Not happy about Bush, but don't protest event

I realize that the chance of President Bush speaking at commencement in May is slim, but if that were the case, I am glad I am not graduating yet. First of all, let me just say that regardless of who it is, having the president visit your university is a huge honor. However, I was disappointed to see there are already talks of protests if Bush does accept the invitation. I will be the first to admit I am not a fan of Bush; and I can give you a thousand reasons why. But commencement is not the time or the place for protests. Most students look forward to receiving their degrees and getting out into the world or whatever they plan to do next. The last thing I would want to see as one of those people would be a protester. I have nothing against free speech, but to protest at a graduation is just in bad taste, even if the speaker happens to be a controversial figure.

Now, I have already said that I don't like President Bush. If I were graduating, the last thing I would want to hear is the lies he would be inevitably feeding the audience. I can't even stand to listen to him talk on TV, because I never know if what comes out of his mouth contains even the smallest shred of truth. That thought alone is a big reason why I am glad I still have a year before my commencement. President Likins, if President Bush accepts your invitation, I guess that's life. But if he doesn't, please do not ask again for spring commencement 2005, regardless of whether or not he is still in office at the time. Otherwise, I will be there (I'm not going to stay away from my own graduation), but I will have a rather large arsenal of tortillas with me.

Jennifer Reik
elementary education junior

Protesting the president? Give me a break!

I can't believe there are students that would actually protest the visit and commencement speech of the president of the United States, if he were to honor us with his presence on graduation day. Regardless of your political affiliation, this man, our president, is one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful person in the world.

Having a cause, passion, reason to exist or in this case, reason to protest, is one of the many freedoms we have as Americans. But protesting a visit from the man that leads our country ... Give me a break!

Zoee Tsighis
assistant director for Campaign Arizona

Same sex marriages should be welcomed

The main reason why marriage in this country has been accepted solely between a man and a woman is due to the influence of Judeo-Christian philosophy in the traditions of this country. Homosexuals already live together as couples with legitimate civil unions in certain states, what difference would it make if they exchange rings? Marriage is not an exclusive privilege for straight people, it's a commitment legally and formally recognized between two people, regardless of who they are. Fifty years ago, inter-racial marriages were completely taboo and forbidden. The arguments were that it would destroy the moral fiber of America if a black man married a white woman, and so forth. If those arguments were used today, you would be laughed at. Yet the same arguments that were used against inter-racial marriage is now being used against gay marriage, further showing that the good majority of Americans simply refuse to learn from past ignorance. I say switch this issue around; let homosexuals get married and deny heterosexuals a legitimate union, and see how quick the anti-gay-marriage crowd change their minds. Besides, once homosexuals finally see how great married life really is, they would most likely beg to have it banned again.

Peter Kim
political science junior

True student section still needed at McKale Center

Tradition in college sports; why doesn't our school have any? Shane Bacon was speaking the truth in the Feb. 12 paper when he wrote the column titled, "Why have all the UA traditions gone away?" As far as I am concerned, the only tradition we had was Andrew Zahn swinging his towel on the bench after a big play! Somehow we have tried to make a pathetic attempt of creating a tradition with the Zona Zoo, where students sit scattered throughout the arena with alumni. What has this done? It has been proven that having something as simple as a true student section changes the nature of the college game. If anyone disagrees, then why would Stanford call their section the 6th man? They realize the effect a crowd can have on a team. Also look at Duke, Kansas, Oregon, Michigan State or basically any other school in the top 25. They all have a true student section, where all of the students sit together chanting and intimidating the other team in unison. It does no good for three students to sit together in the rafters of McKale and chant "D-fence!" In fact that is just a waste of time. Although the alumni seats in McKale generate a much-needed revenue for athletics, the energy level of those fans is below-par. We must demand a true student section similar to those mentioned above, preferably one like Duke, Stanford or Oregon. Although there are many speculations to why this cannot happen, I challenge anyone of authority to give the students a real reason why our student section is so pathetic. Please inform us!

