Large-scale protests threaten our safety
The freedom of speech and right to protest are inherent to our nation. Before discussing my topic, please know I fully support any peaceful practice of these rights and would die defending them regardless of personal belief. As a U.S. soldier I have taken oath to do so.
However, in our current, fragile, global situation I want to strongly urge the anti-war groups (and pro-war groups, if need be) to cease taking their message to the city streets. I know large-scale anti-war protests possess a precedence; in particular, opposition to the war in Vietnam. However, these old school peace marchers were rallying in a much different way. Communism, like today’s terrorism, did indeed pose a threat to our homefront. Yet this threat was confined to Russian missile silos, which were methodically pinpointed and monitored by federal entities.
The war on terror cannot be quelled by foreign policy and as closely monitored by intelligence agencies. Not only does terror not have a singular nation or government, it operates from American soil. Our enemies no longer threaten from outside our borders with the comfort of a buffer zone spanning across two oceans. At this moment they walk among us using God given liberties as a catalyst to initiate evil and sow fear. The men and women of our city’s police forces now bear the duty of protecting us from terrorism in addition to ourselves. With this chilling reality I sit and watch citywide protests on television. I focus on the tens of thousands of police officers necessary for these events. To me, terrorists have that much more opportunity to execute their sinister quests.
Although I support the war on terror, I retain my reverence and appreciation of all opinions and voices. But while on a high terror alert I ask you to please vacate the streets and broadcast your protest from other media. This is the information age. The Berkeley students in the ’60s did not have the Internet literally linking millions of people across the country. Remember, while rallying for peace, allow our cities’ peacekeepers to do their jobs.
L. Baldwin Barkerding
Junior — Mechanical Engineering
Dissenters don’t hate the troops
We’ve all at one time or another complained about football coaches or griped loudly about particular game strategies, but would that justify someone accusing you of being “anti-LSU” or somehow disloyal to the Tigers? Of course not, that’s ridiculous! Yet current dissent about our presidential coaching strategies both at home and abroad are being met with accusations of being somehow anti-American. Having many friends and family in the military, I’m insulted by suggestions that dissent is somehow unsupportive of our troops. Because our beloved soldiers do not have the luxury of criticism, it falls upon the rest of us to make our leadership accountable for the lives that will be sacrificed in our name. Patriot comes from the word patros and, like good parents, we American citizens must question our often-childish leaders about the pilfered cookies they have hidden behind their backs. Blindly following a president who has lied to Americans about Saddam’s links to Al Qaida and Iraqi nuclear capabilities is similarly NOT worth the lives of our loved ones who bravely serve!
It’s not unpatriotic to say that there are billions of dollars to be made in the gold rush to rebuild Iraq and control its oil, that Americans are ill-prepared for a long-term military occupation in the most volatile region of the planet and that there are certainly less dangerous ways to depose a dictator without losing the confidence of the world community. To say this is simply a matter of fact, not disloyalty. Amidst this war against Saddam’s tyranny, most of the world is wondering what happened to the principles of democracy. We shouldn’t let fear and sabre-rattling prevent us from demanding accountability from our leadership. Ironically, Dubya seems willing to defy the United Nations to punish Saddam for defying the United Nations, to break or strain the same international laws he purports to enforce.
In the words of Malcolm X, “You’re not to be so blind with patriotism that you can’t face reality; Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.”
Shaun Treat
Graduate Student — Communication Studies
Anti-war protesters not anti-American
This letter is a response for Mr. George, whose rightful opinion was published on Monday, March 24. You are implying that if one has an anti-war opinion that he is also, without a doubt, an ignorant anti-American. With all due respect, sir, I believe your opinion to be a hasty generalization. Being anti-war does not make one anti-American.
The opinions of the protesters are not “crap.” They are very real. I would also like to remind you that we live in a democratic country, and therefore the protestors’ opinions DO matter; just as the opinions of those who are in support of this war matter. They are exercising their rights, just as you did, as citizens of our beautiful country. You have a responsibility to respect their exercising this right.
All I’m asking you to do next time someone displays an idea contrary to your beliefs is look at the situation from their shoes before you fly off the handle. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but this gives you an opportunity for a more rounded view. Thank God our open-minded leaders make their decisions based on logic and reason rather than anger. Suggested reading material: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Pay special attention to Atticus and Scout’s conversations.
Emily Debo
Freshman — Undecided
Union fee will help LSU progress
In 1958 a student referendum was conducted in which students voted to self-assess a fee of $10 to build the Union. The construction began in 1962 and the Union was opened for the first time on Jan. 6, 1964. Now almost 40 years have passed and the Union is in need of major renovation and expansion to meet the needs of our students. When the Union Referendum first passed, LSU enrollment was approximately 13,000. Now it is more than 31,000.
If you walk in and around the Union today you will notice that there are several areas of concern that need either expansion or renovation. Although our building services staff does an excellent job taking care of the building, there are certain projects that are beyond the scope of our staff and our reserves, such as: compliance with ADA codes, new fire codes, major renovations in both theaters, expansion of the dining area to accommodate the growing enrollment of LSU, improved retail options and increased space for student organizations. As the Union does not receive money from the University’s general fund, the students of LSU must take care of it ourselves!
The Union is not only a building we use every day, it is also a recruiting tool for the University. From orientation to graduation it is an important part of the LSU experience. We can continue our Band-Aid approach to maintaining this aging structure or invest in the future and create a legacy to pass on to future generations.
Amanda Sadat
Union Governing Board President
Junior — Communication Studies
Student irked by SG candidate signs
I have attended LSU for four years now and there have been many things that have gotten under my skin, but none of these things has irked me enough to write in. I am involved with an organization on campus that has one meeting a semester open to all students on this campus. Now, I had to find time in my busy schedule to cover my portion of campus putting up flyers and such on bulletin boards in various buildings to which I was assigned. I was very careful only to dispose of old fliers and moved other fliers around to make room for my information. Yesterday, when I made my daily rounds to class, I found an awful sight. All of my posters had been torn down to make way for the Student Government elections. I’m not saying that they don’t have a right to use the space, but don’t you think it’s a little hypocritical for those individuals claiming to be the “student’s voice” and supporting student organizations to disregard the information that may have been crucial to many students on campus? I’m not holding a grudge, and I will still vote in the elections, but I urge everyone, especially those candidates running this year, to be respectful of everyone’s right to have a place on this campus. Just because you think your cause is more important doesn’t make it so.
Stephanie Joseph
Senior — Biology