Rec Center doesn't need expansion

I read the articles and letters about the proposed Student Recreation Center expansion with a certain amount of apathy. However, upon further reflection, I have become somewhat dismayed at the apparent "need" for it. My main problem is with the notion that there are always lines at the Rec Center and that it is always full.

I agree that between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., it is quite packed with students. However, I must point out what should be an obvious fact: There are 12 other hours in the day in which the Rec Center is open. In fact, when the group I go with goes to the Rec Center when it opens, the place is virtually empty.

I'm not saying you have to go at 6 a.m. by any means, I'm just saying that you can go in the hours it's not busy. No, it might not be "convenient" for you, but I'll be damned if I'm going to be forced to pay more for your convenience.

Robb Loeb
history freshman

Both golf and NASCAR are sports

In response to the letter regarding rock, paper, scissors as a sport: While I would agree that RPS should not be classified as a sport, I would definitely disagree that the likes of golf, NASCAR and things of this nature are not sports. Saying that cars do the work in NASCAR is like saying that bats and gloves do the work in baseball. Yes, the cars supply the power and speed, however, it does take an athlete to be able to operate the vehicles at those speeds.

Saying that all golfers do is walk is a joke. Apparently, you have never set foot on a course and attempted to shoot somewhere near par, because unless you know what you are doing and are good at golf, you can't shoot near par. It takes a large amount of skill.

Golfers and NASCAR drivers do something that most people can't do, even if most of us think we can, we know in truth that most of us cannot. I would love to see you tell Tiger Woods or Jeff Gordon that they aren't athletes. You need to rethink your idea of what a sport is and what something requires before classifying such things as hobbies or simple activities as opposed to sports.

Matt Mealy
nutrition sciences sophomore

exuality shouldn't be taboo

I have recently noticed several letters about how the university is a

"sex-crazed" place. Their attitude reflects how prude and overly conservative these people are. People seem to want to complain about anything. Should we all be in an uproar when there's someone in a bathing suit on the front page of the paper? God forbid a little nudity on the Super Bowl halftime show again.

Keeping sexuality taboo has made our country completely uneducated. Even with sex education in schools, people don't even know the basics. This is why there are so many people out there who have gotten themselves into trouble with bad choices.

We need a more progressive direction in our media. I am so glad that the TV show "Sex and the City" and the radio show "Loveline" exist to bring to light real issues and not keep everything hidden. Anyone who has a problem with a little openness should go spend some time in Europe and get educated. They don't go crazy when a little cleavage is shown. Why don't we all grow up?

Hamed Beytollah
psychology junior

Catholic Church should embrace sexuality

I agree with Cristi Barnes that the new pope ought not to be criticized for being Catholic. Given her position concerning the absolute immutability of God's requirements for human behavior over time, I am confident that as well as condemning homosexuality, she also follows the other timeless and unchangeable divine rules like foregoing pork and shellfish, making burnt offerings and being polygamous.

If not, then perhaps she ought to be more open to the idea that religious people can have a legitimate debate about appropriate doctrinal change in light of evolving insights regarding divine will. Given the dynamic nature of the physical universe, maybe its not heretical to think God believes in growth and change, too.

However, I must take issue with the statement that people "shouldn't have sex." If people didn't have sex, HIV would still spread, through infected blood and contaminated needles, for example. Abortions would be obsolete, but so would (minor detail) children.

Homosexuals won't die without sex, but the human race will - and what kind of an argument is that, anyway? Cristi won't die without freedom of religion, either, that doesn't make expecting her to live without it hunky-dory.

If there is an exception for sex within marriage, abortions won't necessarily be obsolete. Even faithful wives and mothers who use birth control find themselves pregnant in circumstances that lead them to choose abortion.

It is moral but not morally superior not to engage in sex. I, for one, believe that sex is good. Sexual desire and its voluntary exercise is a divine gift. Sexual attraction and expression brings people together. It provides a unique connection between individuals that has emotional and spiritual value, even if they don't end up marrying each other.

For many people, sex itself has a spiritual value, providing an epiphany of intense connection with the divine. It's also fun. Non-marital sex even has a certain social utility. As someone who readily admits my husband was nowhere near my first lover, I believe sexual experience actually contributes to "knowing how to be faithful to just one person." Jesus said, "Love one another," and I'm with him all the way on that one.

Moira Gracey
alumna

Proposed Rec Center expansion unnecessary

I am writing in response to Zach Colick's article "ASUA backs bigger Rec" on the possible expansion of the Student Recreation Center. I feel that this proposal for an expansion is a waste of time and money. Is it really worth it to spend $35 million just to eliminate lines to use the facilities?

I am a regular patron at the Rec Center, and I admit, it does get crowded from time to time. However, this doesn't stop me from waiting to use a cycling machine, waiting patiently in line for the weight room, or sitting out on a game of basketball just because the courts are full.

How many students know that the Rec Center is open from 6 a.m. to about midnight almost every day? It is only during peak hours that there are lines. Plus, the Rec Center isn't the only place where you can run, cycle, lift weights or play sports. There are plenty of other places on campus where you can complete a workout or play a game of basketball.

Even if this proposal does go through and the Rec Center is expanded, will there really be a dramatic increase in numbers? Probably not. Students will continue to use the Bear Down Gym, lift weights in the dorms and run the streets of campus. Perhaps that money should go toward something really needed such as better roads or a better drainage system.

Timothy Smithmusic
education freshman