Richard Jacobs
retail and consumer sciences junior

Stop whining about needing a student section

We've heard the whining before and we'll hear the whining again. Students like Robert Radar feel they deserve a student section at basketball games. He wants the best seats in the house solely because he is currently a student. What Rob doesn't take into account is how much alumni pay for primo seats. It costs $10,000 a year just for alumni to keep their seats; that's before we buy any tickets. Now, Rob is a bright sophomore and I'm sure when he graduates he'll have the 10 grand needed to get the best seats at McKale. I feel all the spoiled, ungrateful students should tip their hats to all the "rich old ladies" for their generous contributions that help keep our program a top notch one.

Back to the idea of student section. Look around the nation. How many premiere basketball programs actually give the best seats to students? I hail from the great state of Kansas and have been to countless games at Allen Field House. Where do students at the University of Kansas sit? You guessed it, behind the basket. On top of that they are required to camp out for each game. The USA Today ran an article in last week's weekend edition about how the Big 10 is trying to dismantle student sections because when you get that many kids together they tend to act like, kids. The existing student sections in the Big 10 are all behind the basket and on the wings, much like at McKale.

Be thankful that Arizona has one of the largest arenas in college hoops allowing more students to attend. Be grateful that Lute Olson has built our program into one of the nation's best. The constant whining only shows how unappreciative and spoiled students like Rob Radar are.

Brian Danker
UA alumnus

Crowd needs to 'get into it' at basketball

On Sunday I was watching the University of Pittsburgh's basketball game against the University of Connecticut, and I thought to myself, "Wow, look at that student section." Their student section starts behind the basket and extends down the one courtside; it was so exciting to watch. The crowd was just pumping and the students were on their feet the entire game. No wonder the University of Pittsburgh is 40-0 at home - if I was playing in that type of atmosphere, I wouldn't want to lose either. But here at the UA, I just want to fall asleep. The experience is not fun at all. I mean, if you had elderly alumni yelling at you to sit down 'cause they can't see, you would feel the same way. All I, and probably the entire student body that loves basketball is saying, is give us something we deserve. Give the basketball team what they deserve, a bigger student section so the atmosphere they play in is exciting and fun for them and for all.

Stacy Nicoletta
civil engineering sophomore

This could be 1997 all over again for hoops

As I think back on some of the times from college that I can actually remember ... one thing sticks out in my mind; a great roller coaster ride in March of 1997 ... it is time to understand how history often has a way of repeating itself.

I was a little surprised to see Arizona dropped from the ESPN.com Power 16 this past week, especially after the close call with Stanford in the Bay Area last weekend. This Arizona team is young; two juniors, (Channing Frye and Salim Stoudamire), two sophomores (Andre Igudola and Hassan Adams), and led by a freshman point guard (Mustafa Shakur). It is interesting how history has a way of repeating itself. In 1997, the young Wildcats from Tucson had similar regular season records, had there ups and downs in the Pac-10, had a Hall of Famer on the sidelines (Lute Olson), and were led by solid play of two juniors, (Miles Simon and Michael Dickerson), sophomores (AJ Bramlett and Jason Terry), and oh yeah, I almost forgot, a freshman point guard in Mike Bibby.

It would be erroneous to forget their close game losses throughout the year, as well as another faux pas to think that this years Cats could not do the same, the only team to beat three No. 1 seeds on their way to another National Championship ... the ingredients are there, they have lost some close games, have all the raw talent in the world, the quickness, the desire, the ability, the coaching, and oh yeah, the thought of being written off as not one of Coach Olson's better teams ... look for the Cats to shine in the Pac-10 Tourney as well as the Big Dance. They have effectively nothing to lose, which removes all the pressure that Olson's teams have, to win every game, and that is when a team can become most dangerous, when they are allowed to play their game. Just ask UCLA players who were shooting 60 percent in the first half of Saturday's game, and over 80 percent in most of the second half, and still the Cats' lead kept growing and growing.

If their defense and press remains solid, off-bench play of the defensive highlight reel, (Chris Rogers), Salim's three-point play, and hard-nosed aggressive interior of Frye, more triple double type games from Igudola and the electricity of Adams, they will be a serious contender in March. Remember, history does have a way of repeating itself! Go Cats!

