The forefathers were right. The truth of the matter is, the American populace is generally just incredibly stupid. We're simply not smart enough to choose our own president. And we're certainly not smart enough to have any say in what our country will do in response to terrorism.
I have had a growing sense of disillusionment toward UNM. When I first came here I was preached to about being more than just a class-taker. It was recommended that I become part of the University community, a part of the school.
I condemn the Sept. 11 atrocity in New York and Washington, D.C.
The incredibly long lines, constant requests for identification, people with rubber gloves sifting through luggage and inquiries from the national guard form an unsettling combination that embody the American flying experience following last month's terrorist attacks.
I get such a kick when someone feeds the UNM population with propaganda. John Bauer, self-proclaimed "50-year-old Conservative Republican," seems to love doing it. I just loved it when he told readers of the Daily Lobo that the UNM College Republicans support free speech as long as we don't disagree with it. Wow, for a man who has never set foot into one of our meetings, he sure seems to know all about our message.
I believe that Professor Berthold showed extremely poor judgement and lack of sensitivity when he made the comment concerning the bombing of the pentagon. But, I do not believe he should be fired or sanctioned for this.
Even in this most trying of times, when our nation is threatened by an enemy that will stop at nothing to harm the U.S., even to his dying breath, there is a vocal minority that crawls out of the woodwork to decry our entire way of life. This minority marches across college campuses with their peace signs in hand, insulting the American flag and preaching the virtues of nonviolence.
I usually drive my car to campus to lift weights at Johnson center at around 5:30 p.m. or later, four days a week. I usually park in the "A" lot next to the Student Residence, and I rarely have trouble finding a space. In fact, there are usually several dozen empty spaces.
What’s up America? Afghanistan is poor. Its population is roughly 27 million. The Afghan life expectancy is 47 years, more than two thirds of the people are illiterate and telephone service is erratic.
I write this with the knowledge that we are now at war. I can't help feeling the weight of this situation and my place as a human being in the thick of these events.
As an American, I am mortified by the actions of certain UNM students and staff, as well as members of our state Legislature.
I offer my highest complements to President Bush and his Cabinet. This administration's response to the acts of war committed against us on Sept. 11 has been outstanding. It has been rational, thoughtful and humane. It has my full respect and support. We also owe due credit and thanks to Congress and our allies. I have never been more positively impressed by our federal government - or more proud of it.
The Taliban has forced the United States into a very real war, and we need to support and sponsor our country by all means. We observe the reactions about the attacks a number of people support and few do not.
I was interested in the comments on KUNM made by UNM Political Science Professor Gregory Gleason telling of his first hand experience in areas around Afghanistan. However, when he asserted that the United States has "never occupied" foreign lands for purposes of economic profit, I was astounded at his lack of historical perspective.
We have waited for nearly month and the other shoe has finally dropped.
I know we're all getting tired of the Berthold affair, but I think it is important for as many faculty members as possible to go on record in support, not of Professor Berthold, but of the principle that what professors say in their classrooms is protected by the First Amendment. That includes the principle of academic freedom - especially since the Faculty Senate failed to do so unequivocally last Tuesday, though they came close.
I find it disturbing what some Americans have come to call "patriotism" in the weeks following the terrorist attacks. These so-called patriots see any criticism of our government and its actions as un-American. They demand unity and an end to free speech.
Rachel was on the couch reading the paper when she felt someone tugging on her pants. When she looked down, there was little Betty peering up, curiosity furrowing her brow
Professor Richard Berthold is an outstanding lecturer on the history of Greece and Rome. He is articulate, flamboyant, outspoken and very funny. His style is to provoke the interest of his students by peppering his classes with jokes and outrageous remarks.
The University of New Mexico has long subscribed to the principles of academic freedom. However, the controversy over the remarks allegedly made in class by UNM Professor Richard Berthold on Sept. 11 suggests that those principles are imperfectly understood in many quarters.
Solutions by The State News
