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March 4th is shaping up to be a big day nationwide as two big primaries, Ohio and Texas, may determine the Democratic nomination. That same day, however, our small northeastern state could also be an unsung hero for one of the candidates. Buried beneath the hype of Ohio and Texas will be the Rhode Island primary and its 32 delegates.
Buried beneath the hype of all three, however, is the wisdom teeth removal operation of Alex Tolan '09, who is anticipating the important March day as much as anyone.
"I would say it's a blend of nerves and excitement. March 4th, March 4th, March 4th. I know I'm just getting my wisdom teeth taken out, but dental work always puts me on edge," commented Tolan.
The surgery, scheduled for 2 pm at local oral surgeon Bernard Lowenstein's, aims to be an exciting one with all four of the patient's wisdoms being removed.
"We're going to anaesthetize the patient, followed by a cleansing. Then we're going to remove each unit one at a time. It shouldn't take more than an hour, hour and a half. It depends how deep the roots have gone and what time I get back from lunch," said Dr. Lowenstein.
The rest of the Brown campus, however, is teeming with excitement over their opportunity to participate in a primary firsthand.
"I'll be voting that day and for Obama!" stated Tolan's roommate John Lupton. "It should be really interesting to see the results from Ohio, Texas, Vermont, and Little Rhody here. I can't wait."
Barack Obama has also become excited about the Rhode Island primary, recently opening his local campaign headquarters.
"That day should be a great one. When Rhode is not just Rhode and Island is not just Island but both come together, as one, behind the voice of the voters, to become Rhode Island," proclaimed Senator Obama.
Just like his roommate, Barack Obama, and the rest of the Brown community, Tolan also can't wait. He has marked the appointment on his calendar and has been crossing off the days in red Sharpee as he gets closer.
"Whenever I get down and nervous, I just repeat to myself and my teeth, 'Yes we can, yes we can,' and it calms me down," said Tolan.
Despite his nerves, Tolan maintains a jovial outlook.
"Let's just say that of my 32 delegates, I'll be losing four."
