An inconvenience to inattentive students
In the midst of all the political drama, entertainment tragedy and sports triumphs that permeate our senses, I have a small yet important request: Please place the crossword puzzle next to the Sudoku again! I find it difficult to slyly switch back and forth between them during the occasional class when my professor just can't keep my attention. This isn't to disrespect the professor. I enjoy my classes, but sometimes I just need a little break so I can focus my attention even more. I understand the demands of advertising can hinder proper placement of such puzzles, but I think I speak for much of the student body who enjoys such puzzles when I say, "Please, please bring it back." Thank you, Daily Texan, for keeping our distracted minds occupied.
Alyssa Hudson English and government senior
The law is, well, the law
Recent articles in the Texan have been run concerning benefits for same-sex couples ("Substantiating the same-sex struggle," Jan. 28, "Starving for equity," Jan. 17). UT professor Uri Horesh, a foreign national here on a work visa, has been credited with bringing this hot-button issue to the forefront. Horesh's sexual orientation disqualifies him from the benefits he desires. With time quickly expiring on his visa, he now seeks a permanent sinecure at our great University. One problem: Texas voters have clearly defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and if Horesh wishes to stay, he must conform to state law. There has been much talk about University involvement in the issue, which would constitute illegal action. The University of Texas at Austin is mandated to follow Texas state law, not circumvent it. Furthermore, college should be about higher education, not promotion of social change or progressive indoctrination. If the gay community wishes to change state law, they must make their appeal to voters and legislators, not college administrators.
Ed Oden Government sophomore YCT legislative director
Mitt's not the man
Mitt Romney is still in the Republican primary race for president, but his touted experience and business sense should not just on its own heighten his electability ("Mitt's the Man for America," Jan. 30). A Romney presidency would be more of the same Republican trickle-down economics that doesn't work for America's squeezed middle class and poor majority.
Under Republicans' "survival of the fittest" philosophy, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. One of our country's most serious problems is the wide economic gap between haves and have-nots. Before the primary campaigns go on any further, Mitt Romney and all the other candidates of both parties should tell the voters what they plan to do to substantially close the ever-widening gulf that separates the rich and the poor.
Republicans such as Mitt Romney are not the people to lead America.
Paul L. Whiteley Sr. Louisville, Kentucky
Welcome to the conservative dystopia
In response to "Mitt's the Man for America," Jan. 30: Thanks for laying out the true heart of the problem our country faces - demolishing and eradicating the pipe dreams that have passed for conservative "thought" in this country. Getting rid of Bush will be a fait accompli come next January, but we still face an uphill battle to erase the decades of conservative brainwashing that not only the corporations, but also educational institutions and the mainstream press have sought to propagate as common sense or intelligent policy rather than as self-serving pap.
During this primary season I have a heard a number of Republican voters (aka "conservatives") intone their simplistic political mantra of a strong foreign policy and a free market unfettered by government regulation. Apparently these same folks are oblivious to the fact that corporate capitalism now rewards incompetence on pretty much the same level as excellence. Proof is in the bonuses of CEOs who run companies into the ground and the roots of the subprime mortage crisis. With the legacy of George W. Bush, the Republicans have created a political culture that champions incompetent failure over accomplishment.
Ron Paul is the only true conservative in the Republican race, and though I don't agree with him on many points, he still has my respect because he has principles. Mitt Romney, however, has no principles and will say or do anything to win. Not being able to recognize a true conservative is a sad indicator of how citizens have failed to make informed decisions regarding our political future. The University bears a great part of the burden for failing to provide students with a broad liberal arts education rather than specialized training for theoretical jobs that pay enough to support students' debt and consumption. That same debt and consumption is the only viable basis for an economy that no longer produces anything of use or value.
Jon Pearson UT alum
Be the first to comment on this article!