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Opinion
Wednesday, December 6, 2000
For comments, contact Ben Voosen Embry or Emily Hughey at 864-4924 or e-mail opinion@kansan.com
Perspective U.S. should take neutral stance in Middle East
Imagine you live in a residence hall and you have a really bad conflict with your roommate — an all-out yelling, throwing property-trashing brawl that keeps your neighbor bup.
boops up.
So your resident assistant tries to help seek a peaceful end. The problem is, you're both "right," of course, and neither wants to leave. You could build a wall down the middle of the room, but you'd never decide who gets to use the door and who has to crawl out the window.
You expect the RA at least to be objective and impartial. But imagine how you'd feel, for the sake of this extended metaphor, if the RA announced she'd always side with your roommate, no matter what he did. Would you continue to trust her?
Well, the United States has been like a biased RA in the Israeli-Palestinian roommate
conflict (obviously with higher stakes) since the outbreak of violence Sept. 28 — an unwise policy from both a moral and strategic perspective.
on the U.S. On Oct. 25, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution expressing "solidarity" with Israel, condemning the Palestinian leadership for its role in the violence and urging the Administration to use its veto power to ensure the U.N. Security Council doesn't adorn "unbalanced resolutions" about the conflict. In other words, we'll be fair, but ultimately, we'll always side with Israel, no matter what, just like a biased RA.
David Grummon columnist opinion@kansas.com
Now I'm not about to say that the Palestinians are saints. They've done plenty of nasty stuff, and the demonstrations and riots probably freak out most Americans. We immediately think of the Iran-hostage crisis, the bombing of the World Trade Center or the attack on the U.S.S. Cole. We tend to think Israel was scared and naturally had to use force.
Historically, and even recently, it would be easy to draw parallels between Palestinians and the Kosovar Albanians, Chechen separatists in Russia, or Black South Africans during Apartheid. Much like these embattled ethnic groups, Palestinian still have no country, no organized military and no voice or representation in the government that controls their lands.
But we're forgetting something. First, it's wrong to characterize all Arabs or Muslims as terrorists. Second, the Palestinians see themselves as an occupied people on their own land. It's not as if anyone argues they just wandered in from somewhere else.
They claim a nasty laundry list of civil and human rights abuses and clearly see themselves as oppressed. Right or wrong, they are frustrated by a perceived lack of progress from peace talks. (The heavily armed "visit" by Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon to a contested holy site was widely seen as Israel giving the finger to the peace process.)
Unfortunately, Palestinians resorted to violence, which the Israeli military met with very strong force, inflicting hundreds of casualties on mostly Palestinian combatants and civilians.
When this kind of thing happens in other parts of the world, America condemns governments for responding with excessive force and human rights abuses. But why not here? Israel, historically our ally, supposedly protects American interests in the region. But this time, Israel's actions (and our support of them) are hurting American interests.
in the meantime, the violence has escalated. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries refused to increase oil production, and several countries have started making friendly overtures again toward Iraq.
Like a biased RA, we losing our moral credibility for promoting human and civil rights, democracy, justice and peace. As we lose the world's respect and trust, it will become easier for terrorists to justify their attacks on U.S. targets.
I'm not suggesting the United States suddenly start beckoning the Palestinians and act against Israel. All I'm suggesting is that, like a good RA, we should be relatively neutral in this conflict and the peace process. An "Israel-cando-no-wrong" policy is not only wrong for the peace process, but it also hurts America as well.
Grummon is a Beloit second-year law student.
Steve Sack / TRIBBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
Perspective
Kansan strives for diversity but makes some mistakes
Historically, the Kansan hasn't had a reputation for good coverage of diversity issues. Grievous errors in our past, some of which happened before our staff and most current students came to the University of Kansas, haunt us to this day.
In response, we've been making genuine
efforts not only to make up for the past, but also to pave a better future for the newspaper.
Usually readers are pleased with our attempts to cover the issues we do, even if the result isn't what it could be. The in-depth story about the situation of African-American students in the early 1990s and today received criticism because it didn't address the issues of other minority students on campus. Certainly
Erin R. Barbomb
readers' representative
readerseks@kansan.com
this represents a greater problem in America.
We often treat race relations as a Black and white issue. Racial tension almost always implies the struggles between African Americans and Caucasians. Anyone who lives in America knows better Racial issues cross cultures and include Native Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and everyone in between.
In defense of the project, the intention was to provide an in-depth look at the particular struggles of African-American students as related to the impeachment of the first African-American student body president. The goal wasn't to provide an overview of all students of color and their experiences.
The story about other holidays celebrated during December and January received criticism for the headline, which labeled Muslims and Jews as non-Christians. The problem with the word "non-Christian" is that it takes a Christian-centered stance rather than having a neutral tone. The headline assumes Christians to be the norm while Jews and Muslims are the "other." In a country where Christianity dominates, it's an easy — but offensive — mistake. Taking a Christian-centered standpoint perpetuates a demeaning attitude towards those who differ from the majority.
