Turner shows bias against Israel, U.S.
Sarah Turner's article ('Bombs threaten hope of long-term peace,' Oct. 10) is both offensive and narrow-minded. Her imagery linking America (one of the very few countries in the world where she can enjoy such freedoms) with all that is wrong in the world is appalling'that even though Americans were attacked, we are the evil in this world; that by seeking justice for those responsible for the attack of Sept. 11, we are loathsome. Does she not realize that we are also conducting an extensive aid program, feeding thousands of Afghan citizens who would otherwise starve, regardless of the war? This image cannot be defended no matter how you look at it.
Also, Turner's suggestion that Israel and America's support of it as the affliction that ultimately precipitated the event Sept. 11 is very biased. She denounces Israeli 'oppression of the Palestinians' but refuses to look at the history behind the current events. Israel, since its creation, has been fighting to maintain its very existence. The very day after it was established, Israel was attacked by not one, but six nations. Full American support is critical to insure that Israel's neighbors do not launch an all-out campaign to destroy that country. There are those who claim that recent problems with the Palestinians in the area are entirely Israel's fault, yet they overlook the fact that every time Israel conducts action against the Palestinians, it has been in response the terrorism attacks by the Palestinians. They claim that Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip is unjust, but forget that Israeli control of the area resulted out of a war of self-defense. Yet even given these events, Israel has engaged in talks to return the land as long as its citizens that already live there can be guaranteed safety in accordance with the Oslo Accords. However, it has been Palestinian incitement of violence against these citizens that is negating that treaty and that makes it necessary for Israelis to maintain their presence of tanks.
Finally, Turner's argument turns to civilian casualties. Though it is truly unfortunate that some have already occurred, we should be assured that the military is doing everything to prevent them. In fact, the aid droppings will likely save more innocent civilian lives than the war will cost. After all, this is not a war of retribution, but one to defend both our civilians and civilians all across the world from the future threat of terrorism.
Football fans' antics disturbing at OSU game
Madison's pride in a well-earned football victory has been tarnished by so-called fans.
These immature, self-centered adolescents created an afternoon of embarrassment to those of you who proudly claim to be Wisconsin supporters.
The group was in the upper decks in the south end zone at Ohio Stadium. Their refusal to be seated and allow those behind them to see the game led to stadium security being called. Then, the Ohio Highway Patrol, which handles security at state facilities, needed to tell these people to be seated or be ejected. Hardly a proud moment for the Badgers.
Things got worse with the 'cheers,' which ranged from the juvenile 'High School Band, High School Band' before the Ohio State University Band performed to the obscene 'You fucked up' anytime the Buckeyes made an error on the field.
All of these things could be dismissed as childish behavior if it stopped there. But the nadir of rudeness came when the Ohio State alma mater was played and sung. More than 100,000 people either sang the Buckeye hymn or stood respectfully quiet. But not these Wisconsin visitors. They shouted their own song (your alma mater?) in utter disdain of their host school.
Imagine how a group of Americans would feel if Afghans in the audience started singing their national anthem as the rest of us sang 'The Star Spangled Banner' at a gathering in New York City.
I am not a graduate of Ohio State, so I don't take it as a personal affront. But I know boorish behavior is unacceptable any place, any time.
The sweet taste of your football win has been soured by the memory of these Wisconsin losers. I'm sure most Badger fans are as well behaved as your football team. Unfortunately, all we could see and hear in the stands were your bad examples.
Justice does not mean war against al Qaeda
In his letter to the editor ('Al Qaeda not worthy of diplomatic relations,' Oct. 12), Kyle Swanson said, 'When someone in a civilized nation is murdered, we don't ask the victim's family to make peace with the murderer. We bring the murderer to justice.' Does this 'justice' include shooting up the accused murderer's home (or the homes of their neighbors)? Civilized people bring murderers to justice in court. Swanson is right on one count: It's not always black and white. While it may not be necessary to make peace with al Qaeda, a war may not be the answer either. Sometimes there is a middle ground.
Conflict too complicated to pass quick judgments
It is easy to pass judgments on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially when only viewing one side. The truth is the conflict is very complicated and neither side is right nor wrong. Atrocities are being committed on both sides and in order to form an educated opinion, all points of view must be represented. Therefore, I will present the other side in response to Sarah Turner's article ('Bombs threaten hope of long-term peace,' Oct. 10).
Turner accused the Israeli government of 'grossly violating the Oslo Peace Accords' by building settlements and highways in the Gaza Strip. However, she did not mention how the Palestinians have also violated these accords. As part of the Oslo Accords, Israel supplied the Palestinian Authority with weapons. Since last September, Palestinians have used these weapons against Israel to kill soldiers and civilians.
Turner also criticized Israel's military actions and policy that prevents Palestinians from 'entering the areas protected by Israeli soldiers and tanks.' As declared by the United Nations, Israel has the right to live in security. Suicide bombers and terrorists that enter Israel and target innocent citizens infringe upon this security. Although not every Palestinian is a terrorist, Israel has the right to protect itself against this probable threat. In terms of Yassir Arafat being the voice of moderation, Arafat himself used to be a terrorist. He started the terrorist group Fatah, which has carried out numerous attacks against Israel this year. Among other reasons, perhaps that is why 'Western media' labels him as untrustworthy. Thus, the next time Israel is criticized, present the whole story without empty statements.
Conversion to metric would benefit U.S.
There is nothing wrong with the metric system. There is, however, something wrong with many Americans' selfish and arrogant attitudes'for example, feeling the United States should not convert to the world's system of measurements. America is the only industrialized country in the world whose standard system of measurements is not metric. America is also a country that depends heavily upon the rest of the world; imported goods far exceed exports. Why should we expect the rest of the world to go out of their way to produce non-metric goods for us? As far as metrication in public schools is concerned, how is our country supposed to grow economically without cutting edge science and technology? How are our businesses supposed to succeed in the international market if we cannot communicate about measurements effectively? If we stop teaching the metric system in our schools, we will surely lose our competitive edge amongst other economic powers.
Obviously this issue of arrogant Americanism goes much further than measurement units. Given the events of the past month, it seems as though America has begun to finally learn an important lesson: It is not self-sufficient. Without the cooperation and support of overseas nations, America would not have the necessary means to even attempt retaliation against terrorism. Metrication is just one way that America can demonstrate that we will 'budge an inch' to work together with the rest of the world.
