Legalization of assisted suicide horrifying
I read the column "Freedom for Life and Death" and was horrified by the suggestion of legalization of assisted suicide, and that even people who are not sick can commit suicide. Furthermore, the editorial said, " the Netherlands is a role model of freedom and dignity. "
The Dutch have legalized everything ranging from marijuana use, brothels, licenses for prostitutes, late-term abortion, and now doctor-assisted suicide. The death penalty is illegal in the Netherlands becuase it is believed to be cruel and unusual, yet doctor-assisted suicide is not. Basically, that so-called role model is saying it is OK to kill cancer patients and late-term fetuses which can be born any minute, but not rapists, child molesters, and serial killers. The international court gave the war criminals from Serbia only 40 years in prison and others only a life sentence. With the prisons they have in the Netherlands, these war criminals have been blessed rather than punished. It seems a war criminal's life is more important to the Dutch than the life of a good citizen with a terminal illness.
Ahmad Saad Nasim
general business senior
Bigotry unacceptable
I would like to respond to Jacob Lauser's letter that was written in response to a commentary on religious freedom by Winsky. Lauser seems to be under the impression the world has the mindset that (when it comes to differing opnions) "To each his own, as long as it doesn't offend me." I have a problem with this statement. I think people abide by the rule "I disagree with what you say and believe, but I defend your right to say and believe it." He goes on to say liberals preach tolerance, but halt support when others "won't accept their spin on things."
There are so many diverse opinions and beliefs, and we should embrace them all, but there is a limit. If I think one's opinions are a form of bigotry then I support the right to believe it, but I halt my support when one imposes that bigotry on others. So for religious freedom, personal beliefs, and for any opinion one may have, I support people and let them believe what they want to believe, but I do not defend the right for one to impose any form of bigotry on others. That is what freedom is all about.
Robyn Greenstein
political science and sociology sophomore
Column off base
This is in reference to Ryan Finley's column yesterday. Once again Finley has shown us he knows very little about anything. I am not criticizing nor am I supporting the decision of those athletes that have decided to leave early. I understand many of them are hurting for money and there aren't many people who wouldn't turn down the opportunity they are receiving. I think, however, the notion that everyone in life is out to make money is a bunch of bull. I know for a fact that if you offered that Harvard job to any of the history teachers in my high school they most likely would reject it.
I know this because one of them is my father. He has been a loyal track coach for 28 years despite lucrative offers to go other places because of his success. They do it for the same reason I have decided not to pursue a degree that will earn me 100K out of college. There is a joy you get out of teaching and coaching that no amount of money can replace. There is something about a 250 pound kid picking their coach up, both in tears, after winning a championship that is irreplaceable. I don't expect Finley to understand that. He couldn't understand that or you wouldn't be criticizing the profession. Guess what? I found a job doing something I love, the pay may not be the best, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. You can't understand that? Maybe you should go ask Gene Edgerson why he wants to teach kindergarten and not Harvard students.
Matthew Romanoski
pre-education freshman
Hot Dog Stand needs to stop
Please stop the madness. For the love of all that is sacred, stop the Hot Dog Stand. I can take it anymore. I don't remember how long this guy's been doing this strip, but I'm sure as hell he should stop now. I mean enough is enough. This guy has reached rock bottom and has started to dig. Apperently he opens his mouth just only to change feet. This young man has delusions of adequacy, when it comes to comedy. I mean what's the deal with him anyhow. Who picks these people? All I'm saying is when I come to campus in the morning I want to have a good day, so I read the comic strips first. My breakfast is worthless after that. He doesn't have ulcers, but he's a carrier. As a final thought, I would like to advise this young man when his IQ reaches 50, he should sell.
Ed Santander
Economics senior
