Column just spin
To the editor,
Not such a simple choice: Well, thanks for making up all of our minds for us. Cory Spiller must have gotten some money from the DNC for that Democratic rhetoric! Yes, Cory, lets trust this nation to a man who re-invents himself according to the polls. That's worthy of my trust. And this is where the tie to Clinton comes in. Not the bedroom antics, It's the dishonesty! Buddhist Temple, ring a bell? Plus let us not forget that Gore called Clinton the best President in American history, at the same time his now running mate was blasting him. Let us also remember that Gore's family fortune - yes ladies and gentle men, he is rich also-came from oil! Don't forget that. I just had to get some facts straight since you did your best job of spinning them.
Manuel R. Espinoza
Political Science junior
President, University of Arizona College Republicans
Damaged cyclists never the same
To the editor,
This letter may be considered by some as indecent, uncalled for, or just plain cruel. However, it is not my intention to hurt anyone emotionally or otherwise. My heart goes out to the Haley family in their time of mourning. This student's story has hit very close to home and has affected me deeply.
I felt compelled to write this letter after reading the article and editorial concerning J.T. Haley in Wednesday's edition of the Daily Wildcat. I did not personally know J.T., but I do know that he was not wearing a helmet, thus causing a tremendous and lethal brain injury. My first response was to say that J.T. was better off having died. I say this because I have a family member who has suffered a closed head injury. Even if J.T. had survived this terrible accident, he never would have been the same person. Brain injuries are irreversible and even a "full" recovery leaves a person with a changed personality. I do realize that this is not much of a consolation for J.T.'s family and friends during this tragic time.
I know about head injuries because twelve years ago my mother was in a serious car accident, and she has lived in a rehabilitation center and nursing homes ever since. My mother is, in unpolitically correct terms, a living vegetable. My mother cannot feed, clothe, or bathe herself. She has a tube in her stomach through which she is fed twice a day. She cannot walk. She cannot talk. And she wears diapers. I do not even know if she recognizes me.
I was thirteen when my mother had her accident. I lost her forever that day. She may still be physically alive, but I cannot even remember what she was truly like. I have at times thought it would have been better to let her die. At least then I would have had closure. I have lived the results of Traumatic Brain Injury everyday for the last twelve years. This in no way makes me a medical expert. I only know what I have lived.
I know that this does not lessen the deep loss felt by everyone who knew J.T., nor does it justify his death at so young an age. I do, however, want to tell all of J.T.'s fraternity brothers, friends, and family members - Please, please remember the good times and remember him as he was - vibrant, charismatic, full of laughter, and try not to dwell on what he won't be. Cherish the memories you have and remember how lucky you were to have known him in his short time here on earth.
Carrie Enamorado
Post-Bac Elementary Education Certification Program
Motorcyclist wasn't stupid
To the editor,
After reading your editorial concerning Haley's death, I must say I strongly disagree with your comment about Haley's stupidity. Of course he is stupid for not wearing a helmet. Every motorcyclist knows the danger of riding, but its something taken into consideration. By deciding not to wear his helmet, he made a stupid decision. So many motorcyclist think they can't get killed on a short ride without the helmet, but most motorcycle accidents happen within 5 miles of your home, according to the AMA. Are these people so stupid as to think nothing will happen? Accidents are called accidents because no one plans for them to happen. But I do agree that from this tragedy I hope all the other squids (people who don't wear helmets cause they are to good to crash) learn that helmets save lives and without wearing one, you show your stupidity.
Jake Simoneaux
Finance Junior
