Reasons For Salim's Return Still Unknown

Shane Dale's attacks on Salim Stoudamire and Coach Olson are unfounded and malicious. Dale starts his column by stating that he does not know much of the details surrounding the suspension of Stoudamire. Dale then proceeds to question the attitudes and choices of those people involved in the situation, the only people who actually have facts upon which to base their opinions. To question Coach Olson's decision to lift Stoudamire's suspension after one game by attacking him and saying that in his old age he has become indifferent is ludicrous. Anyone who watched Coach Olson at Mac Court in Oregon, when he had to be restrained and received a technical foul, would agree that Olson has not become indifferent. In my more than 10 years of watching Olson coach, I have rarely seen him that intense and emotional. Moreover, I would like to know what facts Dale bases his "self-serving" label for Stoudamire on. Unless Dale knows Salim personally or can read his mind, I don't think it wise that Dale should state Stoudamire's motives. Is it not possible that Stoudamire is a fierce competitor and the agony of watching his team struggle and lose while unable to help changed his disposition? Is it not possible that Stoudamire pleaded with Olson and sincerely apologized for his infraction? Could Olson have suspended Stoudamire "indefinitely" so that he would have the option to evaluate Stoudamire's attitude during and after the Washington game to then make a decision? Like everything else in the column, the allusion that Arizona's poor play this year can be linked to Stoudamire's attitude and the suggestion that Olson reinstated Stoudamire to avoid more losses are shallow assumptions, one of which calls into question the ethics of a well-respected, Hall of Fame coaching legend.

John Bell
History Senior

Diversity provides educational benefits

Jeremy Young's Monday response to Brett Berry's affirmative action article says that, "Education is not about diversity." Mr. Young might not think that an African-American or sorority girl in a math class is going to make his education any better, but in fact they do enrich his experience. Anyone with a different religious view, age, race, gender, sexual preference, socioeconomic status or upbringing than you is also going to have a different viewpoint than you. Why is it important to have these viewpoints? Each person has a unique approach, style and perspective that adds to and enriches a group's dialogue. Even in a math class, someone may have a different approach to a particular math problem than you, which will make you think about that problem and how to approach future problems. Most learning comes from outside of the textbooks and classrooms anyway. This involves learning about people, society and life in general. A variety of perspectives will enrich your experience and understanding in life.

Alex Dong
Molecular And Cellular Biology And Psychology Sophomore

Murder rates not due to gun-control laws

This letter is written in regards to what Scott Benjamin wrote in yesterday's Wildcat. I loved his argument ÷ that murder rates are higher in cities with the toughest gun control laws. This assertion, that correlation equals causality, is a ridiculous one that can easily be refuted by this point: Murder rates are highest in cities with many churches. Although this is true, it would be silly to say that churches cause murder. Instead, an alternate hypothesis should be presented. Perhaps it is because murder rates are higher in dense urban settings, and the more people there are, the more churches. The same could be said about gun control and murder rates. Perhaps the reason there are tougher gun control laws in cities with higher murder rates is because of the murders. I know that may be stretching it for some, but if you disagree, you have to come to grips with the fact that your church makes people kill.

Reuben Goodman
Psychology Senior

ÎPukey Bear' comic: A diamond in the rough

I am writing to address an issue that I feel has not gotten coverage proportionate to its importance: "Pukey Bear."

While I appreciate the fact that the Wildcat allows "Pukey Bear" a humble home in the corner of the comics section, I feel it is past time that Chris Case receive recognition for this pillar of achievement. Take note, editors: "Pukey Bear" is the most valuable feature of your newspaper. And take note, readers, for it is nothing short of crime to deny the praise that this comic merits! It surpasses the daily crossword for its intellectual value. It surpasses the daily news for its relevance to life. It surpasses everything else for its innocent wit and engaging characters. Here is a sparkling gem amongst the baser ore of the Wildcat.

Case fans, be silent no longer! We may be few, but we share a comprehension of the prophetic humor of Pukey Bear. Fear not the snide remarks of your less appreciative friends: Visionaries are rarely understood in their own time. And Chris Case, your devotees call for you to push your comic into a future that would otherwise be devoid of such laudable humor as that which you grace us with every day.

Tyler Coles
Computer Engineering Sophomore

Police Protect Against Irresponsible Students

It seems to me that Grant Sahag is overlooking an obvious answer to the question he poses in his Friday letter; that is, who are the police protecting and serving? It seems to me they're protecting Tucson from Mr. Sahag, who, in his letter admits to underage drinking, driving drunk and other crimes. Perhaps such admissions were only rhetoric, but they highlight why underage drinking really is a high-risk behavior and how it often leads to more dangerous actions. The police protect and serve the community as a whole; their mission is to uphold laws as they are written, not the laws as any individual thinks they would be best applied.

If you believe truly, that by the age of 18 (or 17, or 16) you and your peers can handle alcohol responsibly, then fight the law, not the enforcers. It is the job of every police officer to uphold laws and the responsibility of every citizen to obey the laws. If you aren't doing your job as a citizen, don't be surprised that the police aren't as lax with their duties.

Matthew Petersen
UA Alumnus