Don't disrespect students for pursuing their dream to learn

This is in response to Jessica Suarez's article, "MAW: Middle Aged Woman."

My dream was always to go to college, but for many in my generation, that was not attainable. So as a mother and as a single parent, I worked hard to make sure my daughters received the best education they could so they would have opportunities I did not. And in turn, it was my daughters who pushed me to go back to school to accomplish my dreams and have been my strongest supporters.

So, as a full-time employee, sometimes working long hours, off to school I went and the roles reversed ÷ child telling parent how it will be, what to do and what not to do. Yes, I was told not to monopolize the class, keep my questions until after and, most of all, don't be a nerd. However, I do arrive early and I usually sit up front, but that is because my eyesight is bad and I think my hearing is starting to fade as well. And the worst part ÷ I have had to go to my oldest daughter for help with my homework. Imagine that!

The best part of being here is the total understanding and appreciation I have gained for students and what they endure. I have nothing but the utmost respect for each and every student I have come in contact with ÷ no matter their major, religious preference, sexual preference, political preference, ethnicity and, most of all, age. I have never labeled, insulted or belittled anyone and can see no possible reason to.

I have made great friends who have helped me and who, in turn, I hope I have helped in some little way. And I watch them all graduate, as well as my oldest daughter, as I still drudge slowly along semester after semester.

As for professors and teaching assistants, I hold the same high regard for them and have never done anything but show the same utmost respect ÷ which they are more than due.

I love UA, and am proud to be both a student and employee here, and it hurts me to know that as I sit in class quietly learning, enjoying and experiencing, someone is belittling or disrespecting me just because I am a MAW following a dream.

Kimberly Marlow
financial aid counselor,
ecology and evolutionary biology junior

Patrons should eat at smoking restaurants if they choose to

There is only one way to describe Kendrick Wilson's article "No apology for smokers" that ran in Thursday's paper: completely idiotic. Wilson points out that the government does not apologize for penalties to drunk drivers and drug addicts.

However, he seems to have forgotten the many mistakes the government is still apologizing and paying for such as taking away Native Americans' land, Prohibition and slavery.

Not that taking away driving privileges for known drunk drivers is wrong, but what about taking away basic American freedoms, such as choosing how to live out lives?

Wilson goes on to describe several local restaurants that he has decided in his infinite wisdom do not belong in Tucson because · why? Well, no real reason shown in the article, except perhaps because their business has suffered because of the smoking ban (which is their problem, and his article really had nothing to do with) and some other unknown personal reason.

May I point out that these "dumps," as Wilson refers to them, are small businesses that cater to a late night crowd? They in no way advertise themselves as high class eateries for serious students who care about their health.

They are the type of restaurant you go to for a quick bite to eat, to unwind after a late shift, or when you are short on cash. Not many people are going to the Waffle House after their power workout for a protein shake. If Wilson feels he is being deprived of the excellent food served in the restaurants because of the health risks, may I also point out that there are several other perfectly good restaurants open all hours of the day in which he may spend his time.

The bottom line is this: People frequenting the restaurants listed in Wilson's article are fully aware of the health risks associated with dining in such an atmosphere.

And it is "every American's right to destroy his or her body and life if he or she chooses to do so." Period. End of story. When a Safehouse frequenter leaves the bar, he or she does not carry a cloud of second hand smoke along with them. They are not infecting the masses.

And who is Janet Marcus, Kendrick Wilson or anyone else to decide the fate of informed, consenting adults, living their lives as they see fit? Go pick on the skydivers.

Colleen Dunn
psychology senior

U.S. motivation not democracy or helping Iraq's downtrodden

In his Thursday article "It is not all about the oil," Daniel Cucher claimed that America's petroleum mongering and economic imperialism are justifiable because they may enable us to uplift the downtrodden citizens of Iraq. Unfortunately, it is evident that America's impending destruction of Baghdad will do nothing to help the Iraqi people live free.

The Bush administration simply terms its desired operation a regime change. No one has said anything about democracy, even though Mr. Cucher insists it is a foremost goal of Washington. If the United States transformed Iraq into a true unified democracy (imagining this is even possible) America's shaky power in the region would be endangered even further. The Shia majority in Iraq would come to power, and they would almost certainly strengthen ties with Iran, their present financial backer. An alliance of this sort would be highly undesirable for the Bush administration, as would the displeasure of Saudi Arabia and other Arab states over the drastically diminished amount of governmental control that Iraqis Sunni minority would hold. Also, if the Kurds in the North were freed from oppression, the Turkish government would fear that its own Kurdish residents would increase their already insistent demands for liberty.

While several of these side-effects of an Iraqi democracy seem highly positive, rest assured that the Bush administration does not want a pleased Iran or increased tension with many of Iraq's neighbors, including our close ally Turkey. No, Washington is not even considering establishing democracy. They simply plan to install another brutal Sunni dictator ÷ only one with a big, bright, pro-America smile, one who will share his oil enthusiastically and allow the United States to wean itself from increasingly tenuous Saudi Arabia. The downtrodden Iraqi populace will be left just the way it is.

Logan Smith
philosophy senior