Jordan River Forum

Adam Sedia's reviews of musical performances are nothing less than an outrage. Beyond even his seeming lack of qualification -- a chemistry student writing about music? -- are his unfounded judgements. Most upsetting is his blanket labeling of 20th century music as "cacophonous" and "dreaded," among other derogatory adjectives. It disturbs me that he is willing to immediately dismiss any music of that period, even to the point of insulting IU faculty (Nov. 22, "The musical taste sampler"). And, in his last review, to suggest that Stravinsky himself did not know how to piece together his own music? That is sheer ignorance. I challenge the IDS to find a knowledgeable, qualified and articulate reviewer who may do justice to the performances being reviewed.
Eric Anderson
Junior

Zero tolerance rule should apply to Davis The deplorable action of Mr. Davis during the UK game is conduct which should not be tolerated. IU decided several years ago that a higher standard should be followed. Now let's see if IU really means it. A zero tolerance policy should be announced For Mr. Davis.
David Nachland
Jeffersonville
Bush ushers in new era of social paranoia So now it's the Clean Water Act. Well, that's OK. Being an incurable optimist, I'm starting to sense that if humanity and the biosphere both manage to survive the Bush 'Reign-o-Terror-n-Error,' that his policies based on greed and fear are setting the seeds for a phenomenal social awakening that will make the 1960s seem humdrum in comparison. After all, the 60s followed the 50s, which were characterized by conformity, a contracted fear of nuclear foreboding, the Ashcroft, I mean McCarthy, Era, and a feeling that with enough economic freedom and growth everything would be all right. Sound familiar? Sure, the 60s weren't exactly a glorious time either (except for that music), but the decade did spawn or greatly nurture numerous social movements that changed our country forever and continue to this day, including the civil rights movement, the nuclear freeze movement, women's liberation, gay liberation, and the environmental movement. While social change and fear of change tend to alternate in cycles, we can see that in the long term, and despite the general resistance to it, change for the better does happen. While things aren't perfect yet, compare the rights of women, African Americans and gays, as well as the level of environmental awareness, of today, to 100 years ago. Those who think they can freeze the growth of humanity's awareness and compassion (and I'm not talking "conservative compassion") in its tracks are dead wrong. Things have improved! Thanks in advance Mr. Bush for the kick in the pants we all needed!
Doug Hanvey
Junior

Affirmative action not a crutch for minorities In a Dec. 27 editorial in the Indianapolis Star IU Law Professor Robert Heidt stated about Affirmative Action that "As a result black (Indiana University Law School) applicants whose low grades, LSAT scores and extracurricular record would otherwise win admission only to Howard Law School in Washington D.C., regularly win admission from us (Indiana University Law School). And the overwhelming majority of applicants -- perhaps 80 percent -- for whom we lower our standards so drastically are from out of state." However passionate Professor Heidt might be about the issue of affirmative action in admissions standards at Indiana University Law School, it is not only irresponsible for him to make remarks denigrating the black and minority students of Indiana University Law School, but it is insulting. I am proud to attend Indiana University Law School with the entire student body, but I am especially impressed with my fellow minority colleagues for their dedication, work ethic, and compassion to each other in the face of obstacles that are unique to our experiences as minorities striving to achieve higher education. I share this same respect for students and faculty of all races who have undoubtedly dealt with many difficult issues in their own lives. Unfortunately, Professor Heidt's callous and untrue words reflect the sentiments shared by many in regards to affirmative action in this country today. What is shocking about his statements is that they reflect a true insensitivity and bias towards minority students on the part of an active Indiana University Law School professor. To assert that 80% of the blacks and minorities who attend Indiana University Law School are unqualified is to create two tiers of Indiana University Law School graduates. The message to my fellow students and to potential employers of Indiana University Law School minority graduates is that black and minority students of this prestigious university are overwhelmingly unqualified. I can only hope that opinions like those in the aforementioned editorial do not dissuade future minority students from choosing to attend a terrific university like Indiana University Law School.
Lee Means
Law Student