I am deeply troubled by the humiliation of Professor Richard Berthold at UNM in recent days. I do not know the man, so I cannot speak definitively about the intent with which he uttered his fateful remark on Sept. 11.
I'd like to express my concern over a phenomenon that I feel is getting out of hand in our daily lives, especially here on campus: the ubiquity and unrestrained use of cell-pottys.
It is deeply disturbing to witness the conservatism and conformity prevalent among the majority of youth at UNM.
The future seems pretty bleak judging by the news forecasts and government edicts of possible future attacks on our country. I am not worried as I think we have seen the worst. I believe that if Osama bin Laden and his band of lunatics had the capability to do anything close to what they did in New York City, they would have done it. In the last hundred years we have endured two world wars, the Vietnam War, the Korean "police action," the Great Depression, the Holocaust, race riots, political assassinations, religious intolerance (killing Matthew Shepard) bombing abortion clinics), Joseph Stalin, Idi Amin and others.
Ryan Rice's letter calling for Richard Berthold's removal has illustrated a very frightening trend. Rice's words are terrifying in their narrow-mindedness, and are based on vilifying stereotypes.
I will begin my letter by stating what other contributors to your publication have already stated. I am disgusted by the horrific acts of terrorism inflicted upon our great nation. Whoever is responsible for this horrendous crime against humanity must be punished and justice shall be served.
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.
Solutions by The State News
