The Emerald shows its true colors (everything but red white and blue): I get to campus on Friday, pick up a copy of the Emerald expecting to see a tribute to our troops in light of Fleet Week and Memorial Day.
Instead I find the exact opposite; not only was there no article for our troops, but there was one in its place criticizing the war in Iraq and accusing our military of war crimes (“Unembedded journalist says media hide realities of Iraq war,” ODE May 26).
All that I hear from the majority of people on campus and all of the Emerald staff with the exception of a few Conservative commentators is, “I am against the war… but I support our troops.” I have always said that such a position is impossible to defend. But what a perfect time for the Emerald to prove me wrong, and the publication let it pass by. Memorial Day is about support for our protectors of freedom, not the support for wars. It’s ironic that Fleet Week came at a time when freedom of speech is such a hot topic on campus with Ward Churchill here, anti-abortion displays and The Insurgent. We bicker about what should and should not be said, not realizing that none of this would be possible without our military.
The Emerald decided that they could not sacrifice one of their articles on cage-free eggs, concerts planned for next year or whether to buy a house or apartment, all of which made it to print on Friday. I challenge everyone at the Emerald, and even at the University, to write a letter to a soldier to thank them for what they do. So yes, the Emerald staff did show its true colors, except red white and blue. God Bless America and our men and women who serve.
Nik Antovich
UO College Republican
(and proud American)