Bush threatens free thought
As an ardent opponent of the Bush administration, I often find myself (hourly) wondering how, in the face of obscenely obvious evidence of extreme hypocrisy (corruption, greed, megalomania, etc.), the current administration continues to enjoy high approval ratings. For all those who share my sentiment, I propose five elements that land us in this predicament.
First, a number of the people have had their intellect paralyzed by greed. Second, a number have had their intellect paralyzed by hatred. Third, a large number have had their intellect paralyzed by fear. Fourth, a large number have actively abandoned their intellect in favor of self-righteous dogma. Fifth, the rest, who lie in the great majority, have no means to stop their intellects from being arrested by the ubiquitous hated, fear, dogma and greed that the first four groups manage to force into the daily lives of nearly every American.
If my assumptions are correct, a greater and greater percentage of Americans with intact intellects will begin to feel alienated from their own “homeland.” I wonder what the alternative will be for the many who were born into, but do not wish to live in, a society governed by ignorance, fear, hate, dogma and greed. Will there be numbers and organization enough for at least a few to demand autonomy from that which they morally oppose? Will many emigrate in search of freedoms that we are supposedly guaranteed? Will Americans’ most threatened minority become those with the capacity for free thought?
William Moglia
junior
German
There’s no economy without resources
I am writing this letter in response to Julie Lauderbaugh’s article, “Let your conscience be your guide” (ODE, Dec. 4).
In her article, Lauderbaugh wrote that she felt refraining from buying anything on Nov. 29, the biggest shopping day of the year, would be “un-American” and would only further hurt our economy.
Short-term, ethnocentric and uneducated views like these are exactly what Adbusters, the organizers of Buy Nothing Day, are trying to address with their campaign. Americans are so worried about the “failing economy,” we forget most countries don’t even have this luxury. Yes, we are currently experiencing a bear market.
Our gross overconsumption of natural resources, however, is a much larger and more threatening problem. Without natural resources to support it, our economy will not just suffer, it will cease to exist.
We live in a country that has a nationally endorsed and highly marketed day of gorging. I don’t think it is too much to ask of American citizens to stop and think during the holiday season about their consumption habits and how they affect our planet and the other nations we share this planet with.
Because, while we Americans eat heaps of homemade mash potatoes and pumpkin pie and buy that new Ralph Lauren jean jacket to help strengthen the economy, people starve to death and natural resources are stolen from those in third world countries who need them much more than you and I ever will.
Jeanmarie Arnold
senior
multimedia design
Photographs
contradicted facts
While the article (ODE, “Adding their voices,” Nov. 21) by freelance reporter Jenny Sherman accurately reported the events as they occurred, I am extremely disappointed with the two front-page photographs.
The photos, one showing a handful of “Bush Cheney” signs and the other showing 14 or so students milling in front of Johnson Hall, appeared to purposely misrepresent the enthusiasm, power and voice that were present at the rally/march.
Indeed, by just looking at the pictures, one would imagine a small Republican soiree was staged, and not, as actually took place, an anti-war protest which attracted nearly 300 supporters.
It must be said, however, that while the photos were a discouraging contradiction to the entire article and to the actual facts, they did provide a very good example of poor journalism.
Marya Lusky
sophomore
Spanish
Apology misses one point
The Emerald published an apology (“An apology to the community,” ODE, Nov. 25), written by editor-in-chief Michael J. Kleckner, for printing two completely unrepresentative photos of the Nov. 20 anti-war rally and march.
Unlike most newspaper corrections or retractions, this one was substantial, thoughtful and very visible. It was honest and gracious, not defensive, and I appreciated its professionalism and thoroughness. It addressed most of the issues I think are relevant to how opposition to the (proposed) war is represented in journalism.
The issue Kleckner missed noting — and it is a political one — is how amply the voices supporting a war in Iraq are represented in the mainstream media. This makes it not just regrettable, but actively harmful, that the Emerald’s photos misrepresented the opinion of the vast majority of those attending the rally. As we know, the media don’t just report public opinion — they help shape it.
But thanks again to the Emerald for covering the event, for printing Jenny Sherman’s story on it, and for offering a reflective apology for the badly chosen photos.
Gina Psaki
professor
Romance Languages
