Letters to the Editor

Kelly column disputed

To the Editor:

In his article “Student has differing view on America’s role,” freshman Jonathan Kelly paints our country’s motivations as purely benevolent. No matter how compelling its ideology, no country is pure. We bombed the Middle East not only to defend the Saudis, as Kelly states, but more importantly, to protect our oil interests.

If Americans strive to “promote the best in human nature,” we can start by removing the blinders that prevent us from seeing our self-interest, as well as shields that hide the humanity of our enemies. Uncomfortable as it makes us, if we are to have real security, we must stand up on the only solid ground there is: truth. Comparative religions scholar Huston Smith reminds us that the more compassionate we become, the closer we come to truth. As Americans, we have important roles that rest on hefty ideals of freedom and democracy. As humans, our role is even more crucial; it is to be compassionate.

Julia Reis
sophomore, undeclared

To the Editor:

I was utterly disgusted by the column by freshman Jonathan Kelly in the Jan 28. issue of The Breeze because it was probably one of the most narrow-minded, arrogant pieces of writing I have ever read. For instance, I am appalled by Kelly’s statement that America has a “special moral role in the world as a beacon of freedom and democracy” because it demonstrates just how arrogant and selfish we really are. It is extremely conceited and disrespectful to presume that we are morally superior to people in other countries.

Kelly’s allegations that “America, on the other hand, consistently has supported the cause of freedom, justice and benevolence for all people” are false. I am very ashamed that our nation owns sweatshops in Asia and trains terrorists in the School of the Americas in Fort Benning, Ga.

I am not a Communist nor am I anti-American. I am just an American who is tired of American hegemony over other nations and American arrogance. I sincerely hope that someday we will get over ourselves so we truly can become “a force for goodness in the world.” We as Americans must respect the cultures and values of other countries before we can become a great nation.

Nadine Fonyi Wu
sophomore, sociology

Attorney informs of new law

To the Editor:

A recent Court of Appeals decision held that, in underage possession cases, where the alcohol is inside the student, the police must establish where the student drank the alcohol. In other words, police must now ask you where you were drinking. If the student does not answer the question or admits he was drinking in another jurisdiction, he cannot be charged for underage possession. The place where the student drank has jurisdiction. Of course, if you are underage and have a beer or other alcohol in your possession you can be charged wherever you are found.

For example, if a student drank in Staunton and was stopped by Harrisonburg police, and then if the student says he drank in Staunton, he could not be charged for underage possession by Harrisonburg police. He could be charged for drunk in public especially if he submits to an alcosensor. If the student refused to answer any questions, he could only be charged with drunk in public. He could avoid the underage possession charge entirely. A fish has to open his mouth to get caught.

Robert Keefer
attorney, Hoover, Penrod, Davenport and Crist