Letters to the Chronicle

Gaza panel deserves praise for presentation

I'm writing to echo the support Amber Michel gave to the Gaza discussion panel, in light of the criticism they received from three different opinions in the Feb. 16 publication.

First, the panel is commendable for raising awareness of the tragedies and crimes that have taken place in Gaza and Palestine, which I also wrote about in the Feb. 12 publication incidentally. The fact that people are writing about and voicing their opinions on the issue is a great step forward.

Second, the panel should be praised for acting tranquil and professionally during professor Edelheit's outburst and interruption of the program. His conduct was completely unbecoming of a professor of this academic institution.

Professor Bill Huntzicker asks, though, "Why are [the professors on the panel] intimidated by professor Edelheit?" as if the professor's confrontation and shouting was appropriate and unintimidating. In fact, the panel's reaction and intimidation was perfectly natural.

Huntzicker then goes on to ask, "How can we expect the partisans in the Middle East to begin peace talks, if we are not able to do so in a free and open American university setting?"

I do believe Edelheit's reaction to the panel highlights Huntzicker's point rather well, as it showed how unwilling some people still are to respect others with dissenting viewpoints.

Professor Peter Przytula also criticizes the panel's reaction and reluctance to answer Edelheit's tumult. However, had he and Edelheit actually stayed and voiced their opinions politely after the panel made their presentation, their concerns would have been addressed. In fact, audience members did ask about the poster afterward and the panel responded to their queries.

It is true, nonetheless, that the panel was blatantly partisan and one-sided. I do agree with the other writers that a moderated debate or discussion with all sides being presented would be greatly beneficial to the community and for developing further dialog.

But we need to keep in mind this is not a shouting match. Our emotions should not distract from the decorums of public discourse.

Benjamin Seghers

Third-year student

Int'l business major

Gaza panelists exuded patience and restraint

I am writing in response to the articles about Gaza. First off, on Feb. 11, the discussion panel was not a debate; it was simply an event to inform the people of what is happening to the Palestinians in Gaza from their point of view.

The man that stood up in front of the audience was very unprofessional. Professor Slisli was just getting started and he rudely interrupted him.

If I were one of the individuals on the panel I would have done exactly what they did, got off stage and waited for him to either calm down or leave.

There was no need for that; he could have waited until the end when the audience was able to ask as many questions as they wanted.

I'm sure if he were polite about it and waited until the end, his question would have been answered.

I want to personally thank professors Fouzi Slisli and Tamrat Tademe and the students who stood up for those who are not able to stand up for themselves.

And for those girls who asked, "Why don't you have one of us up there to give our side of the story?": You already gave your side of the story; it's all over the media. It is the Palestinians' turn now.

Jessica Wethern

Nursing major