Jordan River Forum

Oprisko's ideas ridiculous, scary After reading Robert Oprisko's interesting perspective on women, ("There's something in the water," June 10) two things entered my mind: Either his mother was very cruel to him as a child or he was recently dumped. I've never considered myself a feminist. I probably do and say things that aren't necessarily flattering to my gender, but I'm still able to recognize the hatefulness behind this article. I agree that most men are not misogynists in the true sense of the word, just like most people aren't consciously racist but discrimination still happens. It's funny to me that Mr. Oprisko is so threatened by feminist organizations. I'm sure the Black Student Union, La Casa, etc. frighten him as well. Gender discrimination still exists (i.e. wage discrimination. It's statistically proven that men generally make more money than women of similar educational backgrounds). Women's groups merely attempt to make gender a non-factor in determining who gets what. Men don't have these groups because, in the case of white males at least, they aren't discriminated against and remain a clear majority in the power structure of this country. It must be hard for him to turn on the TV and see nothing but women in control, influencing the masses with their man-hating ways. Save us, Robert! As for Miss Twiggy, it's nice to know that women controlled, created and marketed that image just like we did the voluptuous Marilyn. In fact, women all over the country are probably getting breast implants because other women find it sexy. Good thing Heff thinks like a woman. Alicia Gilbert
Senior Readers can make own decisions A recent article concerning the need of the IDS needing an ombudsman ("The voice of the people," May 30), struck me as a rather self-serving and self-promoting vehicle for yet another "opinion" I, the reader, couldn't care less about. Seriously, how many people sit back and think to themselves, "Boy, we sure do need an ombudsman," to keep those wacky IDS editors in line. Get real. For that matter, how many people know the definition of what an ombudsman even is? The beauty of having a free press is to allow the average reader to cut through the fluff in order to obtain valuable and thought provoking news. It is rather arrogant and dangerous when someone writes a column telling the reader that they need a person in charge (in this case, an ombudsman) to tell them something that they can already discern utilizing their God-given intellectual abilities. What he touched on in his most recent column ("A need for more debate," June 17) is something that is already obvious to the readers. True, the press is supposed to supply as close to an unslanted view of the world as possible, but I have faith in the American public that they will be able to make rational decisions on its own. It doesn't require an additional ego to baby-sit the newspaper staff. Irfan Khan
Alumnus Camp reminded us of overseas action I strongly disagree with the staff editorial concerning the Dunn Meadow Peace Camp ("Camp stayed past welcome," June 10). I too became discouraged as the months passed, and fewer and fewer people took up residence to protest the American invasion of Afghanistan. But to say that the camp was a "nuisance" and that all it left was a "dirt spot" ignores the long-term effects of the thousands of conversations the peace campers had with students and residents. The mere presence of the camp reminded us of our continued police action in Afghanistan. Instead of opining that the action was "more trouble than it was worth," why doesn't the IDS look at the so-called war itself? How many innocent civilians have been killed by our government with our tax dollars? Why is our government still fighting in Afghanistan, months after the fall of the Taliban? How sad that people engaged in public protest can be accused of "wearing out their welcome" when peacefully, quietly questioning the violence that continues to be conducted in the name of every American citizen. Christopher Frey
Graduate Student Blattert a radical conservative I would like to address my distaste and disappointment in Cherry Blattert's column in the IDS ("Right to be stupid," June 3). She is a radical conservative whose ideas do not represent those of the student body as a whole. In the last several weeks, she has made very offensive remarks regarding working mothers and the pro-choice movement. She has attempted to impose her very Christian morality on others despite the fact that we live in a country and a campus where religious tolerance should be embraced. While Travis Thickstun, a liberal, is not allowed to express his views because of his political connections in the community, the IDS allows an active member of IU Students for Life publish a weekly column. As president of Campus for Choice, I ask the IDS to allow columnists from both ends of the political spectrum to publish articles. Only then can the IDS truly be an unbiased newspaper. Rebecca Ellen Bartlett
Graduate Student New emblem, same emblem How much did the athletic department spend to recreate the logo from the soccer teams '76-77 jerseys? (See picture on page 264 of the 76-77 Arbutus) Take that picture to the president or put it on the front page for comparison to the new $69,000 emblem. It's the same emblem. Phil Eskew
Graduate Student