ASUA defense of Chain Gang may be more than coincidence

Having read Melanie Rainer's guest commentary in the Wildcat yesterday where she attempted to justify the selection of Chain Gang as the ASUA Club of the Month, I couldn't help but put in my 2 cents.

What few people know about Melanie, ASUA President J.P. Benedict, and half of his cabinet is that last year they were members of the Chain Gang responsible for the hazing and underage drinking that resulted in its probation. Could their selection be an attempt to save the face of their "holier-than-thou" organization? That's not my place to say. But I will say this: Chain Gang is a club that brings in over $1,000 dollars in dues annually, then turns around and hazes its new members and promotes underage drinking.

It should not be recognized through monetary awards for the wonderful things it does, especially when there are clubs on campus that focus on contributing to the community and clubs ÷ like the running club ÷ which at least promote healthy living, that are far more deserving of such recognition.

Ms. Rainer thinks that an application process is necessary; I would agree, if such a process would be fair to those clubs of which she is not a member. There could have been 50 applications for this recognition, and I doubt the outcome would have been different.

Members of ASUA have always done a good job at tooting their own horns; I see this as just another way for them to do so. Watch for next month's winner to be Arizona Allegiance, or maybe Bobcats. Oh wait.

Jered Mansell
political science, sociology, economics and religious studies senior
former ASUA administrative vice president/senator

Bar Wars review of Che's art inappropriate, Îout of place'

In yesterday's Wildcat, Andrew Salvati's Bar Wars inappropriately rips the wide variety of art that call the walls of Che's Lounge home: "What I don't so much love about Che's Lounge: The art, man · the art." The paintings on the walls are what make Che's what it is. Lets face it: On Fourth Avenue, there is little refuge for the artsy-fartsy. We have Plush, a few hip places on Congress and of course Che's. Those of us who believe there are finer things in life then Gucci sunglasses and Diesel jeans praise Che's for what it truly is: an oasis for Tucson's hip. While Mr. Salvati does give Che's some recognition for its wonderfully priced drinks and would agree with Frank Booth on the drink selection ("Heineken, fuck that shit, Pabst Blue Ribbon!"), he is obviously out of place at a fine establishment like Che's. Perhaps Mr. Salvati should put on his party clothes, spike his hair and wait in line at Maloney's with the rest of the classless, uncultured, plebeian clones that make up a majority of the student body.

Brian Danker
material science and engineering senior

Baker remembered as having a Îtrue love to serve students'

I was deeply saddened by the news that Betty Baker passed away this past weekend. For those of us who had the privilege of meeting Betty, we will be forever reminded of what it is to love others unconditionally, irrespective of race, size, creed, religion or any other delineating factor. Betty had a true love of students and a true love to serve students, because at the end of the day, she wanted nothing more than to do her job and to make others happy.

As the former UA mascot and a member of our athletic community, I can say we never had a bigger fan than Betty. Win or lose, Betty cheered on the Wildcats with optimism and enthusiasm, and always backed the 'Cats. Her love for the Wildcats was unfailing. To say she was the greatest UA fan that graced this campus would be an understatement.

For those who never met Betty, the opportunity to meet one of the last honest and sincere people on this planet has now passed. Betty will be missed.

Kirk Sibley
UA alumnus

Women's abortion Îchoice' limited, not relieving

To Michael Broyles and others who claim abortion is "an asset to women's well-being:" It seems unlikely that a majority of Americans believe half of all American women have no conscience. According to Planned Parenthood, 43 percent of all women will have one abortion by the age of 45. Michael Broyles' comment that "the most common emotional manifestation following abortion is positive: relief" would have us believe that for over one million women each year for 30 years, few if none of them has had any reaction to ending the life of their own child except relief.

This, despite the fact that minority women "choose" abortion twice as often as do white women and that 80 percent of all abortions are performed on unmarried women. If it's just a "choice," why are the numbers so uneven? The pro-abortion Alan Guttmacher Institute keeps records of the reasons women "choose" abortion. The majority of these women cite a lack of financial and emotional resources as their reason for aborting.

