Wilson needs logic lessons before writing columns

Logic students take note: Kendrick Wilson strikes again. He first mentions that some groups have protested renaming the Economics building after CŽsar Ch‡vez. He then describes how the KKK called Martin Luther King a communist. He then concludes that the groups protesting Ch‡vez are actually against the empowerment of immigrant farm workers, not communism. In informal logic, we call such pseudo-arguments "smokescreen" or "red herring" fallacies. What Wilson has done is changed the subject, rather than arguing for his views. Between implicit and explicit, however, is an assertion that the students protesting Ch‡vez are furtive racists. Where is the argument here? Mr. Wilson, pick your battles wisely. The main protesting group was the Student Objectivist Society. Objectivist philosophy is radically opposed to collectivism, and its founder describes racism as the crudest form of collectivism. The Objectivists were protesting because they don't like coercion, and they believe Ch‡vez was coercive. If you disagree, argue with that, but don't accuse them of being racists without ground. It's a shameful tactic that speaks poorly of your integrity, Mr. Wilson.

Additionally, Mr. Wilson mentions that the protesting students have probably never picked a tomato in their lives. This is probably true. Question: So what? Are they not capable of formulating justified views on Ch‡vez, communism, etc., without having picked a tomato? Mr. Wilson seems to think so. I suspect Mr. Wilson has never picked a tomato either. Mr. Wilson's implicit conclusion is that a privileged white student may not formulate a justified judgment about Ch‡vez, but were this conclusion true, it would mean that Mr. Wilson himself cannot formulate a justified judgment about Ch‡vez (including others' ability to accurately judge him), since he is a privileged white student. Perhaps we should accept this last conclusion, though, in a broader sense ÷ that he cannot formulate a justified judgment. In my year and a half at this university, I have yet to see Kendrick write a good argument.

I count four informal fallacies in his short article. It's very sad.

Jason Brennan
philosophy doctoral student

Protesters left Îin the dust' at building's dedication

People may have noticed that the Economics building has changed its name to the CŽsar E. Ch‡vez building. What many may not have noticed is the controversy over the issue. Six members of a group that supports Ayn Rand were on hand to protest the name changing ceremony honoring a great man. Ayn Rand was a Russian radical who was the self-proclaimed "perfect woman" and used the practice of scapegoating so much she would have made Hitler proud. Of course, "scapegoating" is an ugly word, and she instead ascribed her theories to "Objectivism." In her mind, anyone who did not put their full faith in capitalism, selfishness and reason were evil. Collectivism was an evil practice as well according to Rand. Of course, CŽsar Ch‡vez was a great union man who helped many farm workers starting in the 1940s and onward until his death in 1993.

The Objectivists decried Ch‡vez as a violent man who forced people against their will to join the union. Now, I'm no expert on hunger strikes, but I am pretty sure that fasting for a cause you believe in can only cause pain to yourself and not anyone else. The College Republicans were supposed to turn out to support the people who think Ch‡vez was a violent man and the hundreds of Ch‡vez supporters were warned with flyers that there might be confrontation caused by opponents of the event dedicated to Ch‡vez. Fortunately, the Republican group backed out for "public relations" reasons and ended up leaving the Ch‡vez people in the dust, and their highlight of the day was an interview by a local television station.

Josh Silverstein
political science senior

Cubs fans: Take pride and remember your loyalty

This letter concerns the rather unfortunate turn of events experienced by Chicago Cubs fans this week. True, there are issues of greater relevance to UA students and the Tucson community, but with the Cubs' loss of the NLCS, the faith of more than 50 million people (I do not exaggerate ÷ there are more of us than you think) has been shaken and some encouragement is in order. We made it closer to bringing home the elusive National League pennant than we have in 58 years ÷ just five outs away! That's much closer than when we were routed in the Î98 and Î89 postseasons, and one inning closer than in Î84. And during the vast majority of the other seasons we never even had a chance. Hell, we lost 90 games last year and weren't expected to finish higher than fourth in our division this year. Indeed, congratulations are due to our Cubbies! Yes, we have once again been disappointed, even heartbroken, but we must remember who we are and where we have been. We are chosen by the Almighty Himself to be Cubs fans and by His favor we will remain such until the end of the world. We are loyal to the point of absolute stupidity, following and supporting our team, win, lose or draw. We have witnessed the loss of future Hall-of-Famers and team collapse along with the precious few pennant runs. We will not put ourselves at the mercy of a curse, nor will we blame the loss of a series on a fan or a player. Once again our faith is being refined in the furnace of affliction and will emerge stronger and purer than ever before. Press on in faithfulness, my brothers and sisters, and one day our hope will be realized ÷ when "next year" finally arrives.

Bill Nye
geography senior

Many thanks to UA for opportunity for dialogue

I would be remiss if I did not express my genuine appreciation for the opportunity to visit the UA. The Refuge's invitation has afforded me the chance to interact with many of the students, to enjoy some spirited conversation and to tell what Jesus Christ has done and is doing in my life.

Though beliefs on homosexuality are as numerous as the stars, it was refreshing to be able to have dialogue and fellowship with folks in a mutually respectful manner.

Yours is a beautiful campus, a great spirit and kind hospitality; I hope to visit again.

Tim Wilkins
Refuge speaker
director, Cross Ministry