Editor,
As an avid Daily Lobo reader, it did my radical heart good to see Thursday's installment of the three-part series, "From the Archives."
In the early '70s, there were massive anti-war protests throughout the country, even at UNM. Students literally fought hand-to-hand with riot police over the prosecution of the Vietnam War.
It just goes to show that once upon a time, long before most current UNM students were born, college students were very socially and politically active. My, how things have changed. As a 40-something adult, I share the same concerns expressed so passionately in the Lobo about our future and the members of the present generation's apparent lack of interest in anything except instant gratification and their obsession for shiny, new, expensive objects to keep them occupied. Back in my day, college campuses were a hotbed of radical political movements and political and social action and reform. Nowadays, it seems like college is mostly for rich kids with no value system, who think the world owes them a living. I realize that I'm generalizing, but I am not alone in my observations.
Recently, many writers and social critics have lamented the seeming lack of motivation, critical understanding and compassion among today's young people, who I'm sorry to say appear to be more interested in worthless gadgets and celebrity worship than the future of mankind. But this letter isn't meant to disrespect the present generation. Contrary to some people's totally misinformed opinions in these very pages, anti-war movements do not perpetuate war. War perpetuates war. What kind of idiot would think otherwise? A warmonger, that's who.
This letter is an invitation to all UNM students who are capable of critical thinking and who are tired of being treated like outcasts for having a rational and informed world view to attend the first annual Albuquerque Peace Out. It will happen on Sunday, Sept. 17, at Harlow's. If you have the time and you want to show your support for the arcane concept of peace and justice in our world - and perhaps meet others who feel the same way - please join us.
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Jason Darensburg
UNM student
