However, it soon struck me however, that there were no college students to be seen. Aside from a few friends that saw me and joined me in the march, I could not see any other students. I could only hope that there were large groups further up or dow n the line, but unfortunately I somehow doubt that. I began to wonder if University President Lee Bollinger was right, misquote or not. Maybe activism is dead among students.
I remember reading in the Daily that day about a student protest that interrupted a reception for Bollinger ("Student group crashes Bollinger reception," 4/4/97). A fierce mob of 25 angrily shouting demands. Is that all we are capable of now? Groups of 10 or 20 people stomping around with a "screw-you-give-us-what-we-want" mentality?
I really hope that the student groups learn something from the march. A group of people quietly and peacefully walking down the street conveyed more meaning and sense of purpose then any small band of irate students yelling and venting their hate. T hey wonder why no one listens to them.
Andrew Kim
LSA sophomore
David Featherman
Director, ISR
Advocates of the law claim that the state is simply providing information so that a woman can make an educated choice. The state is clearly not objective, however: When a woman facing an unwanted pregnancy makes any choice other than abortion, there are no laws requiring her to reconsider her choice. Can you imagine the state requiring adoption agencies to promote abortion as a viable alternative? Once an abortion is performed, the decision is final, but using this as an argument for the waiti ng period implies that choosing to bring a child into the world is somehow a less permanent choice. After a certain point, either choice is permanent.
Doctors are responsible for advising patients on the physical and psychological effects of a medical procedure as well as assessing patients' ability to provide informed consent. The state should not assume either of these roles in an attempt to pro mote a social agenda. Abortion is a unique procedure and the state may be within its rights in requiring doctors to ask if abortion alternatives have been considered. However, the state must not dictate how a doctor explains the medical aspects of a bortion (or any other procedure) to his or her patients, nor should it impose an arbitrary 24-hour delay.
If the doctor feels a patient needs more time to fully consider her options, he or she can advise her to wait. Informed consent involves making an educated choice, not withstanding a last-minute propaganda blitz. A doctor is responsible to patients, not a script written by politicians.
The question regarding the wait period law is not whether abortion is right or wrong - the fact is that abortion is legal. As such, the state should leave the responsibility of providing medical information in doctors' hands and not pass laws that i mply that one of a woman's legal choices is inappropriate.
David Mott
Rackham
Contrary to Godwin's beliefs, heterosexual sex is not always consensual; rape occurs at an alarming and frightening frequency. An estimated 1.3 rapes against women occur every minute in this country; 1 out of 4 college women are victims of sexual as sault. A woman is forced to take responsibility for sex, whether it is consensual or not, whereas men can avoid this responsibility.
In an ideal world, both men and women have the responsibility to support and raise their children. However, realistically, women are often forced to take on this responsibility themselves. The new welfare laws require women to establish paternity o f the child, but this is much less beneficial to the woman than Godwin believes. It is often extremely difficult to establish paternity because of issues concerning rape, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and incest. Godwin's assertion that "a m an's choice to become a parent ends with sexual intercourse" is exactly the same belief that leads many men to abandon their responsibilities as parents and forces many women and children to live in poverty.
Godwin also claims that a problem in our society is that men are "seen as objects rather than people," whereas women are treated as people. This statement is almost humorous, given that women have historically been viewed and treated solely as sexua l and secondary objects. This is evident in the prevalence of pornography, sexual assault, violence against women and gender inequality.
The views and beliefs of people like Godwin only serve to perpetuate sexism and inequality in our society.
Rachel Edelman
LSA first-year student
Recently, the Cartoon Network added Voltron to its afternoon lineup, which has created mass hysteria throughout the student body and unleashed a wave of pure unadulterated pleasure.
The question for the poll is as follows: If Voltron were to get into a dual with the Mega Zord of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, who would be the victor?
Let me be the first of this poll to say that Voltron (the epitome of fighting technology) would open up a can of whoop all over that wuss from the Power Rangers. I most appreciate your time and effort over this delicate and controversial matter.
Kevin Janicki
Engineering sophomore