Off TargetTo the Editor:

The Global Review in the March 25th The Chronicle troubled me quite a bit. Justin Schair is a friend of mine, although we don’t have the same opinions, I didn’t think he would have came to such conclusions about the attack in Spain. First of all,  he was wrong to write that “Europe felt so uncomfortable with the war in Iraq, even if it was approved by the United Nations.” The United Nations didn’t approve the war in Iraq, The U.S attacked Iraq in disagreement with the security council. Europe would have supported the war if it was launched at the right time and for the right reasons, as they supported actions in Kosovo and many other places.

Then to characterize the recent Spanish elections as a victory for the terrorist is not relevant. Indeed, one should first agree that the war in Iraq was the right way to fight terrorism. A huge majority of Europeans  (British and Spanish included) believes that invading Iraq provoked more anger in the Middle East, creating fresh recruits to terrorists while the vague idea that the long and costly rebuilding of the country would spread democracy, is too much of a bet (Introducing democracy with war?).

I was truly shocked to read: “How about doubling the number of Spanish troops in Iraq? That will send a clear message [to the terrorists]: Mess with us and we’re only going to make it worst for you.”  Islamic extremism doesn’t have one location or one identity, it is a non-coordinated movement observed in many different parts of the world. Does Justin think terrorists from different horizons would meet and tell themselves: Look Spain has doubled the troops in Iraq, it’s getting pretty dangerous for us? First it is unrealistic to think of terrorism as one enemy and al Qaeda has become no more than an appellation under which various extremists take their action because they know it would get them on CNN. Secondly, There is no reason to think that having more soldiers in Iraq would hurt the terrorists while we can argue that the war fed the anti-American rhetoric that does so well in getting fresh suicide bombers.

The war in Iraq is not the way to fight terrorism and Europe knows it. Spain removing their troops from Iraq didn’t “tell the world they cannot withstand terrorism” since terrorism doesn’t come from Iraq. Europe has dealt with this problem for a long time and knows that the most efficient way to solve it is by dismantling terrorist cells at the domestic level. Spain has shown that it is a democratic country that listens to its people and their troops are still in Afghanistan (French troops as well) where their presence makes more sense. To conclude, I would like to make Justin understand that from my point of view, attacking Iraq doesn’t show the terrorists anything but it makes the United States look like an angry elephant knocking the ground with its foot to kill a flying bee.  Sincerely,Nicolas HuveFrench citizenSophomore

Protecting All RightsTo the Editor:

I would like to weigh in on the exciting political debate concerning same-sex marriage that has been taking place within the pages of The Chronicle.  Two issues ago, Adam LoBelia wrote a very interesting letter on the subject.  He started his letter by asserting that “religion plays no part in the actual argument”, and he ended his letter by warning that gay rights activists would “do well to avoid irritating religious people by trying to destroy all religious ideas from the government.”  The first statement seems to claim Mr. LoBelia’s objection to same-sex marriage is not grounded in his religion, while his second statement assumes that his objection is primarily a religious belief.  I would encourage Mr. LoBelia to pick one angle on this issue and write from it only so that I can discuss one argument rather than two contradictory ones.

J.D. Whearton’s letter in the latest issue was much more persuasive.  He exposed the “vicious double standard” of gay rights activists who violate their own creed of tolerance by not tolerating conservatives who feel that homosexuality is unacceptable.   Until reading his letter, it had not occurred to me exactly how badly we liberals victimize conservatives in this country.  It must be very difficult to have the President and the majority of both houses of congress on your side. I will never know where you find the strength to accuse people who disagree with you of being unpatriotic and treacherous.   I cannot imagine how it must feel to regularly outspend your opponents in election campaigns by an astounding margin.  As a liberal, I would like to apologize to you and all other conservatives for my offensive insensitivity.

In all seriousness, Mr. Whearton is suggesting that tolerance should be extended to the intolerant.  I argue that if homosexuals only suffered the same intolerance from conservatives as conservatives suffer from liberals, that would still be an improvement in their condition.   No one is trying to take away conservatives’ right to say whatever they want, but conservatives are attempting to say that a homosexual relationship does not count as an American relationship and that the government should enact laws that comply with that opinion.   If it would make Mr. Whearton more comfortable with the idea of same-sex marriage, I will promise him that if he supports its legalization, I will protect his right to hate it, if he likes.  

Sincerely, Tom BishopJunior

Lackmann OverpricedTo the Editor: During my Spring break, I recently stayed at Hofstra University while visiting my girlfriend, who is a student at the college. I wanted to support Hofstra by buying our lunch at the Student Center’s Main Cafe. This was a mistake. We each purchased a meal consisting of a paltry sandwich wrap, stale potato chips and a mushy pickle. Together, both of our meals – plus two bottled waters and one cup of fruit – cost nearly $25. I could have taken my lady to a swank eatery like Baci for that price and actually enjoyed the food.

I didn’t realize that Hofstra had become a big business solely concentrated on profit. I can only imagine how fast the students who eat there every day mow through their meal points. It looks like next time I visit I am going to trek down the Hempstead Turnpike to Wings ‘N’ Things for a meal that is actually affordable. Perhaps students should do the same in order to show Hofstra that it is charging too much for its mediocre food.

Sincerely,Matt LashBarre, VT