Mother irresponsible
To the editor,
Ty Young's article about student mother Misty Dillon was the most ridiculous celebration of irresponsibility I had ever read. Dillon is obviously very immature and has still yet to realize the complications brought about by her out of control hormones. In high school, she was honored for getting married at 17 and having two babies (most likely conceived out of wedlock). In college, however, she was confronted by a harsh reality. The U of A was not as quick to condone her immoral actions as the public school system of Arizona had. After all, Dillon claims that she had no choice but to care for her children herself. She goes as far as to say that she had to get their clothes ready and pack their lunches. Last time I checked that was called being a mother. Perhaps poor, little hard- working Misty should spend less time in countless volunteer organizations and more time with her children.
She says having kids is no excuse not to go to school. She's wrong. Children should always come first. Dillon, however, has learned nothing. She says, "All I have to do now is work on myself." I think she has yet to realize that children are lifelong commitments. In this era where women claim "it's my body, it's my choice" Misty epitomizes everything wrong with babies having babies. Maybe the Wildcat should honor an issue to the students who work, get great grades, volunteer, and resist the urge to create unwanted, neglected children. If you can't feed 'em, then don't breed 'em.
Daniel Scarpinato
Journalism sophomore
We need the military
To the editor,
Who Needs the military? We do. Cory Spiller, however doesn't agree. In his commentary, "More money for what?" he argues that military spending should be cut even though we can't properly maintain our current forces. He explains how we would be better off without any military at all. He says that we should let our planes and fleet of ships rust and "...let our military dwindle, it is a sign of a peaceful nation." That is totally absurd. He doesn't take into account our nation's role, like it or not, as the world's peacekeeper. What would renegade countries and terrorists do if the threat of our military's response was no longer there? I definitely don't want to find out, but it seems that Mr. Spiller does. The repercussions of the United States cutting the military are far greater than he realizes. He also argues that Dick Cheney started the cuts to our military. While it is true that Cheney made cuts following the Cold War, he couldn't have foreseen an ignorant future administration adding to those cuts. It seems he's been studying history so long that he has no clue what is going on in the present. If Mr. Spiller (or anyone who agrees with him) would like to be corrected on more facts about the military, please feel free to contact me at k4pilot@aol.com.
Kris Hensley
Physical education senior
Equestrian events worthwhile
To the editor,
I have been riding horses since the age of six, and I agree with you completely that there are more worthy sports in the Olympics. Since the Olympics are supposed to be pure "sports," let's look up the definition in good old Webster's dictionary. Definition #1: An amusing or interesting pastime: diversion. I can think of a lot of activities that would fit under this broad heading. Actually, I would like to see cycling, the triathalon and soccer fit under the third definition. Definition #3: Jest: mockery.
The notion that Equestrian events actually be considered a "sport" or athletic event is absolute nonsense. I mean what other sport has men and women of all ages competing against each other in the same division?
And is it really a sport to have to understand the psychology and actions of an animal, as well as perform athletic movements at the same time? Oh, wait, I have forgotten. The horse must do all the work. But since you are so familiar with horses and equestrian competition, you are obviously the foremost authority on what should be allowed in the Olympics and why shouldn't you? Your journalism skills and truth in reporting should definitley be acknowledged. For instance, it is definitley only "dudes" that ride horses. (By the way, I couldn't really find an applicable definition in Webster's for that one).
Maybe we should only allow those that are "pure sports?" That gets rid of soccer, basketballp and cycling because they involve the use of non-natural props. And swimming, that's definitely out. If we were intended to be under water, we would have been born better equipped. So that narrows us down to track and field, oh, but wait. Maybe only running. Wouldn't want those poles or artificial hurdles getting in the way. Wow, I would be captivated and drawn to an entire three weeks of the Olympics involving only the purest sport, running. Well, maybe you'll have your shot at fame someday. Maybe journalism will be added soon. I mean, they do include Equestrian.
Maureen McCamley
New Mexico State University
Military underrated
To the editor,
Regarding Cory Spiller's commentary "More Money for What?" (Wednesday, Sept. 29) I feel compelled to respond. Whether I agree with him or not, I am elated by the fact that Mr. Spiller is able to state his opinion as a byproduct of the freedom he enjoys as an American - freedom kept secure by the men and women of the armed forces of the United States.
Firstly, it is na•ve to believe that there are no conventional enemies out there in the world that would threaten our freedoms or strategic national interests. If Mr. Spiller would take the time to read the paper or listen to the news he would know that even now, the "stifled" Saddam Hussein again threatens his Arab neighbors as we grow dangerously close to another oil crisis. Let's not forget the North Koreas, the Chinas, the Osama bin Ladens, the drug cartels of South America - all of these threats lay dormant for now, but many are actively planning their attacks against the United States and its citizens.
Let us not forget the unconventional enemies that we don't even see. With the advent of information technology advances, our enemies do not necessarily carry rifles or aim missiles at us. They threaten a more insidious and anonymous type of warfare - one that threatens our infrastructure. Financial markets, banks, utilities, government systems are all potential targets for this new, unconventional threat.
So back to Mr. Spiller's comments. I think what he fails to see is that the military's role and missions have, and continue, to change. With that, our doctrine, tactics and equipment must change as well. We must make a technology transition with the change in threat. If we don't, then the very freedom that Mr. Spiller enjoys to speak his opinion in public forums like this will disappear. Responsible changes and innovations do require money.
The military pay raise Mr. Spiller speaks of is long overdue. For the past 20 years, service member pay raises have lagged well behind the civilian averages creating a pay gap so vast, many junior servicemen have had to resort to welfare and food stamps. Yes, Mr. Spiller, a pay raise that is long overdue.
