Online Letters to the Editor

 Go war! Down with communism!

Vernon Chin (letters, 10/ 24) takes Richey Kemmling out of context when Kemmling said, "we don't shoot or jail our socialist citizens." Chin claims that socialism isn't necessarily communism. He cites European countries that have implemented semi-socialist policies. Actually, Kemmling was probably referring to the main Marxist groups on campus, Socialist Alternative and International Socialist Organization. Their Web sites lionize Marx, Engels, Lenin and Trotsky, the last two among the horrendous butchers of the 20th century, ranking with Hitler, Mao and Stalin.

Considering the bad taste "communist" leaves in the mouth, these groups take the more benign title "socialist." They're Trotskyites, likely because Trotsky was a martyr who opposed Stalin, and being a Stalinist is a pain in the ass, revising history about the gulag archipelago and the murder of millions of innocent "un-Marxist" people.

It's hard to imagine that if Trotsky came to power, the Soviet Union would have been the land of milk and honey. Lenin and Trotsky built the brutal state apparatus that Stalin used, and famines were caused by Lenin's collectivization of agriculture. In the Bolshevik pre-Stalin era, H.G. Wells wrote, "[Soviet Russia] presented an unparalleled example of civilization in a state of complete collapse; the railway tracks were rusting and becoming gradually unusable, the cities were falling into ruin."

The Bolsheviks overthrew the popularly supported constitutional-democratic Kerensky government, held a phony election, and held power despite getting 25 percent of the vote. These guys think the WTO and FTAA cause poverty and are "undemocratic"!

I find it interesting that the ISO and SA are among the biggest opponents of the current war on Afghanistan. Trotsky gained notoriety by leading the Red Army in the 1917 Revolution, shot deserters, and spent his last days planning a worldwide communist revolution after being exiled to Mexico. Apparently, violence is only permissible when applied by Marxist militants.

Kudos to Richey for his pro-war activism.

Give 'em hell, Kemmling! Rational people should write to the student government and voice support for this important resolution. I don't want to see a small minority of emotionalist pressure groups like CAW-UW be given carte blanche to the campus.

Brian Thomson

senior, engineering

The balls to stereotype

In response to Mark Capellaro's letter claiming that the Honor Society of Mechanical Engineers will not support our country's military or government in fighting terrorism is completely ridiculous.

The ASUW Senate always passes resolutions of student support for things that not ALL students agree with, where has Pi Tau Sigma been? Should we just shut down Senate since not all students agree? The issue of fighting terrorism is supported by 85% of our country and we here at the UW are letting a small minority try to divide us on a resolution that was meant to unite. I am extremely thankful our US government has the balls to do the right thing.

Our student government needs to get a pair! Stop worrying about hurting the small minority's (ideology, not race) feelings in order to protect us from terror. If we had to wait for 100% support for everything we would never accomplish anything (including civil rights) and our country would now be a barren wasteland of bombed buildings, all because the extreme left doesn't have the balls to do what is right.

And as far as that shameless Senate meeting last night that voted down the bill that supported our troops abroad, thanks for NOTHING! At least I know I stand with the vast majority of Americans when I say I support our troops abroad. And one last thing; to the liberal, extremist students that think this war on terror is racist, GET A LIFE! The 60's are over, go get a job.

Josh Arriola, junior, political science

Anti-war = anti-freedom, anti-justice

It makes me sad to know that there are people who take all that we as Americans have for granted. There are people who forget that freedom does come with a price. I support my government 100 percent (and Richey Kemmling's resolution), because the actions being taken today are guaranteeing my security tomorrow.

It saddens me to know that there is such a loud voice (though students who are able to read between The Daily's lines, know that that voice is limited) that opposes justice and our God-given right to freedom. I realize that this nation is not perfect; otherwise such a tragic event probably would not have happened.

Instead of dwelling on past mistakes can we not move on toward learning from this and using such a horrible event to make this country that much stronger, and that much better?

It disgusts me that there are people that selfish in this world that they discount the opinion of the majority. I'm begging all of you, appreciate the life you have been given. You are safe tucked away in suburban Seattle, however our family, friends and fellow citizens that died in the WTC attacks are not.

The actions being taken right now by American troops in Afghanistan are for your sake, so that you can wake up and live your life knowing that you are safe. Support those who currently fight so that you can continue to live your life in a manner you deem appropriate. Maybe what happened in New York didn't affect you, but remember that every time you disregard the "war" or the importance of our actions, you disrespect the memory of those who died, you insult the men and women who are fighting for justice and for your liberties, and you pain those who are still mourning the loss of loved ones.

Please, respect the people that call you countrymen and realize that we are all on the same side here.

"It's a poor kind of man that won't fight for his own freedom." - Alice Childress (1920-1994)

Hilary Patten

junior, international studies

To each her own

As I leafed through the paper today I came upon a cartoon of Mormon missionaries. At first I thought it was wonderful that someone was giving props to the missionaries, but then I realized my naivety. Here it was again, another attack on someone's religion and way of life. This wasn't going to be a positive article about guys and girls that give up 1 to 2 years of their life, with the best of intentions on sharing what they believe in with others. I don't agree with the idea behind Mormon missions and neither do others, for example Angelo Baca in his article Knocking down heaven's door. But some might think it strange that Baca thinks, "the canyons still have spirits in them" and believes in the "power" of animals. But I'd like to say, to each his own! Therefore, though I don't agree with either Baca or Mormon missions, kudos to Baca and his thoughts on spirits, but also to those missionaries who are out there to "help" in their own way.

Alia Ahmed, junior, political science, English