Editor,
Matthew Kennicott's letter in the Nov. 15 issue of the Daily Lobo disturbed me. It seems obvious to me that American values were originally based on the ideas of freedom.
The American flag, a symbol of years of slavery, genocide and oppression worldwide is not being trampled, but questioned. This is what democracy is all about, the right of the people to form a government for themselves, and when need be, change the existing form of government.
It is truly a shame that Rep. Bill Fuller is still respected by anyone on any campus. This man has basically stated that anyone who disagrees with him is empty-headed.
Unfortunately, instead of celebrating our freedoms, many would rather condemn those people who use them.
Mr. Fuller was exemplifying bias and radical religious beliefs with his remarks on Nov. 11. These "anti-American" ideals he spoke of are protected by our Constitution. What is truly "anti-American" is the attempt to stifle these beliefs. Remember, some people were once criticized for being "anti-British" during the Revolutionary War; we now refer to these people as our forefathers.
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America is a nation that was founded on religious freedom. In saying that youths are being filled with "anti-Christian" ideals Fuller is implying that Christianity is the only form of religion that should be allowed. Who is promoting freedom now? How can you justify Christianity with war, hate and murder?
Impressionable young minds are often taught to follow blindly and never question authority. Maybe it's about time that American youth are taught to think for themselves. Perhaps Kennicott should read some of Marx's work before he throws around the term communist; we cannot afford another Joseph McCarthy.
I know that many individuals on America's campuses know and understand the sacrifices made by veterans. We see them daily walking the streets, cold, hungry and homeless, wondering where their great government is now.
War is ugly, few survive and many who do survive feel that death would have been a better outcome.
Remember, without protesters and lawbreakers there would still be slaves that were considered only three-fifths of a person, women that could not vote and segregated schools. Is this what you hope to accomplish by silencing the voices?
I condemn Bill Fuller for promoting ignorance on our campus. I commend those who keep their liberty alive by forever questioning and never accepting. Thomas Jefferson believed firmly in the power of revolution to keep liberty alive. He called himself a patriot because he fought a government that refused to listen. Jefferson was a patriot, yet his government considered him a traitor.
In this trying time, we must all remember that in order to keep our freedoms, we must use them and yes, Kennicott, this means you as well. Voltaire once said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."
That is freedom, and here's to everyone that uses it.
Sarah Williams
UNM sophomore
