Editor,
If we fail to have feelings in our reaction to the world, then we cannot condemn others for their apathy. If we refuse to acknowledge the humanity of others, we deny our own humanity. Do you want to live in a society of indifference? Indifference threatens our security.
While we are students and faculty, we are also human beings part of a world of human beings, and that is what Bob Anderson is trying to convey through his call to stop classes until the bombing stops.
If we are detached from the people being killed and from our own humanity, then we will support the de-humanization and ignore the suffering of others and that is what the government and the corporations who profit from war require.
We must stop so that important questions can be raised, but I suppose that is what many are fighting to avoid.
When we stop what we're doing, we are faced with our own emotions and consciences. Professor Anderson and others are asking important questions such as: Why is our country bombing one of the poorest countries in the world suffering from starvation?
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What are the real forces behind American foreign policy and how have our actions affected other people in the world?
Why are we indifferent to the bombing of hospitals, aid stations and children?
Why isn't the University more involved in this crisis?
Professor Anderson's actions are seen as outrageous, irresponsible and threaten his job, yet the destroying of a country that is already in ruins is not outrageous?
The reaction by the University seeks to further avoid these important questions and avoids going beyond the status quo of thought. Many are quick to accuse him and others like him of, "not doing anything to serve his country."
Well, friends, Mr. Anderson lived out his "responsibility for his country" in Vietnam; he served the U.S. death machine and for what? So that millions could die and still die today?
So that countries could be destroyed while certain members of the U.S. government and other dictators could get rich?
My grandfather and father both fought in this country's wars with the intention of helping to create a safer world for their children and grandchildren, as promoted by the U.S. Defense Department. But are we safer today? Nope.
My father and Professor Anderson are both Veterans for Peace who have chosen to serve a greater responsibility, to their consciences and to the people who are the victims of war. War does not make peace; it destroys souls and breeds more war. As long as we value the building of death machines and wealth more than education and basic human needs, we will not be safe.
As long as we neglect and try to kill off the problems of society that we all have responsibility for, we will not be safe.
As long as we blindly obey and support our government and allow our thoughts to be replaced by media propaganda, we will not be safe.
As long as we ignore our conscience and heart, we will not be safe.
Karen Hipscher
UNM student
and human being
