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I would just like extend my thanks for teaching not just freshmen girls, but all girls on campus, how to get “hitched” in just four years in the Sept. 29 issue of the Graphic. Someone had to do it. Thank you for blatantly pointing out the materialism that seems to be prevalent on our campus. Do you think Prada will win him over? Or maybe Coach? Thank you for reiterating the importance of cooking for men, because I don’t think I could get a husband otherwise. I also thank you for the new-found motivation you have given me, and I’m sure countless others, to go to church. However, you failed to also incorporate dates, times and places. And I could hardly contain my excitement when I read that rushing a sorority would too help me find my soul mate. I never knew that pledging last year would incorporate so much more than sisterhood, service and an opportunity to grow as a woman. Finally, thank you for reminding me about Stauffer — I had forgotten all about it. However, I think it might be too small for me, seeing as I would need to invite all my sorority sisters. Again, thank you for reiterating every reason why I came to college last year. Two more years to go … wish me luck.
Erin Chinen
Sophomore
After reading Assistant Perspectives Editor Shannon Kelly’s Sept. 8 “ Sheehan’s bus tour dishonors son” about the anti-war protester, Cindy Sheehan, I folded up the Graphic newspaper with pain in my heart; for I believe it is dangerous to start calling American citizens, “un-American.”
Sheehan is a grieving mother who is mourning the loss of her beloved son. I have been rather confused why those who find disgust in her mourning and protest have brought so much venom upon her.
There have been words used by Sheehan that I have found unproductive and unnecessary in a time when our nation has been looking for leadership that has been M.I.A. I understand why people are upset with words Sheehan has used to describe our president, and it is a valid complaint to make. Unfortunately, those two issues have become one issue to attack Sheehan and question the way she mourns her son — which is the real issue.
It seems pointless to question the “Americanism” of an American who raised a child to volunteer and serve his country in a time of war and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Also, putting blame on an innocent mother who is not responsible for the war and complaining how she chooses to mourn her son’s death makes the situation a bigger mess than it already is.
As the editor quotes in her article, the Sheehan family knew what Casey Sheehan’s reasons were to fight in Iraq; so why would anyone find it necessary to question how his mother mourns his death? I ask this question because how does anyone other than his family and friends know what Casey Sheehan would say, feel or do about his mother’s recent remarks and actions? If you read and listen to Sheehan’s comments, she has never had disdain or disrespected our soldiers’ duty. In fact, she has solely questioned the intentions and leadership of those who have put our troops in harms way.
While I may disagree with some of the things she says, Sheehan has been an example that epitomizes what it means to be an American. She has been speaking her mind in a non-violent manner and practicing her Catholic faith with no physical hindrance to any person’s life. She is making a personal sacrifice for her cause.
The problem with some of the anti-war protesters of the Vietnam era was that they took their anger out on troops returning home from duty, which I believe was an abomination. “Attacking” those who served their country and did their jobs was unproductive and focused the attention on the wrong location. In the case of Sheehan, she seems to have learned from lessons past because she is not admonishing those who have served. Rather, she is remembering them and loving her son while she questions our country’s leadership.
I find Sheehan brave to take up a cause many are afraid to do in a time when we live in fear that our library records are being viewed by the authorities. Sheehan is an American, no better and no worse than any other American. She has dedicated herself to speak for a cause and mourn for her son in a way she chooses best. I believe it is okay to disagree with what she says and what she does. But, to say she is “un-American” denies the bedrock principal of our country and disrespects and shames a mother mourning the loss of a life she brought into the world.Let her be.
Jim Cohen
Senior
Submitted 10-06-2005
MALIBU, CA
