The Michigan Daily has long been vigorous in its condemnation of racial discrimination, for which it is to be genuinely applauded. In view of that resistance to discrimination of every kind, the recent hostility of the editors of the Daily to California's Proposition 209 is puzzling. The operative paragraph of that proposition, now to become part of the Constitution of the state of California, reads in full as follows:
"The State shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting."
This wording closely follows the language of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, adding only five words "or grant preferential treatment to." I find it difficult to understand what it is about this public reaffirmation of nondiscrimination by the state that might justify your angry opposition to it.
Carl Cohen
Prof. of Philosophy
I have been an avid reader of the Daily this year, and for the life of me, I could never figure out the humor involved in Yuki Kunyuki's "Ground Zero."
Finally it dawned on me while flipping through the Daily when I spied that Jim Lasser is both the author of "Sharp as Toast" on the editorial page, and the "University X" comic strip.
My theory is this: Lasser is "Kuniyuki" and draws these horrible cartoons twice a week to make his own strip look comparatively better! Am I right? If Lasser can draw eight cartoons a week, why not two more? No sane cartoonist would find humor in "Top 10 reasons we know it's winter," "we need more bike racks," and some Refrigerator Perry bear eating Purdue cupcakes.
If my theory is correct, this is certainly a piece of pure propaganda brilliance on the part of the Daily: Readers open up to the editorial page on Tuesdays and Thursdays angry that they are forced to read such heinousness.
They are then spurred on to read the next day's Daily, like a dog thirsty for humor. The process then repeats itself, and the Daily's distribution rates rise. In conclusion, please come clean and tell the truth about Yuki - he's the worst.
Clark Schier
LSA sophomore
Editorial comments are usually reserved for complaints. I would like to offer a word of congratulations. The witty and poignant commentary found in Jim Lasser's "Sharp as Toast" comic strip deserves high praise.
So much of our daily news is depressing. Hard-nosed Associated Press articles tend to leave the student feeling lost and helpless. Lasser sheds a light-hearted glow upon current issues in a way that brings clarity and hope to our generation.
I have read past letters to the editor with a heavy heart because they have been critical of Lasser's work. Lasser's cartoons have been called both racist and inappropriate. I think that comments like these show the effectiveness of Lasser's work, and a humor void amongst certain members of the student body.
Racism and uniformity are big issues to University students. Lasser uses raw wit and humorous sarcasm, plus a great deal of artistic ability, to dissolve differences between students and highlight the humor in the dreary everyday news. Many students start their day with a quick flip to Lasser's cartoon, a routine that ensures a good start to the day.
Matthew Kirshner
LSA sophomore
Chuck Winters is one of the most outstanding individuals I have ever been associated with at the University. Being a campus leader, I had very few opportunities to meet and interact with varsity athletes. A mutual friend put Winters in touch with me about organizing a public service campaign against domestic violence. When Winters spoke to me about his plans, he spoke energetically, sincerely, and very passionately about his ideas. Before I graduated, Winters already had a detailed plan and was working to implement it.
Winters is truly a quality individual. He possesses a strong spirit and a dedication to the University in ways that extend beyond the playing field. If anyone ever deserved the benefit of the doubt, it is Winters.
Brian J. Laliberte
University alum
I must comment on the letter by Shawna Lee that was in the November 14th issue ("Cartoon was insensitive"), concerning the Ground Zero cartoon of Nov. 12. Lee says the cartoon implied "we live in a community of only light skinned people."
Welcome to reality ... those of Caucasian descent rarely turn blue from cold. Why don't you try red, maybe pink - and if you suffer from frostbite, you turn a pale, blue-yellow color, regardless of your skin tone.
"Blue" is, and was, meant as a figure of speech. The issue was looked at a little too deeply ... perhaps readers should not be so quick to take defense at petty things.
One cannot deny that we, as Americans, live in an unjust and racist society, but overemphasizing and deriving nonexistent messages only further separates races and ethnicities.
Camille Noe
LSA first-year student
I am originally from Columbus, Ohio, but I attend the University of Missouri. The reason for my letter is an effort to make Michigan fans aware of the fact that you all have no chance when you play Ohio State University.
Your football team is so sad! How many games have you lost now, three or four? You've lost so many games that I've lost track! How do you lose to Purdue? Our victory this week will clinch the national championship as our record will improve to 11-0.
After we win, Michigan will be lucky to even make a bowl. Your team flat out sucks! That thing you call a defense will never hold our Buckeye offense.
Dreisbach is the reason you lost to Purdue; and he'll be a key factor in your loss to Ohio State. I mean, how many interceptions can one team throw in a game? We are going to walk all over you.
And don't get me started about the rest of your offense - it goes without saying that it is horrible.
I would wish you luck, but you really have no chance. Your team is just not comparable to ours, and to even call the event a "game" is a joke!
Go Buckeyes!
Brad Davis
University of Missouri