Letters to the Editor
Posted on April 10, 2006

Former SGA member sees need for change

I’d like to thank The Breeze for their coverage of the current mess that is the JMU Student Government. As an ‘05 alumnus who was also a member of SGA for three-and-a-half years and a former minor elections chair, I find it appalling that SGA is no longer willing to step up and be the professional organization that it was when I first came to JMU. For the last two-and-a-half years that I spent in the SGA, I cannot tell you how many meetings we had to adjourn because we didn’t have enough people to make quorum. There were no competitive senate elections for the 2003-’04 year, when I was the chairperson. If there’s no competition to get a seat, there’s no pride or feeling of responsibility as a senator. Threats of kicking people out of the senate because of poor attendence were and still are meaningless, and yet I’m sure the SGA is still complaining and wondering what to do to make quorum and to make people fulfill their commitments. Once SGA starts taking responsibility and making the tough decisions the organization was created to do, then perhaps they’d get more respect from the student body and their own members. What’s the point of wasting money and time to even have elections where virtually anyone who applied can get in? It’s time for SGA members to stop worrying about themselves and their chances of moving ahead in the organization, and to actually do something that will better JMU. Because as I understood it when I joined SGA, that was the point. Until then, keep up the good work!
 
Kellie Hanlon, class of 2005

Awareness week highlights global safety threat

This week at JMU, the Mine Action Information Center (maic.jmu.edu), a world-renowned information clearinghouse on landmines that too few students realize is on campus, will host Landmine Awareness Week to help educate the public about the threat that persistent landmines continue to pose around the world.

The explosive remnants from past wars along with ethnic conflict, insurgent movements and even narco-terrorism, have contributed to this problem, resulting in an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 casualties worldwide — casualties that in many cases occurred long after formal fighting ended. Too many villages, schools, clinics, roads and farmlands are rendered “off limits!” due to mines that are dangerous and difficult to remove.

Landmines are an ever-present danger to those who have no choice but to live in communities littered with the debris of war. They block social and economic recovery, preventing humanitarian aid from reaching those who need it most. Many communities do not have the means to deal with the presence of landmines, and survivors of landmine accidents do not receive the medical treatment and rehabilitation services they require.

Why should Americans care? After all, the United States is not mine-affected. Well, homeland security begins with international security and helping countries clean up their landmine problem is not only the right thing to do, it fosters a more secure world for everyone. Communities that are cleared and restored, stay that way. Humanitarian mine action is one of the few success stories in development assistance. This is one problem that can be solved in years, not decades.

Craig Finkelstein, junior international affairs major

Students’ help at fair made dentists smile

Every year, the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County Dental Society hosts a Dental Health Fair. It is a nonprofit, free event which provides games and information tailored to children and their parents on the subject of dental health. Over 50 dentists and dental auxiliary personnel volunteered while over 540 children and parents attended. The event was a fun time while providing an informative opportunity in dental health education.

A new facet this year worth specific mention was the contribution of 10 JMU pre-dental students. These students volunteered their time that day to assist in running the fair, and their enthusiasm was evident to all. The dentists who took part noted how smoothly many of the activities ran with an extra set of hands. Parents, too, commented on the excellent organization of the fair. But the greatest effect was enhancement of the experience the children received. When the children note that adults of all ages, both men and women, are engaged in dental health, it sends the message that this is worthwhile and important stuff.

The dentists of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County would like to express their thanks to these students for their eagerness to support community endeavors. We encourage them to continue this high level of involvement in years to come.

David M. Kenee, D.D.S., Harrisonburg

Shirt war further divides campus

Unfortunately, it seems our culture has lost the desire for discourse. We attach ourselves so firmly and personally to our beliefs that whenever someone voices any opposition, we immediately go on the defensive. Case in point is the “shirt war.” On Monday, one is likely to see red shirts declaring “Conservative? Fine by Me,” which is a take-off on the upcoming “Gay? Fine by Me” campaign supporting the homosexual community.

At such a time, when someone is saying what they believe loud and proud, please stay calm and listen. No matter how self-assured you are, there will always be another view to consider, some new blend of right and wrong. Still, we still need to strive for a progress of ideas, something that requires civil, open debate with respect to all sides. Whether we agree with the opposition or not, who are we to judge without seeing the issues from another’s eyes? Stubbornness will ruin any thought and breed nothing but ignorance. Regardless of what color shirt someone may have on, resist the urge to scream and shout, show some humility and try and to understand each other before declaring a right and wrong.

Greg Surber, ISAT graduate assistant