Letters to the Editor (Editorial Policies)
Posted on November 16, 2006

‘Sanctity’ of marriage resides with the states

When a religious figurehead introduces a married couple at the end of a ceremony, he does so not only with the authority of God but, in the same breath, the power of the state in which he or she resides. Judges, and in some cases boat captains, have the same power. The purpose of these unions is more legal than religious in nature. Certain tax and property rights are afforded to those married in the eyes of the law. Marriage is the ceremony that religious people choose to symbolize their union only after the union has been approved by the state. The line between the church and state on this issue is becoming dangerously blurred, something our school’s namesake and other founding fathers vehemently warned against. I am not religious, and therefore don’t tell churches how to govern themselves. I am a citizen that believes in equal opportunity. If you so choose, then keep homosexuals out of your church, but don’t keep them out of our courthouse.

Brian Tynan, junior international affairs major

Differing opinions offer a challenge to grow

While I agree that Brain Goodman’s Nov. 9 article was fairly offensive and extreme in its claims, I would like to offer up some words of defense. I also read his article on Oct. 30 urging Christians to vote no on the marriage amendment. Goodman made some very valid points about the “cultural wars” we Christians have been waging. When I read his article, it challenged me. I realized that with an issue this controversial, it is important not to necessarily rely on what those around me are claiming is “right.”

Virginia True in her letter to the editor said, “Many times when I come across an opinion that is different than my own, I try to ignore it…” I believe this very statement is what makes others feel justified in calling Christians closed-minded. I think we should treat every differing opinion from our own as a challenge. I prefer to examine what is being said, to look into the validity of their claims, and ultimately, to go back to the Gospel to see if what they are claiming is true. Religion has been used to justify hideous acts in the past, acts that could have been avoided if Christians had returned to examining the messages of the Gospel rather than trusting the status quo. For Christians, this issue should not be viewed as “us vs. them,” or “Democrats vs. Republicans.” I respect Goodman for expressing a “different” view, one that challenged me to prayerfully consider my position on this issue.

Alexandra Meador, senior English major

Gay marriage not a matter of opinion

This is a response to the three letters to the editor in the Nov. 13 issue defending opposition to gay marriage. “Homosexuality not comparable to civil rights,” claims that the civil-rights struggle of homosexuals is inferior to the civil-rights struggle of post-slavery African-Americans because it does not encompass as many sticking points (lynching, voting, etc.). But, a movement such as the struggle to engender a basic sense of equality or human rights is not quantifiable. Prejudice strips a person’s right to be a fully recognized human being, which is equally egregious in the most docile manifestations as in the vilest. It’s an all-in state of mind. So don’t belittle the struggle of homosexuals to acquire a state where the law, at least, can look them in the eye and say “you are equal.”

Think homosexuality is wrong if you really need to, but don’t legislate your opinion because you are in the ruling majority. What’s the word for that? Oh, tyranny. And if marriage is a social institution, should our society engage in systematic discrimination? If marriage is a religious institution, should we control the way some practice religion? And if opposite-sex marriage is a tradition, should we bring back slavery because it too was a tradition?

And, “Taking a stand against sin should be respected,” Tuesday’s ballot wasn’t an opinion question. There are no honest answers. But you have helped take away people’s right to decide for themselves, and that right is not yours.

Teddy Stevenson, senior English major

Same old bias and ignorance

I think Craig Finkelstein’s article on Nov. 13 is completely ignorant in its message. How easily the article, and many like it, ignores the injustices done to the Palestinian people, and how quickly the article labels them, a people who were forcibly removed from their homes and whose jobs and livelihoods were destroyed because of godly justification, terrorists. I’m not siding with the actions of Palestine here, but simply pointing out some overlooked information.

There are so many articles that are blatantly biased in favor of Israel. Favors that are taken because Israel has a lighter face and more Christian-like religion than the rest of the Middle East. This, however, is not a time to judge or take sides. It is easier to form an opinion than to learn all the facts. Whether Jewish, Christian, or whatever “-ish” or “-ism” a person prefers to label themselves with, as a people living in America, it is difficult to grasp the feeling of the Palestinian or Israeli people. Even if a person has been to Israel, I doubt that the person lived there for a long period of time, and if they did, how often did they journey into Palestine? Before forming an opinion based on falsifiable religious or race justifications, a person should immerse himself in both cultures, and talk with both groups of people with an unbiased attitude.

As people, we have a responsibility to help others. This cannot be done when we give ourselves over to ignorant viewpoints based on flights of fancy. The world is in crisis, and if our generation is to put a stop to the many wars, suffering and poverty, we must lay down our biases and work together.

Joseph Fridley, senior religion and English major

Library exhibit details effect of terrorism

I’d like to thank Mr. Purington for his eloquent praise of “The X-Ray Project” an exhibit appearing in Carrier Library which details the horrific effects that terrorism has on a civilian population.

