An Introduction to CalStuff Writer Ben Narodick

Because CalStuff is not clearly from any particular partisan perspective, it's important that readers know a little bit about where the writers are coming from, so that they know how better to interpret our writing. Plus, Andy’s really urging me to do this, and to finally get him off my back, I'll do one of the things I am the worst at: writing descriptive autobiographies.

I was born in Orange County, CA, where I lived for the eighteen years before moving up to Berkeley. I was considered to be pretty liberal in high school classes, but in those circumstances, that doesn't take a whole lot. I made an attempt to play football in high school, but after messing up my knee (twice), I found a nice little niche playing left out. Also, in another stride towards becoming a stereotypical posterchild suburban teen, I earned my Eagle Scout award in 2002. In my attempt to find refuge from the underestimated insanity of the suburbs, I came to Berkeley. Was there a small change of pace? Definitely, and well appreciated as well.

I am probably more involved on campus than I should be, but I really enjoy everything that I am doing right now. I am a political science/rhetoric major. My major time-consuming activity would be my seat on the ASUC Senate, which I serve as a representative of the SQUELCH! Party. When I’m not doing that, hopefully I am escaping at my fraternity (Alpha Epsilon Pi) and doing something stupid, like handing out business cards to random strangers. I also write as much as I can for the Heuristic Squelch, Berkeley Political Review, occasional work for the Daily Californian, and, of course, CalStuff.

As far as political stances go, I really hate using terms like liberal/conservative/Democrat/Republican/progressive/fascist/communist. It boils people down into cookie cutter categories that don’t necessarily reflect their ideas and philosophies. For a more accurate idea, here are some of my stances on various political issues, both locally and nationally.

University Involvement in Student Life: As little as possible. That’s what the ASUC is for.
Affirmative Action: Needed, but only on a socio-economic planning level, and not as the sole decision-making tool in the process
CA Prop 60 or 62: 62
Presidential Vote ’04: Kerry
Abortion: Pro-Choice
Boxers or Briefs: Boxer Briefs
Most important issue: Protection of free speech and civil libertiesEmail This Post!