Abortion is legal, that's true. The pro-life position differs from the pro-"choice" position because we approach the pregnant women and address the forces driving her to it. We do not accept that abortion is just a "choice." No matter how common, "safe" or legal abortion is, every woman knows she is pregnant with her baby and that an abortion will end that baby's life. Pro-lifers recognize that for a woman to come to a place where ending her child's life is even an option, she must have first detached herself from his or her humanity. Aborting in any other state of mind would be nearly impossible. So, we offer her the tools necessary to reconnect with her child and the support to parent her child for years to come. Pro-lifers believe that there is always a better solution to our complex social and personal dilemmas than to resort to violence against our most innocent human brothers and sisters.

Risha Zertuche
NAU alumna

Jews knowingly chose Israel because of history

In yesterday's Wildcat, Amar Venkatesh mused that the Jews chose a terrible location to build "der Judenstat (the Jewish State)." He encourages the Jews of Israel "to move forward" and implies they would be safer in Europe.

Mr. Venkatesh simply doesn't understand that the Jews chose Israel, no matter how inhospitable, because Europe and the world had failed to save them from the Holocaust. A land of their own would allow them to chose their own destiny, rather than have their lives being left to the whim of a profoundly anti-Semitic Europe. The Jews were "offered" a homeland in both Uganda and Vietnam at one point and they settled on Israel because Israel was the land of their people and their forefathers since time immemorial.

People simply don't get it. Israel is where the Jews live and that's where they have chosen to stay, whatever the cost. Anyone that harbors the notion they will leave peacefully is mistaken. The Jews resisted the Romans for decades with few resources (66-136 AD); they are more then a match for the Arabs. The idea that Jews "would rather be doctors" is fallacious and based on our narrow-minded view of Jews in America; there are plenty of Jewish truck drivers and farmers in Israel. The Muslims have dozens of countries and a holy land in Mecca; the world should get used to the fact of a Jewish state in the Land of patriarchs.

Seth Frantzman
UA alumnus

Young Republicans don't deserve commendation

As I perused my Wildcat this Wednesday, I came across a section called Live Culture, in which a lengthy story was printed about Danielle Roberts, who was actively involved in the Arizona College Republicans. Now I noticed that it was portrayed in a positive light, but to me young Republicans are anything but positive. Republicans have been causing this country to stagnate by sticking to their conservative issues and often refusing to budge. I don't think many would disagree with me that there are still plenty of things wrong with society. By adopting the Republican ideology, it shoots us in the foot as we try to walk down the road of progress. Furthermore, when young people adopt an idea of conservatism and reluctance to change, it simply ensures that another generation will have to face the same problems while the Republicans stubbornly stand by their ideals. It is always time for social and political progress and change. So, I urge all of the young people to avoid the College Republicans' tent of deception. Quoting Timothy Leary, I shall remind everyone that it is important to "think for yourself, question authority."

Jimmy Matthews
psychology sophomore

Alumni Plaza would waste crucial university funds

I was just reading the online Wildcat and the survey prompted me to write you guys today. "Should the UA be spending more than $4 million to build on the Alumni Plaza?" Hell no! What would they be thinking, spending more than a few grand? Geez, give us a bench near a garden somewhere and call it a day. The university is already strapped for cash. They're losing fine members of the faculty left and right, in part because of poorly made decisions such as spending a bunch of money to "honor" the alumni. I am proud to be a Wildcat, but I'm asking nothing more from the school. I got my solid 5 1/2 years from a strong, forward-thinking institution, and I expect that future generations of students will get that same (or better) opportunity. Invest in the students; invest in the technology available on campus. For Pete's sake, bribe some Pac-10 refs so we might get a ÎW' sometime this season, but do not blow precious resources on the alumni. We've had our chance at a great school and, as an alumni community, we need to make sure that our egos don't spoil that prospect for others.

Luke Denmon
UA alumnus

Baker will be greatly missed by university community

I wanted to comment on the announcement of the passing of Betty Baker. She truly was a delightful person to interact with every morning, no matter how grumpy and tired others seemed to be. She always went out of her way to make every single person who came into the "Fig" feel welcome and appreciated. In all the time that I have matriculated and worked here at the university, Betty managed to bring a smile to my face and remind me of the great things in life and in living. Unfortunately, I never really made any attempts to get to know her more on a personal level, but I always appreciated all she brought to my day. I, for one, will miss her very much. I also will miss the joy and positive attitude Betty brought to the university her entire time here. If all of us here on campus could practice living life to its fullest capacity as she did, this campus ÷ and this city for that matter ÷ would be the envy of everyone. Rest in peace, Betty; we will all miss you very much.

Malik Hawkins
sociology senior