Editor,
I have been found guilty of a petty misdemeanor and received a stern punishment despite the fact that I attempted repeatedly to apologize and replace the Mexican flag.
I ask that action be taken against the criminal act that provoked me, that of breaking a federal law. I do believe in equality, and there should be justice for all. Someone at the University level or Army ROTC should be held accountable under the federal law. I feel it is ridiculous that only my actions are being punished.
The Pledge of Allegiance says, "And justice for all." The state of New Mexico and El Centro de la Raza got their justice. Where is justice for the American people?
This whole thing is heartbreaking to me. I feel the events illustrate what's wrong with America today. It is a perfect example of the rights of those with power overriding the rights of those without power, the decline of our nation and, in my opinion, the death of the idea of America.
The First Amendment protects a person burning the American flag.
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Everyone has seen pictures of a Mexican flag flying above an inverted U.S. flag at a school in California. Was not that school taken over, invaded or otherwise?
The raising of those flags deliberately intended to represent that. Was I crazy to think this might happen at UNM, given its biased administration?
The letter titled "UNM will not tolerate acts of racism or xenophobia" by vice president for institutional diversity Rita Martinez-Purson and vice president for student affairs Cheo Torres published in the Daily Lobo on Sept. 19, spoke to this truth. This was before the investigation was completed.
What happened to my right to due process? If my name were Pedro and not Peter, I would probably be allowed that right.
Martinez-Purson's diversity plan is blatantly prejudiced. I refuse to call it reverse-racism since that seems to make it OK. Racism in any form is not OK.
When the University administration is openly prejudiced, there is a huge problem. Her diversity plan is obviously biased in favor of the majority of students. It speaks of the majority, then outlines how to assist them. Isn't this the definition of racism?
The Raza Graduation at UNM is wrong as it either makes others feel excluded or teaches children they are different and extraordinary if they get a degree. Either way, it is in direct contradiction to what Martin Luther King Jr. taught America.
The crime I feel the American people deserve justice for is outlined in the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, 174. titled "Time and Occasions for Display."
Paragraph D states the flag should be displayed on all days, especially in September; Constitution Day, Sept. 17.
In addition, Paragraph E states that the flag should be displayed daily on or near the main administration building of every public institution.
Peter Lynch
UNM student
