Doyle's staff pick bigoted

I am amazed that the Daily Wildcat printed Connor Doyle's "pick" for the Alabama/Auburn game this weekend. This was not a "pick" at all; in fact, it was a blatant attack on the people of Alabama. I haven't seen so much bigotry and racism come out from someone's mouth since a man named John Rocker decided to speak his mind about the people of New York.

What was the editor thinking when he printed this commentary? What purpose does it serve? Clearly, it does not inform the reader on the football game.

On the front page of the paper was an article about the "Tunnel of Oppression," discussing how it is "designed to challenge people's thoughts, perceptions and inner-feelings about oppression and hatred." Yet as I continued through the paper, I found Doyle's "pick." Why print an article discussing how the university is trying to stifle hatred, and then also print an article fostering such bigotry?

Doyle might argue that it was "all in good fun," but it's probably not to the people of Alabama. Maybe I should direct them to the Web site so they can read it themselves, and tell Wildcat readers what Alabamans are really like. In the future, try printing "picks" that discuss football.

Tom Dunlap

psychology sophomore

Kunnie commentary commendable

In response to David Goltz's comments, all I can say is that it is time for America to collectively pull its head out of its ass. Dr. Kunnie should be commended for having the courage to stand up to the ridiculous right-wing propaganda that this war is somehow about the freedom of the Afghan people.

I ask you, Mr. Goltz, if this war was really about human rights and freedom, then where was America when the Taliban came into power and began to ruthlessly oppress Afghan women? Where was America when the Taliban decided that all Hindus should wear some type of symbol that identifies them as non-Muslims?

Where was America when the Taliban decided to blow up priceless Buddhist relics? Furthermore, if this is all about freedom, then why do we continue to do business with the Saudi royal family? Oh, that's right, this war is not about freedom, it's about oil and the lengths we are willing to go to get it.

It's time for you, Mr. Goltz, to do a little research into what this war is really about. People think that Afghanistan should be grateful for what we have done for them. I guess those people are right, the Afghan people should be grateful that we played a role in pulling the Soviets into a conflict with them; they should be grateful that we fought a proxy war on their soil against the Soviets and that, once the war was over, we left them in ruin and in poverty; they should be grateful that we are bombing the hell out of them right now. Now that I think about it, the Iraqi people should be kissing our asses considering that the 600,000 deaths that U.N. sanctions have played a role in are nothing more than "collateral damage."

We can bomb the hell out of the entire Middle East all we want, but terrorist activities against us will not cease until we begin to take responsibility for our government's actions.

Erik Cruz

political science & philosophy senior

Dale column right on

Shane, you have finally written what I've been thinking for a long, long time. Retaliation in self-defense is absolutely morally justified. Those that choose to do nothing simply turn themselves into targets again.

The war in Afghanistan just seems to be another outlet for anti-America activists to make some noise. While I don't always agree with some of your positions, most of the time you're right on. Keep up the good work. It's not always easy to be the minority in such a liberal school.

Ian Gillaspie

nutritional sciences sophomore

Winsky resorts to hypocrisy

In regards to Laura Winsky's editorial, racism is a terrible disease in today's society, and those who conform to racist thought have many insecurities to work out between God and themselves.

However, you blast others for stereotyping, then quickly resort to hypocrisy and stereotype P.J. O'Rourke as an "ass" for his views. Don't get me wrong, racism is ignorant and immoral, but last time I checked, this was still America and people are entitled to their own personal beliefs. Next time you feel the need to label someone an "ass" for expressing their opinions, look in the mirror ... there may be one closer than you think.

Dean Rossetti

undeclared sophomore