Peterson should stop moaning

Charles Peterson must have known that his letter to the (yesterday's) editor condemning the gay community would garner some response from that community. I certainly do not pretend to speak for the entire GLBT community at UA, but I do have a couple of points to make that I think neatly rebut Peterson's narrow presentation of the issue.

This is a free country, so protesting against the American intervention in Afghanistan, while not in tune with Mr. Peterson's beliefs, is a right, and an important one at that. While some of the protesters may indeed have been gay, their sexual orientation is hardly relevant to their opposition to military action.

Of course, some of these nasty liberal gays might actually like to be out there fighting for their country, but they cannot because the U.S. armed forces consider them unfit to defend their country based solely on the fact that they are not heterosexual. More research than we could ever discuss in the pages of the Wildcat points to the ability of gay and lesbian troops to serve perfectly well beside their heterosexual colleagues.

As for the Boy Scouts, Mr. Peterson might show a little more alarm about the fact that despite being a scout himself, that organization's rules forbid him from leading a troop or even being an openly gay member. Simply because he is gay, they would deem him unfit to teach important scouting values such as respect and trust.

Mr. Peterson seems angry in his letter, though it is difficult to be sure exactly why his anger is aimed at the gay community of which he is a member. If he is as frustrated with all GLBT people and their tactics as he suggests, then I would offer the following advice. Stop moaning about the way the movement is run, get involved by sharing your thoughts constructively and try to make a difference in the world yourself.

Nick Ray

political science graduate student

Peterson letter off-base

This letter is in response to Charles Peterson's letter yesterday about the "un-American" practices such as rallies and protests. I'm not sure where you went to grade school, Charles, but I think rallies and protests have something to do with freedom of speech and assembly. It doesn't get much more "American" than that. Just because you don't agree with what they're assembling about doesn't mean that it's therefore "un-American."

I'm sure there were lots of other groups at this rally other than homosexuals. Some middle-class white males, perhaps? I hope you're just as ready to write off that whole group in one stereotypical swoop as you did to the LGBT community (which you are a part of, might I add, when you identify yourself as a "gay guy.")

Furthermore, I'm not sure where you got the idea all homosexuals want to be treated like heteros. The concept of gay "pride" is just that: taking pride in who one is and not necessarily trying to fit in with the larger majority.

Homosexuals have parades and picnics because they're fun! I'm sorry that you've never seen a heterosexual in a parade, but I assure you they exist. This week, they're having a parade for the Diamondbacks up in Phoenix you can go check out. Surely you'll find at least one straight person there.

Finally, I don't think it's too "shocking" for the LGBT community to hear the majority has rights ... they're all the rights minority groups aren't included in.

John Ryan

graduate student

UA should be proud of the band

I've read several Wildcat articles over the years concerning the UA marching band. Many of them have been derisive of the band, poking fun or putting down their usefulness or abilities.

This past weekend I attended the UA "Band Day" competition hosted by the band for several area high schools. The UA band members worked all day long. They sold tickets, cleaned, worked crowd control and worked with the kids that were in the various high school bands.

However, the biggest surprise to me came at the end of the day, when the UA band performed. Although I have been working with college students in the area for the past 4 1/2 years, I haven't had the chance to attend a UA football game or see the band perform on the field. I have really enjoyed the Pep Band at other UA events, but they are just a glimpse of the incredible talent I saw on the field Saturday evening.

The UA band put on the finest performance I've ever seen by a marching band. Their energy, precision, and talent showed an amazing amount of hard work and a deep love for their craft. The music was stirring and fun, and they deserved the standing ovation they received. It made me realize why they are called the "Pride of Arizona" - because the U of A community has a real treasure in the band.

Wayne Atkinson

Tucsonan

Gays need to be proud, like everyone else

This is a response to the letter written by Charles Peterson.

I too am a gay student and an Eagle Scout. I am proud of earning my rank and I am proud of the organization that got me there.

In addition, I am also a leader in the LGBT community on campus, just like Jonna Lopez. I feel that Charles is missing a lot of things in his letter that I'd like to point out.

First of all, I cannot see any relation whatsoever between a parade and anti-airstrike protests in Afghanistan. I cannot and will not stand for such a comparison.

It sounds to me like Charles is intent on criticizing the very people fighting for his rights as a human being.

I participate in pride parades, I have a rainbow sticker on my car and I am proud of who I am. I do not, however, see how that is flaunting anything in any anyone's face. Is a sticker showing your support of Bush-Cheney flaunting?

No more than a sticker showing my support of the gay community. If you do not enjoy parades, don't go to them - it's that simple. No one is forcing you to do anything.

Charles is right, Boy Scouts do not teach children to hate homosexuals, but they do condone discriminatory behavior, which is passed on to its members who are at a very impressionable age.

If Charles attended the Scouting For All rally, he would know that the atmosphere was extremely positive. Those in attendance felt that the Boy Scouts are a great organization that has made a poor decision. A decision that they knew the consequences of.

While I believe it could have been possible to take BSA off the default list and allow employees to add it on their own, I respect the university's decision to stand by its morals. I also might add, there is nothing stopping you from writing a check on your own. If you haven't noticed, there is a liberation movement going on. One that is fighting for your rights. If you want to be involved, go for it. Otherwise sit back and continue to enjoy the freedoms we are fighting to maintain.

Keith Tumey

computer engineering sophomore

Comics need to get better

As a UA alum living in Illinois, I must tell you how great it is to be able to read the Daily Wildcat online.

It brings back fond memories and keeps me in touch, albeit in a small way, with the goings on in Tucson. The only portion of the Daily Wildcat that keeps my head shaking are the comics.

I cannot believe that there are no more talented artists drawing comics at U of A. The only comic that I have ever found even moderately funny is Empty Spaces.

On the other end of the spectrum is Voice of Doom. Does the author of this strip seriously think that it's entertaining (Things I Hate: your strip)?

I don't proclaim to be an artist, so no, I couldn't do any better myself. But there has to be more impressive talent than this at U of A. Keep up the rest of the good work!

Don Duwelius

alumnus