I am concerned, however, that in his praise, he failed to capture the purpose and essence of the exhibit. This is not an exhibit that examines who would commit such atrocious crimes against civilians. It does not comment on the people strapped with explosives who board crowded buses full of schoolchildren, busy cafes and pizza parlors. It doesn’t ask why these people choose to pack their explosive belts with shrapnel — nails, bolts and screws.

What it does do is examine, without the context of religion, ethnicity or nationality, the abhorrent results of such atrocious crimes. Terrorism is something that many nations face around the world. The continued murder of innocent women, children and men by terrorists is horrible. Regardless of political ideology, religion or nationality, it is something we all can agree on. It is a sad fact, however, that the images displayed in this exhibit were so easily found in Israeli hospitals.

I am pleased that Hillel, the Office of International Programs and the Israel on Campus Coalition were willing to sponsor such an exhibit.

Jacob Forstater, senior physics major, Hillel external programming director

For the help of ESL students

After reading Jennifer Matherne’s letter on English as a Second Language programs, I feel the need to emphasize the importance of and clarify any confusion about ESL programs. Children living in the United States need to learn to speak English; however, if their parents are not native speakers of English, they will have difficulty learning English at home. Therefore, ESL programs in schools are crucial to the acquisition of English by these students. Teachers and school personnel monitor the progress of ESL students closely. These students cannot merely slip through the cracks. 

ESL students are only exempt from taking the SOL tests for one year. After this, these students are asked to pass a test using their limited background knowledge and English language skills. Research shows that academic language acquisition can take from five to seven years to develop. However, contrary to what research shows, ESL students are asked to successfully complete a task in which they have yet to develop the skills needed to be successful. 

There are ESL resources on the Internet for teachers to utilize. Many school systems also have ESL teachers that are willing to assist content area teachers in developing lessons and activities that are on the instructional level of their ESL students. But these teachers cannot do it alone. If organizations truly want to help these students, their members can donate their time, something more valuable than printer cartridges and computers. Spending time in these classrooms, getting to know students, providing guidance and encouragement is more meaningful than material objects.

Amanda Gardner, secondary education graduate student

Tanning shouldn’t be encouraged

Another tanning salon (Caribbean Tan Inc.) is being built on Port Republic Road across the street from campus. Along with this will be a Starbucks and a Jimmy John’s sandwich shop. According to the Yellow Pages, there are 10 facilities that have tanning bed services in Harrisonburg. Do we need an extra tanning salon?

It is a smart business strategy on behalf of Caribbean Tan Inc., as there are many JMU students who regularly tan and other students who may easily be swayed into tanning. This particular salon will be easily accessible to students living on campus, a short walking distance from Chandler, Shorts and Eagle residence halls. This accessibility, as well as the “package deals” that will likely be advertised upon the opening of the salon, will undoubtedly encourage tanning.

One can even see Caribbean Tan Inc. advertisements in The Breeze. Thankfully, in my four years at JMU I have yet to see cigarette or alcohol ads in The Breeze. However, it is interesting that something such as tanning beds, which are proven to cause skin cancer and other health complications, are allowed to be marketed in our student newspaper. I think that most students would agree that there are many other services that are needed that could utilize the business property and be more beneficial to the JMU community. I hope that one day we look back at tanning beds and see them as a silly, unhealthy, narcissistic trend.

Eileen Searson, senior public health major

The neglect of homosexuality in schools must end

“Fag,” “dyke” and “homo” are normal epithets gay youth face within our American secondary schools. Bullying and mental anguish pepper the several suicide attempts by GBLT students. Schools must provide a safe resource for homosexual youth by approving a Gay-Straight Alliance or classroom inclusion; otherwise gay teens become isolated and turn to untrustworthy sources.

Schools neglect the needs of homosexual teens by avoiding the issue altogether; this is not working. Faculty silence on the issue only perpetuates these negative conditions. School boards must adopt sexual orientation into nondiscriminatory plans and view GBLT educators as positive diversity among faculty to reflect student diversity. Heterocentric curricula are undoubtedly valuable, but the absence of an outlet for homosexual sex education, coming out, and safe practices is frightening. In the seclusion and utter stigmatization homosexual teens face, many risk Internet hookups for a potential glimpse at a life and relationship none explore in mainstream schools. Libraries should provide books appealing to gay youth, my favorite being the novel “Geography Club,” which depicts a very real group of high schoolers journeying through a healthy, positive depiction of self-realization, coping and decision-making. To aspiring teachers at JMU, I encourage everyone to include gay culture in the classroom and to promote proper tolerance of diverse students. The Gay and Lesbian Student Education Network (glsen.org) designs classroom activities, promotes gay-straight alliances, and contains several fascinating articles on the inclusion and exclusion of gay youth. We cannot ignore the facts: gay students exist, and as a dutiful response, we, the future educators, should identify and approach this expired taboo.

W. Todd Magowan, sophomore English major