I've never been the type of student to get riled up about any issue on campus (e.g. BYUSA's inadequacy, socks and sandals, and tortillas), but this latest schism about war in Iraq seems base and superficial and I can't help but care.
Let us get down to BYU's main issue: The armband. Despite the fact that this form of apparel was most popular with Hitler's army, it is a way to express oneself. With that said, then why don't we analyze the message that these armband students are trying to get across? I know that many of us are blessed with the gift of tongues, but let us not interpret 'No war in Iraq' to therefore mean, 'I hate America and am an ungrateful, unpatriotic person who hates George W. Bush.'
Those students wearing the anti-war bands are some of the most patriotic people I know ... plus they vote. Those who retaliated with their own armbands, due to mass interpretations of the Doctrine and Covenants scripture used in trying to justify war in Iraq, have failed to make much of a point. Those wearing anti-war bands can probably come up with five or six scriptures to fight their cause, too.
Can we please all stop using our religion to justify our ignorance? These issues are too complex. Try to take a moment and ask those with an armband what they actually mean and why they feel that way. If you stick around to listen, you might learn something. Remember, many people die in war. Don't be quick to seal the fates of those who are fighting without actually understanding what it is about.
ELIZABETH KELLY
Albuquerque, N.M.