is the right path for them. Officers are the leaders in the military, they take charge and make sure things get done correctly. For many cadets, it’s the only way they can fulfill their life long dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. For Chris Hall, a meteorology major, the dream of flying was instilled in him at an early age. When asked about why he wanted to be a pilot he said, “I have been fascinated with flying since I was a little kid. My dad is a pilot so I grew up around planes. Some of the most memorable moments in my life were getting to go up on the control tower and watch the B-1 bomber take off.”
Most cadets or midshipmen will say that one of the greatest benefits of ROTC is the amazing friendships that are formed through years of difficult training and stress. Karissa Greene, a junior starting Graphic Design, joined the Air Force ROTC as a freshman. “I have gotten a second family from ROTC. These amazing people will be my friends for the rest of my life,” said Greene.
There is a vast sense of pride you feel while wearing the uniform of your country, and those willing to sacrifice everything for our freedom deserve our love and respect. So next time you see some Marines in the field house working out together, or you stand while the colors are being presented at a basketball game, remember that those students will be the ones protecting you and your loved ones from our countries enemies.