Sonny, I commend you for the lifes journey you had chosen.

You have personified one of lifes challenges;

Setting goals and achieving them;

Being our inspiration and Teacher.

On the 18th of December 2004 You had achieved what is considered The Epitome of Academics: Graduated with the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Language, Reading & Culture. With pride and admiration for what you have achieved and within my mind and soul, for becoming, as God intended, the Quintessence of Humanity your name and achievement, Doctor Herman (Sonny) Lucero, PHD will forever be shared and remembered with Admiration, Respect & Love Donald Arias Cousin In relation to your article on Monday 24th January, 2005

Your views seem strange and somewhat extreme.

Just wondering how you came to form them? You seem to be under the impression that Islam is to blame for attacks by Al Qaeda et al against the US. Are you views typical of young Americans? It is true that Al Qaeda want to spread Islam throughout the world using violence (their argument is that the use of violence will shock people into becoming true Muslims as they see what happens when they fail to be true Muslims), but surely George Bush is merely doing the same? Wishing to spread 'democracy' and his Christianity through the use of violence. Is there a really difference between what the two are doing? Secondly, it is unfair not to apportion at least some blame for Al Qaeda on 'the West', who brought the Islamic world the Crusades. And from that to British, French, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch, Russian, Portuguese, American, Italian, etc. occupation of Muslim territories, it can't be said the west has a gleaming record with regard to its treatment of Muslims. The western, Christian world has made itself a very easy target for religious extremists, and with the poverty of many Muslim nations as it is, they provide ideal breeding grounds for fighters. Terrorism cannot be defeated through force. You can only fight the causes of terrorism. A guerrilla army cannot be defeated, to try is futile. How did the IRA come to end its campaign of violence? Through an offer of a political process that would improve the lives its supporters. Once this was on offer, support for violence fell. Using violence against Al Qaeda will only strengthen it, gain it more members, more money. Violence only breeds violence. Just look at Ireland, it's been going on here for over 800 years. Hopefully we've finally learnt this lesson. It's terrifying to think that the USA hasn't.

Brendan Carroll
first year politics student at Queen's University, Belfast, Ireland.

Descriptions of liberals don't fit statistics

In your letter you seem to incinuate that liberals are lazy, welfare recipients and conservatives are hard-working and financially accomplished. It's interesting that 17 of the 20 states (85%) in this country who receive the most federal spending per dollar of federal taxes paid are Red States. In comparison, 11 of the 14 (79%) of the states receiving the least federal spending per dollar of federal taxes paid are Blue States. One could conclude that your argument is not only logically flawed, but factually incorrect as well. By far, the citizens of Blue States earn bigger "paychecks" than those of Red States, which is the reason that the powerful economies of the Blue States support the underperforming and lackluster economies of Red States.

In addition, the working class are the ones who are fighting and dying in your wars. If I were you, I might be more careful not to belittle them.

Tariq Rahman
Political science junior

Women's Plaza Won't Bring Equality

While it may seem honorable to name buildings after human rights leaders and dedicate plazas to different groups in society, it doesn't serve the purpose of bringing equality and non-discrimination. Recently, UA renamed the Economics building to the Cesar E. Chavez building and now UA is considering a women's plaza. Similar to seatbelts on airplanes, these serve to make people feel better but don't really make much of a difference. Perhaps UA donors should spend the money instead on a workshop to educate people about different cultures and groups. I hope that in the future more time and money will be spent working to bring equality instead of just giving the public a security blanket.

Eric Austin
Engineering Physics Sophomore

Andy Ganoa's letter regarding Immigration

Andy Ganoa's letter regarding immigration represents the current liberal response to anyone who disagrees with an open-border position - they label their opponents racist. Mr. Ganoa's letter, while filled with plenty of entertaining "klan" rhetoric, failed to address the hundreds of millions of dollars spent providing emergency medical care, education, and other public services to illegal immigrants every year. Additionally, Mr. Ganoa's knee-jerk response fails to account for the numerous legal immigrants who do not believe that illegals ought to be granted a free pass into our country. I wonder if Mr. Ganoa would be so quick to label these immigrants "racist" as well.

Mike Yates
3rd Year Law StudentMichael.yates@law.arizona.edu

In response to Mr. Kunzelmann's letter

This letter is in response to Mr. Kunzelmann's letter on immigration. I must say it seems Mr. Kunzelmann never attended an American History Class or a Biology class in his life. First he says "..a topic that happens to concern members of another race." What race is that? Last time I checked there is only the HUMAN race which is divided into ETHNICITIES. He moves on to claim that his European ancestors tried to act "American" and that they didn't impose their culture on others. Well, before his ancestors came from jolly ol' England, Germany, Italy and Poland; my ancestors from Spain were already here and had populated what is today the southwest and Florida. His ancestors did not impose their culture on others,they simply irradicated the Native tribes and what was left of them, they rounded them up in reservations. Plus how could they act "American" when they were the ones who defined what "American" is: Puritan, Protestant and the Work Ethic. But today it seems acting American is gorging on McDonald's while performing celebrity worship. I do agree with Mr. Kunzelmann that celebrating Cinco de Mayo is ridiculous because it is nothing but a Beer Holiday, but I would be ashamed to claim that American Culture is about the Super Bowl when there is a lot of rich, even if brief, history in this country.

