Welcome to all of you who are new students of the University of New Mexico. Whether you're an incoming freshman or a transfer from another college or university, we are delighted to have you join our UNM community. And if you're a returning student, we are equally delighted to welcome you back to what we promise will be new and exciting times at UNM.
Every year, the two student governments, ASUNM and GPSA, establish student priorities to lobby for at the Legislature. This year is no different.
Editor, It is unfortunate to see the negative attitudes of some community members in response to the new endowed chairperson for Roman Catholic Studies at UNM. The recent letters to the editor by Bhavana Upadhyaya and Jay Nelson do not present any valid reasons why there should not be such a faculty position at UNM.
In fall of 2006, the Bush administration announced plans to place an antimissile system in Central Europe for the stated purpose of addressing Middle East ballistic missile threats. Russian President Vladimir Putin has forcefully opposed the perceived intrusion into Moscow's domain, arguing that the "system is targeted against something that does not exist" and could trigger a new arms race that would threaten Eurasian stability.
Editor, On July 11, the Albuquerque Tribune ran a story of interest to all members of the UNM community. Entitled "UNM might not have to look far for provost," the story is based on an interview with UNM President David Schmidly. In this interview, the president tells the reporter that he "is leading a national search for a new provost but says he has a good candidate in his own backyard.
Editor, I find it interesting that Richard Wood, director of the religious studies program, in a recent guest column, basically answered my unpublished letter to the Daily Lobo about the new chairperson endowed by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. What an amazing coincidence.
Editor, Richard Wood's column on July 2 has some disturbing elements. Firstly, the fact that the percentile truth of "more than half of the state's population" being Catholic is built on a history of subversion and erasure of native spiritualities and traditions.
Editor, The state of New Mexico has reached a new all-time population high, and it doesn't have to deal with outrageous temperatures instigated by global warming. We have 2 million people within our borders that need proper access to water, land, food, shelter, health care and other established universal human rights.
Editor, I'm writing to you because our University students represent our future leaders, and they should be aware of what's going on around them. Based on recent news, Mayor Chávez appears to be hell-bent on running for higher office. He has been quite busy wheeling and dealing in order to get all his ducks in line regardless of the cost to others, and his dictatorial style of management has been a great help to him in accomplishing his objectives.
Editor, Roosevelt Park in Albuquerque is one of two New Mexico parks on the National Register of Historic Places, contrary to what Mayor Martin Chávez said in an article about Roosevelt Park's renovation. Five Mile Park is also on the National Register.
The UNM regents recently approved an endowed chairperson in Roman Catholic Studies. The person hired for this position will be a professor within the UNM Religious Studies program. In response, Ken Carpenter wrote in the June 18 Daily Lobo with serious concerns about the church influence at UNM.
Editor, UNM has a history of ignoring students with disabilities and their needs. Students with disabilities are routinely discriminated against at UNM, and in some cases in the classroom. In a psychology class at UNM in Dane Smith Hall, I had my chair - a chair placed by Accessibility Services in the classroom for my use, a chair with a large sign on it explaining that it was the property of Accessibility Services, a chair I was sitting on - taken by the TA in the class, and I was forced to leave the classroom.
Editor, UNM President David Schmidly recently appointed a committee to review the policies and procedures of animal research conducted at the University. This is all well and good, since there have been reported allegations of animal abuse. It is certainly necessary to get to the truth and correct any wrongdoing that may exist.
Editor, June is recognized as a month of pride for those who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Putting any and all prejudgments aside, focusing on comprehensive sex education should be an integral part of the celebrations. When young adults do not receive proper sex education, including views on alternative sexual identities, harmful stigmas are allowed to continue to the detriment of society.
Editor, Max Ashbrook Fitzpatrick's call for continued animal suffering at UNM "because it serves as a reminder that our government tortures humans" is as perverse as it is nonsensical. To his credit, Fitzpatrick does correctly parallel the physical and mental wartime trauma suffered by humans with the pains endured by mice at UNM's laboratories.
Five months have passed since President Bush announced the New Way Forward in Iraq, a misnomer perversely contrary to Iraqi and United States public opinion.
Editor, Among the several unnecessary and unapproved changes made to the letter of mine printed last week, the most egregious resulted in conveying a sentiment I did not intend. The Daily Lobo printed UNM "should be firm in not hiring administrators who are trained torturers.
Editor, Recent revelations that UNM scientists tortured mice in a laboratory have caused an outcry from local animal rights groups. The torture techniques should continue - not necessarily for research and educational benefits - because it serves as a reminder that our government tortures humans, and also because torture is in line with the thought and practice of UNM leadership.
Editor, I strongly agree with Gov. Bill Richardson's innovative idea put forth during the New Hampshire debates in view of the general silence among nations vis-Ö-vis China's violations of human rights, especially toward Tibetans, and with its dozens of prisons which, for Tibetans, are like Auschwitz and Dachau.
Editor, I was initially excited when I read that the UNM regents had approved an arrangement with the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to co-sponsor a new faculty chairperson in religious studies focused on Roman Catholicism. The prospect of the University getting financial support to hire a first-rate scholar of religion seemed like an important addition to our curriculum.
Solutions by The State News
