Well, it seems as though Paul Thompson drank the Kool-Aid. Thompson’s article, “Witches, Nazis, and Tea Party Lunatics,” is nothing more than the raving lunacy of an ignorant lemming who can’t see the forest for the trees. This response is not a defense or attack on any political leaning, but an appeal to people to judge politicians based on the issues rather than personal lives, which may include historical recreations or even witchcraft.

The media has recently attacked Rich Lott for his participation in a group years ago. According to an interview, he participated in the reenactment organization “Wiking” because he and his son both enjoy history. What is wrong with that? Is he marching down the streets in full SS uniform? Is he circulating anti-Semitic literature? Is he advocating racial superiority of any kind by this participation? No, no and no.

For those who have never seen a historical reenactment, it usually consists of two opposing forces (usually friends in real life, mind you) dressed in period attire recreating a battle or similar scenario for the purpose of educating the public and spending a weekend with friends. These groups usually write a script, rehearse it and bookend each performance with a history lesson. Afterwards, they probably grill and talk about football. These people are just actors. There was no public outcry when Heath Ledger dressed up as the Joker and bombed a hospital in “The Dark Knight.” Somebody has to pretend to be the bad guy in these scenarios. It does not mean they subscribe to the beliefs of the characters they portray.

In Lott’s case, he states he has played Nazi as well as Allied forces. Authentic Nazi-era uniforms, medals and weapons are highly sought after by both collectors and re-enactors for their historical significance—not for the advancement of some crazy politico-ethnic agenda.

Judge a candidate on the issues he or she supports or does not support, and let them have their hobbies to themselves. Until Lott is driving around with a megaphone and an army of brown coats marching in unison (South Park, anyone?), I think we can safely assume he is not a member of the National-Socialists Party. Plus, if he truly were a Tea Partier, he would not support big government anyway. Until we focus on the issues, rather than what the mainstream media shoves down our throats on slow news days, no progress will be made in either direction—left or right.

Ross Owens is a junior majoring in anthropology and German.