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Letters to the Editor
Reps have Isreali support
Since the incidences of anti-Semitism that were uncovered several years ago at SCSU, many of us here in Israel have kept a loose eye on your university via the University Chronicle Web site.
It was during such a visit that I read of an incident involving the College Republicans having a confrontation with a Jewish professor, and I would like to comment on it.
First of all, as an Israeli with a little sense, I carry a gun everywhere I go. It would be foolish not to, because my living room is the front line of a vicious war and my family members are the targets of the enemy. This makes me wonder why the Jewish professor was offended by a poster warning Jews to keep a gun.
Second of all, what is anti-Semitic about flying an Israeli flag? Showing support for Israel is not anti-Semitic, quite the opposite.
So, to the Jewish professor who was offended, I say, fine. Be offended for yourself. Please do not speak for me, because you do not represent me, or a majority of Israelis or even a majority of Jews.
To Mr. Byma and his friends, I would like to say, for myself, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support and please keep flying that flag. We are in a fight for our lives here against an enemy who wishes our complete annihilation. It is really nice to know that there are some people in this world who seem to understand that.
David ben Ephreim
Tel Aviv, Israel
Leppman trip treasonous
Thank you for bringing to light such horrible news as SCSU's own Professor Elizabeth Leppman's visit with the enemy. It is unfortunate that an SCSU professor should attempt to bring credibility to Saddam Hussein and his brutal regime.
Hussein is an evil despot who has tortured and intimidated his own people into submission. It troubles me that the "peace at all costs crowd" would turn a blind eye to this menace. There used to be a word for this--treason.
This is disturbingly reminiscent of actress Jane Fonda's infamous trip to Vietnam. Her licentious poses with NVA artillery shocked a nation. It seems as if SCSU has found its own "Hanoi Jane" in "Baghdad Betty."
Billy Shaver
Freshman, Political Science
Landlords at fault in decay
Growing up in St. Cloud, I can remember a time when the area near campus was not strewn with broken beer bottles and various litter. It was an area that mixed together turn of the century homes with much more modern apartment buildings. Sadly, this image is vanishing. There is much blame that can be placed, such as the city's desire to end the constant construction of apartment buildings in these older neighborhoods.
That is for good reason. Tearing down old homes with apartment buildings creates a denser population and lower property values for the surrounding homes. What started off with good intentions has suddenly turned into what appears to be at the very least neglect.
The problem now, in my view, is that instead of property owners building apartment buildings, they have turned to a different sort of profit: renting out older homes. It is not uncommon for many of the homes around campus to have six to eight bedrooms. In addition, many of the landlords simply choose to ignore decaying property in favor of making the easy dime. Whether it be leaky pipes or roofs, bats or mice, landlords turn their back on the student renters. They also fail to enforce litter laws, as well as sidewalk shoveling and lawn mowing. I believe it is in the city's best interest to crack down on landlords to ensure that they fulfill their obligations, both to the tenants and the community.
Jake Anderson
St. Cloud
Byma has conflict of interest
Many of us are now wondering about conflict of interest issues with the Chronicle. The same Justin Byma the writes for the Chronicle is also the President of the Young Republicans. I really wonder if he was not involved in this saga if the story would have been buried just like the UND incident (where a protester was allegedly assaulted by a UND fan --ed.). This story has been blown way out of proportion. Granted, I did not witness the Atwood incident. However, I was standing right next to the young woman at the Mascot Rally and witnessed it all first hand. No corrective action was taken, the intoxicated UND fan was allowed into the NHC. Amazing how justice works around here!
I am very disappointed in how these situations are being handled, but not surprised to say the least. It seems the dominant class, sex or race always wins out in the long run, no matter who is right or wrong. The University has tremendous double standard problems that are not being addressed. Just another example of white privilege running rampant on this campus.
Harold Kimball
SCSU student
Editor's Note:
University Chronicle policy allows columnists to engage in political activity. However, to avoid conflicts of interest, our columnists are not allowed to write about activities that they are directly involved in. In Byma's case, this means that he cannot write about the booth incident or use his column to promote College Republicans activities. He can still comment on Republican themes in general.
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