Angel Del Valle
Religious Studies/sophomore

Inappropriate to ask immigrants to act American

I'm upset by a letter asking immigrants to act American! America is a melting pot and will always be a nation of immigrants. As I wrote in a previous letter, when I took an oath to become an American, I was sitting next to countless Mexicans, two retired Germans on one side and an Israeli girl on the other side. There were people from Albania to Zimbabwe. Each and everyone has their own set of culture and values. We all stood up and proudly rose our right hand to become American. It was probably one of the most important days of my life. But becoming American does not mean I forget my values, my identity and become blind to my companions who take an oath with. The fact that a Muslim guy and a Jewish girl can stand by side by side and embrace a new nationality is an American experience!

I take pride in the fact that I had the chance to embrace Mexican culture in Arizona, have Jewish friends at UofA, and of course enjoying the game of American Football. At the same time, I was happy to share my Indian culture, my Islamic faith, and play Football (ahem Soccer to some) with friends.

I still have a lot to learn from the real Americanos:

the Apaches, the Cherokee, the Navajos, and the Zunis. Their appreciation of the environment and spiritual connection with nature give meaning to Earth Day!

I celebrate all Gringo Holidays, probably one of the few brown people celebrating St. Paddies day at O'Malleys, attedning Yaqui easter festival, say oohh and ahhh during the fireworks on 4th of July, have Seder dinners and of course love those dances Cinco de Mayo. But of all the Mexican holidays, but I really enjoy celebrating The Birthday of President Benito Juárez -- March 21st:The "GEORGE WASHINGTON" of Mexico! I wonder why many Mexican Americans forget to celebrate such an auspicious day!

President Juárez is not only a national hero of Mexico, but for all those people who share the views of freedom and liberty. Freedom and Liberty are American values!

By the way, many Mexican Americans and Mexican immigrants have volunteered to serve our forces. They have sacrificed their lives for freedom and liberty here at home as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan. Kunzelmann, you wanna make them act American? America is in their hearts (as well as President Juárez)!

To better understand another culture you must travel. If you cannot travel, visit a local event or a restaurant totally different than yours! Trying to understand others is a unique experience. Sharing yourself with others is so American!

Ahmad Saad Nasim
Former ASUA senator

Taking issue with Tim Christiansen's letter of 1/27

I take issue with Tim Christiansen's letter of 1/27, as it is the best example of a Strawman fallacy that the Wildcat has printed this semester. Brian Danker never said that we provoked the war in Bosnia, nor that it was not just; but rather that it was not protested by the same people protesting the current war in Iraq. What Congress did is beside the point; Mr. Danker was speaking about those currently protesting the Iraqi War. Further, Prof. Christiansen suggests that this war should not have been fought, and in doing so belies the ugly side of liberalism: liberals are against the spread of freedom and democracy to Muslim nations. There are a host of reasons as to why this is the case, one of which is because they fear that if people are free to choose their religion they might become Christians, which is anathema to the liberal cause. I should expect better from a professor at the U of A, but we are a liberal school, which means that we value towing the politically-correct line before academic quality.

Silas Montgomery
Judaic Studies Senior

KidzKorner a safe, clean environment

This is in response to the criticism Lisa Barnes stated concerning the new Kidz Korner in the student commuter lounge. I have deep gratitude and appreciation to U of A, the Dean of Students, the VP of Campus Life, the Commission on the Status of Women and Commuter Student Affairs for offering this safe clean environment for my child to play while I am in class. The Kidz Korner allows my husband to leave his position on campus for one hour a day to watch our small daughter, TJ, while I am in class, which would not be possible as other child friendly places on campus are not available. This is a great help to the parents attending UofA where they can effectively deal with the logistics of juggling children while getting an education. The Kidz Korner has lifted a huge burden off of my shoulders to be able to have my child, safely attended, while I'm on campus, in a place I feel that is safe and secure. Prior to the lounge opening I would have had to be separated for many hours from my child as I commuted to and from home to attend my classes. I now utilize the lounge to do homework and to care for my child between classes and have benefited greatly from this service. I encourage UofA to do all that they can to help parents continue to advance their education.

Cynthea Carter
computer engineering undergraduate

Public needs to be aware of HPV

I came across this article in my vast search for knowledge on HPV. My mother recently found out that she is in deep water with this virus. I must admit that I'm terrified to lose her and would like to learn how I can help her get through these hard times. I guess that my main goal is to also warn and tell people that this virus tears apart families just like any other problem and it has slowly torn apart mine. Thanks for the info.

Jessica Hernandez
High school student

Kidz Korner important for student parents

In response to Lisa Barnes letter "Kidz Korner not helping parents." I whole-heartedly agree with her that it is nearly impossible to get serious studying done while properly taking care of a child. However, in response to your question, Kidz Korner is helping parents by: acknowledging our existence as student-parents and our importance as valued community members, providing a meeting place for parent networks (BabyCats meet there every other week), and providing a safe place to eat lunch between running errands. Kidz Korner has created an awareness of our existence and our unique issues as well as fostering open dialogue to raise awareness. In other words, this is an important first step to prove to the administration that the thousands of us who are attempting to juggle school, work and family can not forsake one for the other. I vote for a parent-resource center or perhaps a drop-in childcare center. I would love to be able to use the Rec Center once in awhile, too. We need more, but the university is using this as a test of how much they should give us. Read the entire paper published by the Commission on the Status of Women on our website: http://clubs.asua.arizona.edu/~babycats Join our BabyCats and BabyCats Too network. Write your ASUA or GPSC representative. Thank you, Lisa, for creating dialogue.

Diane Sotelo
President, BabyCats Too