Andrew J. Nemeth
UA alumnus

The Mall is for UA, not for dog feces

I love the UA Mall, as it allows people to cross campus on brown grass, play a bit of polo (with bikes, of course), and throw Frisbees around. I also like it when people bring their puppies and dogs around for a bit of fresh air. However, is it too much to ask these dog owners to pick up their animals' waste every time their animal makes a "deposit?" Come on now, that's just rude.

Ross Richard
environmental science senior

Men, women should look past differences

There was a theory presented in the Wildcat not long ago which was, "Every girl knows that guys are inferior." If this statement is more true than I initially believed, then I wish to offer an apology on behalf of us men.

In days past, men showed their respect for women by insisting they pass first, by opening doors for them, by not sitting before they were seated, by not eating until they were, and so on. I find it a shame that these practices no longer exist today. I believe women are as lovely and as precious as they ever were. Many are wonderful examples of kindness and concern. They guard the power to bring fourth the next generation, and possess the love and compassion to make that generation the best the world has ever seen. I believe that makes women very valuable. I am sorry that we do not treat you as such today.

Women, you know that we are bombarded with; writing, images, and videos which teach us to view you as objects of sexual gratification. They teach us you are cheap and carnal, and they teach it all day every day. Help us to see where your real value lies. Dress in ways that do not distract us from who you really are. Help protect us from the lies we are told about you. Demand that we start treating you like we should.

I believe that a supreme being placed men and women on earth to help them overcome their weaknesses and learn from each other's strengths. May we cease our bickering and work together to achieve marvelous things is my hope.

Sean Tunell
electrical engineering sophomore

Democracy can be a dangerous thing

Welcome to the wonderful world of democracy, where you too with just one vote can limit the rights of another. This reminds me of a favorite definition for democracy that I picked up in a political philosophy class of all places, "Democracy - the tyranny of the majority and its ability to limit the rights of the minority." Or for those of you who are more visual, "Two wolves and a sheep voting on who is for dinner." As a society, we must really consider the steps that have been taken and are intended to be taken regarding the limitation of another's individual rights. I believe our society was intended to be unique in that it incorporated an idea known as tolerance. As citizens, we do not necessarily understand one another nor do we have to associate with one another, but we must respect one another and accept one another.

However, it seems that recent events do not take this into account, as camps rally around their banners. Sadly to say, it is abominable that those in our state legislature feel they speak for everyone and can propose some memorial in an effort to show support to a Federal initiative. You take a well-organized extremist minority (even more dangerous than a loose-knit majority), add any charismatic leader, create a moral sense of righteousness and add an element of unknown (scare factor) ... Hmm ... I think we have been here before; sounds a bit like 1933 Germany. So, while those anxious to limit rights have the opportunity (and for the sake of efficiency), please enact designating arm bands and outlaw interracial marriages (based on a perceived violation of natural harmony) along with the proposed legislation in one swift pen stroke.

OK, I admit I fell into a fallacious slippery slope argument structure as well as tried to create an emotional appeal, but one cannot deny historical events and the consistent repetition of themes throughout history. What is needed now in our government is the notion of tolerance and mutual respect to thwart the constriction of democracy and the limiting of rights.

James M. McDonald
psychology graduate student

A unique perspective on 'Bleed American'

I was rather amused to read "Bleed American" by Jennifer Kursman, which appeared in Friday's Wildcat. Specifically the line: "If Bush is so committed to human rights, why don't we invade India and liberate the Untouchables?" I am a graduate student from India studying at the UA, and I would like to update you on the current status of "Untouchables" there.

First, Untouchability or discriminating on the basis of caste, is illegal in India. Secondly, 52 percent of all seats in all universities are reserved for "Untouchables" (I wouldn't dare use this word if I were in India ... Scheduled Caste is the non-derogatory term). The implication being that an untouchable can easily make it into a university with an aggregate of 75 percent (something equivalent to a 2.5 GPA) whereas a non-untouchable will require above 95 percent aggregate (GPA of 3.9 or more). Thirdly, a similar reservation applies to positions held in government organizations. Fourthly, I believe that untouchables have been given more rights in India than any other minority community anywhere else in the world, and the column suggests that this community is being discriminated against and needs to be liberated from tyrannical non-untouchable rulers.

Rohit. Kundaj
computer science graduate student