Dr. Todd a 'rare gem'

I am writing regarding the article concerning the contract issues facing James Todd. I am an honors graduate of the UA political science department and currently a 1L at the University of Denver. I can honestly say I would not be here without Dr. Todd. I returned to academia at age 35, a single mother of four who had not been in a college classroom for a decade and a half. Needless to say, I was fairly overwhelmed and horribly out of my element. Sensing my insecurity and outright fear regarding my new surroundings, Dr. Todd offered me encouragement and approbation.

He was the first faculty member to actually make me believe that I could be a successful student and that law school was not merely a fantasy. Due to economic issues and family problems, I was forced to withdraw from the university twice, dropping classes taught by Dr. Todd on both occasions. Instead of treating me with scorn or indifference, Dr. Todd was the one who convinced me I was capable of returning to school and that my goal of being a lawyer was an attainable one. He recommended me for law school and was one of my advisers for my honors thesis. I cannot name another faculty member who has done as much for me and for many, many other students.

He is a rare gem in the world of "publish or perish," and the UA would be a hollow place indeed without his presence.

Nancy A. Knox
UA alumna Class of 2000

Teachers must fulfill their 'contractual obligations'

I've found the letters and articles extremely entertaining in the past few days regarding the political science department and their treatment of James Todd. While I see the point of view of the students who risk losing a beloved teacher, it is not the fault of the department.

On the contrary, students should be pointing the finger at Todd himself. When he signed the contract, I'm sure it stated in no unclear terms what the job expectations were regarding publication. He has no one to blame but himself for not fulfilling his research obligations.

Being a student at a Research I university gives us the opportunity to learn from those who are on the cutting edge of the research being performed. Frankly, I'll pass on being taught by someone who can't even get published. However, I would like to see a lecture (unless it's already been given) on the ethics of not fulfilling one's contractual obligations.

John Ryan
psychology graduate student

People can't handle the truth

I think this page provides a good source of argument where people can voice their thoughts. Last week, a friend of mine wrote a letter stating his opinions about a certain situation, but some people who did not like my friend's ideas called him up and threatened him with dire consequences if he writes again. Well, in that case my friend's point of view was absolutely right and crystal clear. Now who is acting like the "dictator?" My friend's facts must really be the truth because truth always hurts - but it must have stung this time around.

I believe in the principles of freedom of expression, and these things are one of the most valuable pillars of the American society. And, it is people like those who know what they are saying is not right and cannot argue about it. They try to terrorize others into submission, but to the people who called my buddy, the truth is definitely going to come out; you can't hide it even if you try your best. So, if you can't write, don't try to call.

Imran Shahid
undeclared freshman

A lesson in moral clarity

In these times of global unrest, it is important for the United States to clearly define its moral leadership on the world stage. But, our boasts of high moral character are routinely questioned around the world. I personally believe this country is, in fact, a moral one. And, possibly our strongest embodiment of morality is in our love for democracy. This is why I am so dismayed by the Bush administration's encouragement of the military coup that occurred last Thursday in Venezuela.

That day, democratically elected president Hugo Chavez was ousted by the military and replaced with a business leader. This "interim president" immediately dissolved the country's Constitution, Supreme Court and Legislature. This doesn't ring democratic to me, and it didn't to the Venezuelan people either. By Saturday night, the protests of the people grew so strong that the interim president was forced to step down after just one day in office. By last Sunday, Chavez was returned to the presidency. As early as last Thursday night, sources had questioned whether Chavez had actually resigned, and his supporters were declaring that he hadn't. But the Bush administration's Friday response was to blame Chavez for the events that led to his forced resignation and arrest. It chose to call his ouster a "change of government" rather than a coup.

Last Saturday's Washington Post reported that the Bush administration had been at odds with the Chavez government and now offered "a barely veiled sense of satisfaction at the demise of Chavez."

Do we support democracy or not? In Venezuela this weekend, the Bush administration chose "not." Interestingly, many of the protesters that demanded Chavez's return have been quoted as saying they don't necessarily support Chavez but are simply against a non-democratic takeover of the government. This is moral clarity, and Mr. Bush could use a lesson in it.

If we are to stand as the defenders of democracy, we cannot turn our backs on it every time the president decides he doesn't like someone. Hugo Chavez is no angel. But neither is he a tyrant. And the real point is that for better or worse he is the democratically elected leader of Venezuela. This weekend, the Venezuelan people proved that means something to them. I always thought that it meant something to us, too.

Michael Horn
liberal arts senior

Massacre a stain in history

Today in the world that we live in there is an incredible oppression, an incredible injustice and an incredible disrespect for human life, human rights and human dignity. Without immediate interference from the world community (once all the horrible truths are revealed), this repression will undoubtedly become a stain in history that is read in the history books by young men and women much like the injustices committed against the Native Americans here in America. These young men and women will wonder how such blatant human abuses could have gone ignored and how the world community, and more specifically, the most powerful country in the world, could have ignored the massacre and humiliation of a group of people. I am referring to the massacre and humiliation of the Palestinian people by Israel.

Numerous human rights organizations have stated their findings of grave human rights abuses by the Israeli military. Israel has recently fired at American and European journalists in an effort to hide the war crimes that they commit against innocent Palestinian people. It is everyone's responsibility, especially Americans (as they are citizens of the most powerful country in the world), to further their knowledge of the conflict by visiting the web pages of human rights groups and unbiased news sources (i.e. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, BBC News Online, etc.).

I am confident that many Americans will be horrified to learn of the hopeless situation that the Palestinian people are faced with and will be shocked to see how America's number one ally, Israel, commits war crimes against innocent people and ignores international human right laws. I am not asking Americans to go read Palestinian or Arab news, but I am asking them to read accounts by unbiased international agencies who exist to ensure that such war crimes do not happen. It is time for Americans to seek out the truth so that we can avoid a stain in history that our children will one day be ashamed of.

Armand Navabi
computer science junior