The most unfortunate result is if the story's good intentions were overshadowed by a poorly written headline. The story strove to cast light on holidays often overshadowed by Christians celebrating Christmas. We wanted to change the very misconceptions the article apparently perpetuated.
Our critics have good intentions. They want to educate us in areas where we need to be educated. For the most part, they seem to appreciate our efforts, even if those are a little misguided sometimes. However frustrating it is to see our attempts at inclusiveness criticized, we need to listen to suggestions so that the next time we cover similar areas we won't make the same mistakes.
Even though we don't always get it right, I'd rather see us fail at trying than stand back while we ignore segments of students on campus. You can critique the mistakes we make, but you can't blame us for trying.
Barcomb is a Wichita senior in journalism.
Letters to the editor Threat to Bush in Free for All reflects poorly on the paper
I've never really cared much for the Free For All. Usually, this particularly stupid and worthless section of the Kansan is filled with comments ranging from the bizarre to the obscene, most having the intellectual clout of over-boiled asparagus. And often, people too cowardly to identify themselves publicly call in petty personal attacks against those with whom they disagree.
But last Friday, a caller said something truly sinister: "Since George W. Bush thinks he's president, but he's not officially president yet, is it still legal to talk about killing him?" I hope I wasn't the only reader to be struck speechless by this. Thinly veiled death threats against a candidate for President of the United
States, even intended as a joke, are no laughing matter: The Secret Service doesn't think so, and neither should any American no matter their political persuasion. Some of the blackest moments in our nation's history are linked to presidential assassinations, and only the most depraved sociopath finds humor in such tragedies—or jokes about future ones.
Most likely, this caller is laced with psychological problems and incapable of feeling shame, so I'll direct my rebuke to the Free for All's editors. You've exhibited an unusually low level of responsibility and a bottomless disrespect for decency by printing these hateful words. You should know better; and you should apologize.
John H. McCool Evansville, Ind., graduate student
Editorial
E-mailing grades helps KU students
Students will be able to receive their grades faster beginning this semester.
Some students and faculty have questioned whether e-mailing grades violates privacy. However, as long as the sites are secure, it is both safe and legal. Because it is a new installment this semester, hard copies of grades will also be mailed through U.S. Mail.
This semester, the University of Kansas will e-mail grades to all students with a registered KU e-mail account. The University should be commended for making the decision.
Last year, students had the option of requesting their grades online. They had to access the KU Web site, enter information and their grade report would automatically be sent to their registered KU e-mail account.
Sending grades through e-mail offers several advantages. First, it is a faster and much less expensive way of getting grades to students during winter break. The University said it may be as late as Wednesday, Jan. 2 before students receive their grades through U.S. mail. If e-mail were used, students would receive their grades earlier and at the same time no matter where they are.
Some students and faculty are opposed to the new plan because hard copies of grades sometimes are required in situations such as when a car insurance company needs verification of student status. However, the University should eliminate the use of mail in distributing grades. As it will reduce spending, the University could give students a free copy of their grades on request.
Some students also might face the lack of computer access during winter break or not having an e-mail account at all. However, such a concern could be eliminated if the University assigned e-mail accounts to all students at enrollment.
E-mailing grades is a good move for the University of Kansas. It illustrates the University's willingness to take advantage of what technology has to offer and will be faster and more convenient for students.
Katie Hackett for the editorial board
Free for All callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. The Kansan reserves the right to edit submissions, and not all of them will be published. Slanderous statements will not be printed. To read more, go to www.kansan.com.
The Kansan paper is no place for opinions.
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Just because I'm a male nurse doesn't make me gay.
if you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
if you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
--if you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
Women who don't shave their legs — what's up with that?
It doesn't get any better than when Phish does an impersonation of James Brown doing Hanson's "MMMBop."
If the date that fees are due is moved up, does that mean the days to drop to receive a 100 percent refund also are moved up?
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Less sex in the Kansan and more Senate in the Kansan.
if you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
To the person who said Kansas is a predominately white state: What state isn't?
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Thanks to the jerk who stole my calculus book for leaving my homework on the window ledge.
I find it interesting that the coma victim gets the front page, but the rape victim gets a miniscule article on the third page.
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Kudos to E's Express for offering students less food, less selections and more limitations.
if you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
Only people who aren't getting sex complain about the sex in the paper.
I heard that when you graduate, you get cut off from your parents. If this is true, then I'm screwed.
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if you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
Judge Judy would have made a better judge in the Florida rulings.
if you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
The president should appoint Al Gore a special ambassador to Chad in the spirit of bipartisan reconciliation.
The toilet paper in the dorms should be called John Wayne. It's rough, tough and doesn't take crap off of anybody.
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Guest columns: Should be double-
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The writer must be willing to be
photographed for the column to run.
All letter's and guest columns should be e-mailed to opinion@kanans.com or submitted to the Kansan newsroom, 111 Staufer-Flint Hall. The Kanans reserves the right to edit, cut to length or reject all submissions. For any questions, call Ben Emily or EugHughey at 864-4924.
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