I don't advocate scare tactics. I do, however, believe that we should be realists. We are enjoying, for the most part, a sustained period of peace in this world. Most of that peace is attributed to the fact that we do have the best-trained and lead soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in the world executing its most vital peacetime mission - deterrence.
As this is an institute of higher learning, I invite Mr. Spiller and all students to come to South Hall and take one of our lower division classes to learn more about what the military is all about. Or better yet, stop by and just visit. I'd be more than willing to help any student or journalist with facts for any paper or article. No propaganda here, just the facts. You learn a little, and then you decide.
Captain Raul C. Benitez
United States Army
Assistant Professor of Military Science
Equestrian sports demanding
To the editor,
In reference to the commentary "Equestrian in the Olympics" on Sept. 20, it is obvious that Kamy Shaygan has very limited scope or knowledge of events that do not pertain to college life. While I'm sure that in his mind Twister takes great athleticism, he obviously has no idea of the strength and endurance that equestrian sports demand. Not only does the rider have to be in good (if not great) physical condition, the horse must be at the pinnacle of fitness to successfully compete in international events. Also, these riders and their horses must be completely focused and work in unison with each other, which requires years of training and preparation. From an economic standpoint, the equestrian events are a billion-dollar industry in the United States alone. In other countries, the governments support and control the equine industry because it is so vast and popular. In France and Germany, for example, this is not only a pastime, but a government subsidized industry. While equestrian events may not be Mr. Shaygan's favorite sport, he fails to realize that there is more to a sport than merely athleticism. Those that compete in archery and air rifle competitions simply stand in one spot. Does this mean that it should not be a recognized sport? Of course not, since it takes great skill and precision, just as equestrian events do. I doubt Mr. Shaygan could control 1200 pounds of muscle between his legs.
Kendra Suhling
Animal sciences graduate student
Police officers protect public, enforce safety
To the Editor,
Although I have often disagreed with the editorial content of the Wildcat, I always recognized that your writers were thoughtful and articulate in expressing a worthy perspective on an issue. However, the utter lack of integrity and relevance that dominated the column entitled "What's with the hating?" has forced me to respond.
First of all, I am having a difficult time understanding the title of this commentary...is the Wildcat suggesting that local police officers 'hate' the community they police? Surely, if Mr. Zeckets cared to actually research any police agency in the country he would find that police officers are committed to 'SERVING' the public, and that protecting citizens is the ultimate goal of any peace officer . May I remind you that the police are the same public servants who respond to prowlers in your backyard, or rush to the scene of someone who needs medical attention (sometimes even assisting paramedics save the life of an 18 year old who has been binging all night, and needs to be taken to the hospital to be treated for alcohol poisoning.)
Furthermore, although I may agree with Mr. Zeckets that an 18 year old who can vote, or serve in the military, should be able to decide to drink a beer, that is a question for the legislature! And, based on the immaturity with which most college students use alcohol, I wouldn't expect a change to the drinking age any time soon. Police Officers cannot be expected to enforce some laws...they are required to enforce them all. Don't like the drinking age?...write a letter to the Capitol. Finally, if the Wildcat would like to maintain the journalistic integrity that it onced possessed, it's writers should at least make a token attempt at real journalism by using adult language and refraining from the use of bombastic and sophomoric rhetoric...calling police officers 'bacon-boys', or 'Nazi's' undermines both the Wildcat, by reducing your columns to mere childish name calling, and fosters a dangerous disrespect for the police officers who have sworn an oath to protect your life and the laws of this state.
May I remind you that a University police officer lost his life in the line of duty responding to a 'harmless' party, where fun-loving, intoxicated students were brandishing a firearm. Don't worry, Mr. Zeckets, our police officers will still be there for you when you need help...that's what they do, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even at the cost of their own life. Perhaps you should aspire to the same level of integrity as they do.
Gino Duran
Political science sophomore
Anti-military column offensive
To the Editor:
Cory Spiller's "More Money for What?",while commenting on the need for more military spending, certainly exposes his uncanny ability to babble aimlessly. The question that he should be asking is "What do I know?" First of all, Mr. Spiller, your article was researched extremely poorly. Any intelligent reporter would have caught that Fort Huachuca is an ARMY base, not Air Force.
Ironically, that reporter would have known that Fort Huachuca houses our military's school of INTELLIGENCE gathering. So why do we need an ARMY base in the middle of nowhere in Southern Arizona, you ask? Well I suppose it would be rude to say that New York was taken, but would you propose we get rid of a highly valuable school such as a school for INTELLIGENCE gathering? Do you even know what intelligence gathering means? Well, look it up. Research - a highly valuable tool for a journalist.
Secondly, your pathetic attempt at comedy flaunts itself in your lame reference to G.I. JOE. How many professors and doctorate holders who read the Arizona Daily Wildcat do you think would know what in the world a Cobra Commander is? You forget, Mr. Spiller, that faculty read our well-esteemed newspaper too. Your reference to GI JOE gives away the fact that you are a boy who has not yet seen the world through a man's eyes.
Thirdly, your use of the term "military uselessness" offends everyone who ever lost their life so that you may be able to type away in an air-conditioned room unaffected by events such as the threat of losing the oil that runs in your car or the deaths of hundreds of thousands in the name of religion. What would this nation be like without any type of police force in our cities? See the big picture, Mr. Spiller, and you will see that our military is a peace-keeping force in the world now. Finally, any intelligent speaker who points out the problems of the world MUST propose a valid solution. Mr. Spiller, I saw none in your commentary, leading me to believe you were just babbling and, thus, lost your credibililty as both a jounralist and a historian.
Rommuelle Gatongay
Mathematics senior
