Editor, I want to place a few facts surrounding the ownership of guns. Criminologists have found that citizens use firearms as often as 2.5 million times every year in self-defense, but in more than 90 percent of these defensive uses, citizens merely brandish their gun or fire a warning shot to scare off the attacker.
Editor, Whatever one's view of the exchange between Philip Howell and Joachim Oberst regarding the war in Iraq and all its merits or lack thereof, the following information should be part of any debate worth the attention of the rest of us. The war has been either the first or second issue for the American public for the past year.
Editor, I'm glad to see interest rekindled in the discussion on banning smoking on the UNM Main Campus. For my money at this public institution, I want every opportunity to give my lungs and olfactory senses a break from carcinogens and foul odors. Let's face it: This is the 21st century and we now know what smoking does to both smokers and bystanders.
Editor, Albuquerque is a fascist entity. What do I base this opinion on? Albuquerque's insular and parochial nature - the utilization of fear by local politicians and an unaccountable police force that is hyper-reactive. Albuquerque is a parochial town, insular and bubble-like.
Editor, Our country values and believes in education. We, as citizens, fight for freedoms that ensure our right to make choices and to be unfettered in our search for happiness and success. We, as the caretakers of the children in our society, believe in leaving behind a legacy of hope for a better life.
Editor, You may recall the U.S. Navy successfully shooting down a disabled spy satellite over the Pacific Ocean a week ago. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said publicly that this test proved our country's missile defense system works, and that the operation "speaks for itself.
Editor, This letter is in response to Jamie Koch's comments published in the Daily Lobo on Monday in the story regarding the controversy over Aramark's food contract with UNM. From the comments, it is easy to pick out verbiage which reflects Koch's political past.
Editor, I want to correct a statistical error in Alberto Belmares' letter in Monday's Daily Lobo. I just looked at the 2007 U.S. Census that he quotes. It is not that 13 percent of the college degrees went to Hispanics but 13 percent of Hispanics have college degrees, compared to 29 percent nationwide.
Editor, As a student and an employee of Aramark at La Posada, it is interesting to me how vitriolic some people can become when the subject is their belly. First, facts, my fellow students. After all, that is why we are here, is it not, to be buried under all the tired old facts that keep this white man's institution afloat? Sonic is the one food concession that has no connection to Aramark.
Editor, Joachim L. Oberst's diatribe in Thursday's Daily Lobo is the typical drivel of the hate-Bush people. Not until the last sentence of the fifth paragraph does he say anything that gives us an inkling of the issue - "a genocidal war based on blatant lies.
Editor, There must be a typo in the article, "University unveils diversity plan," published in the Daily Lobo on Thursday. The article quotes the U.S. Census and states, "Hispanics make up the largest ethnic group in New Mexico - 45 percent of the population.
Editor, After reading Joachim Oberst's letter in Thursday's Daily Lobo, I can only assume his faith is one of hate and malice toward those who do not share his views. He is a stated instructor at UNM, but of what? Ten Ways to Bash Christianity? Here is a man who has complained about everything about the legitimate and legal presidency of President Bush.
Editor, My dad was a referee throughout my childhood. I've heard rabid fans call him names that I wouldn't call my worst enemy. Because of that, I'm the last person to point a finger at an official for error or bias, as I know the kind of pressure they're under.
Editor, We've established it. Aramark's contract is up for renewal, and students are working to create new, healthier food options on campus. What appalls students so much is that it's the only food we have here and - my gosh - we eat the same food prisoners do.
Editor, Let the article in Wednesday's Daily Lobo be a rally call for all of us who want healthier lungs and are allergic to second-hand smoke. At least 80 percent of Lobos stay away from tobacco. UNM President David Schmidly should take steps to improve the lives of all visitors to our beautiful campus.
Editor, The new password policy implemented recently by ITS requiring users to change their password every six months is outmoded and will actually decrease security. It may have been useful many years ago when people still used mainframes and there was actually a credible threat to the mainframe being hacked through a user account.
Editor, We live in dire straits. The average American must feel sorry and pity the nation. Today, not even the most stubborn patriot can muscle up enough impertinence to claim against all odds that we live in formidable times. Too many illusions have been destroyed during George Bush's illegitimate and criminal presidency.
Editor, Eat on campus? No thanks. Since last semester, I have been reading in the Daily Lobo about the controversy over food on campus. The article in Monday's edition on the renewal of the contract of UNM's food service provider, Aramark, made me sick to my stomach.
Editor, I read the UNM Daily Lobo Spotlight in Tuesday's edition and I realized how irrelevant the whole thing is. The questions directed to the students are basic and so are the curt replies. For example, Paul Baker was asked, "Where are you from?" The reply was simply, "I'm from Texas.
Editor, The media has the responsibility of framing a message after taking into account all sides of an issue. The coverage pertaining to the current food-service provider is no exception. There are issues with the food being provided in the SUB and other dining options.
Solutions by The State News
