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Letters to the Editor
Drilling problems minimal
The story "Group condemns Alaska drilling," by Diana Matusewic, (March 27) was one of the most misleading and biased stories I have ever read in this paper. The lead, "Ever since Columbus landed on American soil, American Indians continually had their lands invaded," is okay for an opinion piece, but not for a serious news story.
As well, the "problem" of drilling is drawn way out of proportion. www.anwr.org/photo.htm shows both the size of ANWR, which is almost as large as Minnesota, as well as the two small specks of land that will be used for development, which amounts to .08% of ANWR. To argue against drilling would be like arguing against the construction of a small town in northern Minnesota. Well, it would if that small town was to be in the center of a frozen, desolate wasteland. (http://www.anwr.org/gallery/pages/46-Coastal_Plain_Spring.htm) And if that town could provide a massive boost for the economy.
The argument that drilling will disrupt the natural habitat and cause starvation to natives is also fallacious. Caribou and other wildlife actually do quite well around drilling sites. http://www.anwr.org/gallery/pages/17-Caribou_no_impact.htm.
The simple truth is that opening up ANWR to drilling would have a huge benefit without any real cost to the environment or the native people.
Dale Watts
Sophomore, Archaeology
Scott Bushee
Senior, Philosophy/Economics
Off-key singer was sincere
This is in response to "Palmersheim responds" (March 22). I was one of the few who were following the walkout group. I am the one who sang "Proud to be an American." I am not in a choir, band or anything else associated with singing. I was just singing that song because it has a great message I wanted to relay to the protesters, and I did not disrespect the song in any way, shape or form. I wanted them to think about the men who died who gave them that right to protest. I wanted to let them know that I proudly stand up, respect and defend this country today, and I do love this land, "God bless the USA." Yes, our numbers were small on March 5, but this last Saturday (March 22) we were gathered in a mass totaling over 20,000 people. So, Mr. Palmersheim, I'm so sorry I can't carry a tune if my life depended on it, but I was cooperative with you and I didn't ramble; I clearly stated what I and my comrades with me believed. I also handed you a poem I wrote with hopes that it would answer any questions you had as of why we were there. And remember we are not pro-war, we are pro-troop and anti-Saddam. Just remember, nobody wants war. If you must classify us into a group labeled pro-war then so be it, just know that we are for removing Saddam Hussein and not a war with the Iraqi people.
Josh Hartigan
Freshman, Engineering
New squirrel survivor speaks
This letter is in response to Andy ("Squirrel population out of hand," March 20) and Kelsey's ("Rennecke's proposal workable," March 24) articles regarding the out-of-control squirrel population at SCSU. I just want to let them know that I had a similar, indeed traumatizing experience with a squirrel here on campus. I hope that by sharing my story, others will feel compelled to do the same. We must unite!
The day: Wednesday, March 26, 2003. The time: 6:01 p.m. The location: pay lot near Continuing Studies building. The incident: I was gingerly walking to the pay station (yes, I am one of what seems like a few remaining students who actually pays when I park in the "PAY lot") and began to hear a loud rustling sound. I stopped and turned my head to the direction the noise was coming from: the nearby garbage can. From the hole in the garbage can lid (probably eaten away by these furry, ferocious animals), I could see the small, bug-eyed critter looking at me. I paused for a moment, remembering Andy's warnings: "Whatever you do, don't make any sudden movements. You never know what might set them off." So there we were, alone, both frightened and unsure of how this encounter would end. Then, realizing this squirrel was not going to make the first move, I boldly attempted to move closer to the pay station. At the moment my foot stepped forward, he scurried out of the garbage can and ran for the bushes nearby, never letting go the freedom fry in his mouth, which was probably his most prized possession of the day. When did squirrels start preferring fries over acorns for dinner anyway? As he ran, I followed his every move with my eyes, making sure he was not planning on a surprise attack. I quickly paid my dues and gratefully went on my way, knowing that my life was spared...this time.
I am not sure of the right course of action to rid this campus of these furry enemies. Certainly I do not promote violence or cruelty against animals, but I refuse to walk around this campus paranoid that some day that squirrel and his friends will jump out from behind the bushes and start attacking me. It is time we face our fears and start acting before it is too late!
Stephanie Jo Voges
Senior, Human Resources Management
Correction:
University Chronicle printed a letter last Monday ("Protesters' ideology irrelevant") that purported to be from Dan Vagle, a computer science student here at SCSU. Dan Vagle did not write that letter, did not authorize it and does not agree with the opinions it expressed. The mistake was due to an omission during the verification process. University Chronicle apologizes to Vagle and to anyone else who may have been misled.
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