Convention protesters angry, irrational

On Sunday, I watched several minutes of the peace protest that took place in New York City.

What I witnessed was several interviews with demonstrators that had hatred in their voices rather than calm and clear viewpoints.

Rather than speaking their position on the war and offering alternatives to protecting this country, they turned it into a "We Hate Bush" rally with John Kerry signs in hand.

Is this what John Kerry wants to be associated with?

Alex Castillo
undeclared freshman

UAYD different from other campus clubs

I recently attended my first Young Democrats meeting on Thursday evening, oblivious as to how UA clubs conduct themselves.

What I encountered was one of the most amazing personal and political experiences of my collegiate career.

The casual and friendly environment provided by the UAYD encourages free speech, open minds and the occasional objection - granted that it is offered in a respectful manner.

The YD meeting took a very inclusive approach, encouraging each and every member to share his or her opinions and political insights. The UAYD differs from the majority of political clubs - it embodies truth, morality and a sense of political decency. I invite all Democrats, independents, undecideds and open-minded Republicans (if there is such a thing) to attend the next meeting on Thursday.

B.T. Farley
political science sophomore

Venders not to blame for damage on Mall

This is in response to Justin Towne's letter Thursday regarding the UA Mall. While we all appreciate a healthy Bermuda hybrid bisecting the sun-drenched campus, blaming the vendors and assorted clubs misses the point.

If anything, the panoply of chairs and tables aerates the soil, allowing water and nutrients to penetrate the root system.

Unfortunately, it has not penetrated Mr. Towne's gray matter just who the real enemies of our beloved green belt are.

Here's a hint: They reside in that imposing tower adjacent to the Student Union Memorial Center, currently ensconced behind a fortified perimeter akin to Baghdad's green zone. (Incidentally, compliments on the timely completion of the Alumni Plaza!) On balance, I can forgive the alumni for that particular transgression in light of their prodigious donations.

Simply put, the administration's continued lack of vision for our campus will eventually consume our main drag in steel and concrete, creating a devastating heat island effect sure to ruin the delicate ecosystem in the Old Pueblo.

And, according to Mr. Towne, we shall blame all this on the almond lady and that ubiquitous College Republican tent.

Matt Seaton
biochemistry senior

Focus on laws besides underage drinking

While it is true that drinking underage is illegal, it should not be the prime objective of police officers to bust up parties and interrogate anyone who is underage who they suspect has been drinking. The duty of a police officer is to protect us and uphold the law.

The events described in "Party Like It's 2002" are examples of the new crusade against underage drinking, yet bike theft last year was rampant and a local fraternity has reported instances of vandalism.

Why is busting underage drinking so important? It worsens the relationship between the students and the police officers who are just trying to do their jobs.

I don't blame police officers for busting underage drinkers, I blame the UA and the city of Tucson. The letters and reports in the Wildcat are a protest to this.

The police department should concentrate less on ruining parties and more on upholding other, more important laws.

We're protesting the drinking age and the use of extraneous police officers in enforcing the drinking age. If a student is busted for drinking on the Mall, so be it. However, random raids at apartment complexes are simply draconian.

Michael Werth
physics and astronomy sophomore