Eugenics should be
considered evil
I am outraged by the guest commentary “Selective euthanasia can save the world” (ODE, Feb. 7). The article reflects badly on Peter Sur’s own character and on your publication for presenting his views without a disclaimer.
Eugenics, a term with which Sur seems unfamiliar but provides an excellent definition for, is not a new concept but rather has reared its ugly head a number of times in human history. While its most notable incarnation was in Nazi Germany, it has appeared in many nations and was recently a focus of litigation here in Oregon.
In the present climate of limitations on human rights, eugenics is certain to become an issue among the less tolerant in our nation. To suggest that it deserves consideration invites the attention of political crackpots. In an era when the term “evil” is used to describe nearly everything outside of our own value system, it is not too much of a stretch to suggest this is the rare issue to which it actually can be applied.
There is a chance, of course, that Sur thought his piece would amuse readers. He was wrong. Maybe, if it appeared in a satirical journal such as the Comic News or The Onion. In the Oregon Daily Emerald, it garners undue credibility and offers not the slightest hint of humor.
I rarely read the Emerald. Perhaps I should look more closely so that I know what other students are thinking and just whom I should avoid on campus.
Jan McCoy
third-year graduate
educational leadership
Bush lacks compassion for minority education
In the past several weeks, we have read that President Bush filed a brief to the Supreme Court to block affirmative action plans at the University of Michigan Law School.
As an African American, I resent this president denying the opportunity for a few Americans to have an equal education. How dare he? A man born with a silver spoon in his mouth, given every opportunity to do as he pleased, who only made it to Yale on his daddy’s money, moved up the political ranks by way of his daddy’s money and influence — and yet he resents a mere pittance of allowance of entry to a few minority students.
This is a president who touts “compassion” while attempting to shut the door to a few minority students. This same president is willing and eager to send young minority and poor men and women to fight for corporate largess and oil.
Compassion? Give me a break!
Edwin L. Coleman
professor emeritus
English
