Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Just because a statement is shocking does not mean it is true, but that is exactly what Kyle Gorham would have us believe. Seeing McCarthyism and a well-known Christian activist in the same context, we are all supposed to gasp in horror and condemn the man. I suggest we just relax, put down the torches and pitchforks, and take a minute to discuss the truth behind such a claim.

I can understand people disliking Dr. Dobson because his views are controversial and I don’t mind if some people think he’s a fool, but we should be careful not to become fools ourselves by blindly accepting unfounded comparisons between the “red scare” and one man’s opinion of the We Are Family Foundation (WAFF). McCarthyism, by definition, involves very serious accusations against persons. It implies things like criminal accusations, conspiracy to misinform the judicial system as to what is true, and persecution of the innocent. These are behaviors attached to McCarthyism, but you’ll find none of them in Dobson’s commentary.

All opinions of homosexuality and Christianity aside, this is an issue concerning alleged persecution and free speech. According to Gorham, Dobson is persecuting someone through his comments concerning the video. I’ve done some extensive reading on the subject and to be as clear as possible, Dobson’s comments amount to this: A company Dobson believes to have shown support for homosexual advocacy in the past is now taking a primary role in disseminating tolerance materials to classrooms. While the materials themselves are harmless, Dobson suspects that the Foundation will use its newfound acceptance in public schools to begin introducing more controversial forms of “tolerance” such as homosexual advocacy. Because he distrusts the WAFF, he has chosen to speak out against their involvement in public schools.

Now my question is this, how is Dobson guilty of persecution or anything similar to what went on during the “red scare”? He isn’t infringing upon anyone’s civil liberties. Doesn’t he have the freedom to speak his mind on an issue? I’m not saying I agree with Dobson, only that he, like the rest of us, has a right and an obligation to make his opinions known and to speak out to try to make America the way he wants it to be. It is the privilege and the obligation of all citizens to do their part to mold this country and I will contend with anyone who says they should be silenced.

You may not like Dobson’s opinion, all the more reason for you to go out and make yours known, but to accuse the man of McCarthyism and to imply that he is violating someone’s rights (“persecution” was the word Gorham used) is ridiculous. What we have here is sensationalism used to garner attention and it has no place in an intelligent commentary.

Joshua Gunderson

Mechanical Engineering

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Dear Editor,

I was disturbed by the article that ran in the Feb. 7th issue entitled, “ASBSU reacts to the State Board Decision…..” that stated of all sports Water Polo is an option for the new women’s sports that may be added to the athletic department……” It makes me wonder how much the Athletic Department actually looks at the student’s interests.

I understand that it takes interest, resources, and money to create a new sport, but water polo? We may have a pool, but it is not designed to handle swimming events and to make it work would require a lot of money. Why not take a look at some of the club sports at BSU that have been waving their hands saying, “Hey look at us!” for years? Take women’s lacrosse for example, perhaps one the fastest growing sports for high schools in Idaho, also growing here at BSU.

A club started six years ago with only five players is now going strong with 23 dedicated players. They own their own equipment, uniforms and have a field to play on. How much more interest, dedication and enthusiasm do you want? Although I’m glad the Athletics Department finally added a new sport for women, I believe it was the wrong choice. You only get to add a few new women to the team, and who actually gets to watch the team compete?

I didn’t even know we had a ski team! I think the Athletics Department needs to take a real look at what the students at BSU want added as a new sport. Shouldn’t we have a say? We are the ones that watch and contribute to the team. The Athletics Department told me that they send a survey out to students to help them decide what new sport should be added. I’ve been here three years and I haven’t seen one. I want my voice to be heard, don’t you?

Krista Mudge

Mass Communications

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