Editor,
I attended a Veterans Day ceremony Sunday on Lower Johnson Field with distinguished speakers such as Rep. Heather Wilson.
I intended to show my support for veterans of past wars, who include my grandfather and a large number of my ancestors, but I was disturbed at what I heard. Delving into the topic of the current war in Afghanistan, one speaker began to discuss those who oppose the war, the so-called "peace activists." He expressed that such people are foolish, disgraceful, anti-American, mindless and undeserving and unappreciative of American freedoms. He criticized them as anti-Christian, ignoring the fact that many Christian groups have denounced the war.
He stated that many youths' "empty minds" have been filled with this hateful, "anti-American" propaganda and it is "shameful" that UNM is producing students with such opinions. He condemned the "liberal professors" who spread broadminded, perhaps anti-war messages among their students without reprimand because they are tenured.
One must remember that in times past, those who opposed racism and supported women's voting rights were labeled "liberal" and thought of as foolish and disgraceful. In actively using his power of free speech, this man denigrated those who use theirs to protest the war effort.
He acted as if those who oppose the war should be thrown out of the country, but they are simply exercising their freedom of opinion and speech-principles on which this country was founded. For one to condemn another's freedoms because of differing opinion is fundamentally un-American. Pro-war individuals denounce anti-war individuals and vice versa. Peace is patriotic to some, while war is patriotic to others.
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While I respect the speaker's viewpoint, it is truly a shame that this distinguished leader openly denounced the University, its professors and its students at a rally meant to honor those who served in past wars.
I am sure many will wish to respond to this, condemning my "ignorance" and "anti-American" stance, but please note that I am respecting the opinions of those who are pro-war.
Breanne Duncan
Undergraduate student
