Julka argues that the Annual Multicultural Career Fair has caused students to be rewarded based on the color of their skin. As a Korean-American, I too \would feel shame and anger to know that I was not hired based on merit."" However, I feel more shame and anger knowing that I live in a society where there are institutions of privilege that cease to be recognized and addressed, and in turn enable the existence of inequalities that perpetuate racism.
To name one of many examples of institutions of racism, housing discrimination, which is still a widespread problem, results in the isolation of certain ethnic groups into communities that are plagued by poverty, crime, poor education and lack of representation in the political arena. The quick explanation of how racism is manifested is this: limited political power results in limited funding for programs such as education. The consequence of limited funding in education is failure to retain and compete for good teachers; hence the student-to-teacher ratio is higher and the individual needs of children are neglected.
Undoubtedly, the obstacles from only one aspect of society that deny these children-who are more often than not students of color- from higher education do compound into an overwhelming barrier. This barrier not only prevents them from entrance into jobs that require a degree from higher education, but also confines them into a life that we who have not been there, can never fully understand.
It is obvious why the services that organizations such as the Multicultural Student Coalition are crucial for our community. The MCSC is constantly defending itself against the assaults of uninformed individuals who ignore that these organizations who cater to specific needs of culturally diverse groups are necessary for the students of color, as well as the rest of the community.
The letters JFK evoke many memories and images from what many consider a more innocent time in the early 1960s. A time without social strife or mass corporate scandal. Yet that seemingly perfect world of early 1960s had tensions and challenges, both at home and abroad which still loom today. Amidst these challenges, John Kerry comes forward to bring responsible and fair governance to America.
John Kerry has the courage to stand up against outside powerful self-interest groups and work for the American people, he has the courage to listen and work with the American people and our neighbors abroad not ignore and force them into regrettable situations.Kerry is honest and open, not secretive and manipulative. When the fate of the world was in the balance, the first JFK kept a cool head and took great strides to do what was best for his people.
Kerry too has a cool head, experience and intelligence to face and solve America's issues.Kerry, like JFK, does not opt for the easy way out by going immediately to war, but looks at all options in the best interest of the people.
Yet Kerry serves everyone in America; he sees ""two Americas"" and does something about it-instead of turning his back on Americans and addressing only the rich and powerful.He hears college students who can not afford an education, he hears the veterans coming home without any support due to a cut budget, he hears the millions of Americans without a job who hear tall tales of economic improvement. And most of all, Kerry not only hears us folks in America, but has a plan to do something about it. This is the man America needs, not more fiction and smoke and mirrors.
A response to the Feb. 12 article titled ""You have to fight to beat Bush,"" by Eric Kleefeld.
I agree with Eric Kleefeld's conclusion in ""Next on the Primaries.""
The winner in this primary is going to be determined by a handful of states and subsequent ""analysis"" by talking heads on cable news stations. Never mind the individual credentials of each of the candidates, it seems that so-called momentum is all that matters. The ""sheeple"" effect of people flocking like sheep to whoever the media deems the strongest due to every factor except the candidate himself is quite pronounced in this primary. However, Kleefeld needs to take a look in the mirror before ripping on the current state of affairs.
As soon as Howard Dean took third in the Iowa caucuses and second in the New Hampshire primaries (which is not bad considering there were six candidates in Iowa and seven in New Hampshire) Kleefeld jumped on the ""Dean's done for"" bandwagon. It seems Kleefeld is responsible for the very system he is complaining about. Perhaps instead of talking about whose ahead in the latest poll, he should talk about the credentials of the individual candidates.
Which candidates have the most impressive record to take up against Bush in November? Which candidates show the most leadership and conviction in their style? Which candidates can back up their rhetoric with accomplishment? I do not think Kerry can say any of these things. He has served for 19 years in the U.S. Senate and has surprisingly little to show for it except a more liberal voting record than Ted Kennedy. Does that make him the best candidate to take on Bush? I doubt it.
A response to the Feb. 6-8 letter to the editor titled ""The homeless need our help.""
Each person is entitled to their opinion, but ""name withheld upon request"" is not correct on the facts.
First, the individual who unfortunately passed away on Jan. 25 was fed dinner after the shelter's normal dinner hours. The night manager did provide food at the guest's request. He was then asked by the night manager if he needed any further assistance and he stated that the needed no help. He then went to sleep and passed away during the night. The Men's Drop-In Shelter has a strict policy for night managers to provide appropriate food at any time for all guests having diabetic problems, and provide medical attention when requested.
Second, no individuals died in or near the Drop-In Shelter last year. The shelter does have a policy of not admitting individuals who are intoxicated because they endanger the current guests of as well as themselves.
Third, there are no plans to relocate the Drop-In Shelter from its current location. We strive to help all homeless individuals with food and shelter if they act appropriately; this is for their own safety as well as other guests and staff. We will attempt to provide other individuals with appropriate service.
We hope that by our efforts, all members of the community are embraced as the letter writer wishes, and those needing assistance end up receiving the help they need.
