IU Southeast took center stage on Oct. 23 by serving as the location for a second debate between Indiana Senatorial candidates. Hosted by the Indiana Debate Commission, the event took place in the Ogle Center, where nearly 50 TV and radio stations broadcast a live discussion between Democrat Joe Donnelly, Libertarian Andrew Horning and Republican Richard Mourdock. However, limited seating at the debate caused a low amount of attendance for the IUS community.

It is unethical to force Americans to choose between their religions and their choices of presidential candidates. Issues such as gay marriage, abortion, birth control and other religious matters have no place in politics. Many extremist Republican and Democratic advocates are playing the religious card in order to persuade citizens to vote for a particular candidate. I have heard everything from ‘Romney practices polygamy’ to ‘vote for Obama and you are going to burn in hell.’

IU Southeast made national headlines when Richard Mourdock, Republican candidate for the Indiana Senate, made a statement saying despite the “horrible situation” from which they occur, pregnancy from rape was “something God intended.” I am a Hoosier, born, raised and, most importantly, proud. When someone who is proposing to be a representative of this great state, says something so incredibly demeaning, it just makes me sad to see how far behind this state is in terms of moving forward politically. Nearly immediately, network news stations and social media began buzzing about the Senate-hopeful’s statement. Mourdock fell in line with other Republican candidates we have been subject to this election season that are trying to negotiate the severity of rape.

In recent months, issues surrounding abortion and birth control have fluctuated in the United States between what should be allowed in relation to the reproductive rights of women. For many women, the question of deciding to have an abortion or not is a tough choice to make. However, in the last couple of weeks, Virginia debated passing a law that could have further hardened this decision. The purpose of this anti-abortion law was to force abortion-seeking women to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound during their first trimester.

Freedom. There is no concept, no idea, more central to the American psyche and way of life than that of freedom. Freedom to say, do and believe whatever. Freedom to go anywhere and be anything.

My beliefs are based on freedom of choice. One of the largest issues we combat as citizens is the fight for rights. Many believe the first amendment covers such rights, however, freedoms get chipped...