Jordan River Forum

Blattert viciously disregards facts I wish to respond to Cherry Blattert's inaccurate and misleading editorial ("Lessons from the sniper case" Oct. 30) concerning the Washington, D.C. sniper case. First, she dismisses expert speculation during the killing spree that the snipers were probably white males. This speculation was based on evidence that past serial murderers have tended to be white males. Race had nothing to do with their speculation; the police desperately needed help in finding the sniper(s), and experts provided advice that they hoped could help in the search. They were not looking to racially target white males. Second, Blattert criticizes Maryland for issuing a moratorium on the death penalty. She also states "many black officers patrol the urban areas where blacks are thought to be unfairly targeted." This is wrong; of the 13 men on death row in Maryland, 12 are black. Of those 12, nine were convicted and sentenced in predominately white Baltimore County, where the police force is predominately white. In addition, Maryland officials have already stated that the moratorium would not apply to Muhammad (if convicted). Third, the FBI and other intelligence agencies under former President Clinton investigated both right-wing extremist groups and Islamic terrorists; it was the Clinton people who first targeted al Qaeda for elimination. Fourth, Muhammad became a member of the Nation of Islam in 1997. Within a year, he had domestic problems with his wife and fell into disfavor with the Nation because of them. Members attempted to arrange counseling for him, but he disappeared in 1999 and was never seen again. From 1999 to the present, he has not been a member of the Nation. In addition, nowhere has anyone alleged or hinted that Lee Malvo (the second suspect) is a Muslim. Finally, where does Blattert get her evidence that "Perhaps some of our national officials themselves sympathize with Islamic extremists"? She names Mary Ryan, a former State Department official, as exhibit No. 1. This smacks of McCarthyism where Communists allegedly served in the State Department and U.S. Army. I am surprised and shocked at the ignorance, viciousness, and utter disregard for facts that Blattert demonstrates.

Member of IUSA Congress called to duty I am really excited with the new energy of the IU Student Association, but I have to say that at this point the executives are doing much more than they should do. It has been at least twice that we had to adjourn the congress meeting because we did not have enough attendance. We as congress need to put our stuff together and really start acting like a congress. We have very important issues to deal with and we have a very good chance to pass many of them. We need to start supporting the executives more and start representing our constituents. It is easy to point at mistakes, but just remember that for every finger you point, there are three looking back at you (even as I am writing I know there will be tons of fingers pointed at me). We need to realize that we are the legislative body of IUSA, and we need to help each other if we want to make this year even more effective and productive. If we do not have a strong congress, then IUSA has no strength as a whole. Even though I am not fond of retreats, it is very important for this organization to have one. It is very sad that so many people did not come to the IUSA retreat. Especially now where so many people have no idea about Robert rules of order, or are so new to student government in general. I hope you are just realizing how important your role as a congress person is, and how much dedication you should put into it. I hope you are realizing that if you do not come that we as a whole cannot work. IUSA for me is a very serious organization, and I always believed that congress is one of the major players. Congress is the one that brings validity and numbers to any issue, and we need to start realizing that. We need to check our real dedication and for the first time have all the senators present at the congress. We are here to represent people who elected us, please take this serious. If the experience of being a representative is not what you thought of, please resign and let those who really want to represent the students do their job. This is such a great opportunity, take it seriously. This job is not for everyone and it is fine if you choose not to do it. This year is very promising, and we as IUSA, executives, congress, directors, etc., can really make a huge impact. We are already doing it. I just really have hope in this year's IUSA, and I really want to see this year rock. I know that we can do it, but it will take the commitment of everyone. Let us play Hard and Work Hard. The students of IU deserve it. Porn should be held in higher esteem I find it extremely ironic that the University which holds the Kinsey Institute and its collection of pornography in such high esteem would find the adult film company's presence in Teter Quad so offensive. Frankly, I think that if the University has adopted a state of mind that honors the Kinsey Institute then it should be equally honored to have students who took part in the production of pornography worthy of the industry. Makes you think doesn't it! Politics of fear, smear, slander So much is at stake in this upcoming election. It is imperative that eligible citizens vote and help determine Monroe County's vision. Besides voter apathy, the most alarming concern is the new politics of fear, smear, and intimidation. As a city councilman and plan commission member, I have done my very best to energetically investigate and pursue matters representing my constituents. By enacting new legislation, I have created valued friends but also created some unscrupulous and reprehensible enemies. In retribution to the positive changes made concerning the erosion control violations at Pedigo Bay, Republican realtor Bud Bernitt accused me numerous times of having an illegal septic permit since March. His wife, Amy Bernitt, repeated these groundless accusations again in a formal letter on Oct. 1 to the Health Department. The Health Department responded by saying, "When this Department first investigated your site, we had determined at that time nothing out of the ordinary and considered the situation closed. Further investigation showed no signs of any type of septic failure. A permit was not required." This situation was accompanied by a pattern of harassment and slander. Not only do I find it highly suspicious that J. D. Maxwell, Richard (Dick) Wells, and Bud Bernitt are all mentioned in Kevin Shiflet's deposition in my defamation case, but that J. D. Maxwell actively participated in my recent arrest with Dick Wells being his official spokesperson. If the Republican slate of candidates gets elected, will we have more politics of fear, smear, and intimidation based upon lies and deception from the rabid Republican Cabal? Vote on Nov. 5 for the following people: Lucille Bertuccio, Bill Hayden, Robert Lentz, Mark Stoops and Brian O'Neill.