Editor,
This is in response to the recent controversy concerning the Lobo football players and the fake identification.
First of all, I say leave the Lobos alone. As much as the state, city, and University exploits these players for their talent to obtain tax revenues, bowl game money, publicity, ticket sales and so on, they should keep their mouth shut. These players have to go to class, make the grade, work out, practice, study game film, play football/basketball/etc. and live in poverty for four years. They have no time for jobs. They already work hard and sometimes don't see any rewards. For them to get slammed like they this is just a slap in the face. It adds insult to injury.
Maybe they just wanted a beer. So what! They should be able to have a beer. This country sure has a problem with exploitation and discrimination. These players are, for the most part, over 18. They are eligible to be drafted if need be. They can be sued. They can be thrown into the same jail cell as a murderer or rapist. They are given all of the responsibility and very little of the rewards. It all boils down this: being 18-21 years old means that society can crap all over you legally. I am fed up with it and you should be too.
There are many other situations 18-21 year olds have to endure just because they are in that age group. Citizens that are 18-21 pay higher insurance premiums, higher interest rates, and they make the least amount of income.
How can a just society, which supposedly believes in equal protection under the law, justify this? These people are both adults and U.S. citizens. It is deplorable for them to be treated in such a manner. This is age discrimination plain and simple. The law should be changed to correct this injustice and I implore the people to do so.
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John Paiz
UNM student
