Readers’ Forum June 15, 2006

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    SYMPATHY FOR IMMIGRANTS

    I’m encouraged that most of the recent anti-immigration letters were not written BYU students. It gives me hope that the future of the Republican Party will be one of compassionate conservatism and not the

    irrational, intolerant brand that drives those rebelling against President Bush’s leadership to find a humane solution.

    But for those considering the rhetoric in those letters, please remember that children should be punished for their own “sins” and not for their parents. Children who attend high school here need opportunities to succeed, even if their status is undocumented. Most are American in their culture and denying them in-state tuition because of something their parents did is not only unjust but promotes despair, poverty and crime.

    Second, never forget that most of the undocumented come because of a desperate need to support their families. Yes, some immigrants commit serious crimes, but that is a reality of any group of 12 million

    people. Those who do commit grave crimes do so because they are bad people and not because they are immigrants. Most undocumented immigrants live honest, hardworking lives. They come illegally only

    because without a guest worker program our system makes it the only choice for the impoverished.

    Spencer Deery

    Provo

    BREED SPECIFICITY

    The author of the June 13 editorial, Put a Leash on it, makes a very good point that dogs should not be allowed to run at large. A securely fenced yard and/or leash (not being tied or chained to a dog house and left alone) are an excellent start to avoid dog bites/attacks. However, the remainder of the article targeting certain dog breeds as more vicious than others is without merit. The author cites the Web site, fataldogattacks.com for his/her statistics. First, the statistics the author plucked from the website are taken from a 36 year period of time. (1965-2001) The very site the author uses to “prove” that Rottweilers are more vicious than other dogs, states that through their 36 years of research, dog aggression is not breed specific and that their are no inherently vicious breeds.. The author also asks the question, “After all, how much harm could a Pomeranian or a Dachshund do?” Just last year in the U.S. a Pomeranian killed its owner’s child. Dachshunds are ranked with Labrador Retrievers, Dalmatians, and Cocker Spaniels at the top of the statistics for percentage of bites requiring medical attention in the past 5 years. Rottweilers do not make it into the top 30% of most frequent biters, even though they rank in the top 20% of the most popular dogs in the U.S.

    This does not mean that the top ranking dogs are any more vicious than any other breed. Perhaps it means that we’re losing our common sense when is comes to our pets and the environment outside of our cell phones.. We forget that dogs are not little people, or plush toys. They are a living, breathing species. Children who are not old enough or responsible enough to boil a pan of water on a stove are not old enough to be left unattended in the company of any dog, except, perhaps, a trained service dog. Adults who do not want to take the time to learn how their dog communicates through its fur, eyes, ears, tail and body posture should not have a dog. People who cannot “read” their dog cannot control their dog. People who cannot control their dog put their dog and their community at risk.

    The last thing our society needs is the ignorance of more bigoted stereotypes. Lets focus on education rather than prejudicial finger pointing.

    Perri P. Yinger

    Dundee, Ore.

    A ‘JOB APPLICATION’

    As a student who likes to be involved, I am applying for an open position at the Residence Life office. Below is a short list of my skills and qualifications:

    – Knowledge of how to impose a regulation that does harm to everyone,

    but is justified because only 2% of the population will have to move.

    – An understanding of economics that excludes foresight to see that when required resources are severely limited, cost skyrockets and quality plummets.

    – A need for committee-based decision making, so processes are inefficient and no single person is accountable.

    – Belief that if an organization is stretched too thin, you should change the rules of its environment rather than the scope and responsibility of the organization.

    In closing I?d like to say that the office of Residence Life did an honorable thing by giving complex owners three-and-a-half years notice to pick up and move their buildings. That?s something that I would do too.

    Steven Paligo

    Rossville, Ind.

    POSITIVE EXAMPLES

    A big KUDOS to Spencer Hansen for his “Pick up sticks” letter. We can

    learn so much from the positive examples of others and his article

    reminded us of that. I love that Spencer was able to recognize and

    appreciate the ‘quiet dignity’ that was demonstrated by the Ghanain villager

    on a bike. Thanks for sharing such an exemplary experience with us.

    Chante’ King

    Holbrook, Idaho

    PERSONAL FREEDOM

    In response to Michael Barzee?s article dated 6/14/06 regarding Ben Roethlisberger?s motorcycle accident and the fact that he was not wearing a helmet. It is obvious that Michael is preparing himself to be an Associated Press liberal who will make it his life long pursuit of protecting everyone?..even if their rights are taken away in doing so.

    I am 60 years old and can remember distinctly the first time seat belt laws were proposed. There was a immediate and distinct outcry from the public that the government cannot make us protect ourselves (unconstitutional). Yes, back then, people could actually think for themselves and could see the future ramifications of such legislation. If seat belts, what next? Do we then pass laws regarding what people can eat because some foods are obviously ?death treats? ? There can be no limit. There are more people killed each year from skin cancer and cigarette smoke than motorcycle or car deaths. Why are we not ?protected? from these threats ?

    This IS suppose to be the land of the free and yet we see our freedoms stripped each year in the name of our protection. Not only should there be no helmet law, but seat belts should 9as in the past) be the decision of each individual. But, you see, insurance companies are at the top when it comes to lobbyists.

    By the way, I have ridden for 47 years. By the grace of God, no accidents, but also because I presume everyone has the right of way but me.

    ` Tom Chapman

    Provo

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