Letters

Nation can’t give up freedom to stop
hate

In its editorial “Lessons of Sept. 11 should not be
ignored” (Viewpoint, Sept. 11), the Daily Bruin Editorial
Board poses the question, “Is America doing anything to
change its ways so that this doesn’t happen again?”

To deal with this question we need to keep in mind that the
planners and leaders of the attack stated frequently and
emphatically that the attacks were motivated primarily by their
hatred of certain American values. These much hated values are
religious, political and economic freedom.

The “attack planners” come out of cultures that
oppose each of these three freedoms. Let us be clear that we do not
want to give up these three freedoms in order to deter future
“Sept. 11 attacks.” All nations should of course seek
self improvement, but we certainly don’t want to change our
ways in the manner our attackers want us to.

Theodore A. Andersen Professor emeritus

U.S. policy doesn’t justify 9/11
attacks

I had a few issues with the Daily Bruin’s Sept. 11
editorial last week.

But first, I did agree with some things that were written. I
agree that democracy has been smothered and violence propagated by
both Bush and the American people since Sept. 11. I also agree that
U.S. egoism has reached an all-time high.

But it was utterly ignorant and unnecessary for The Bruin to say
“3,000 people died last year because a large chunk of the
world hates the U.S. government.” Those attacks were carried
out by a small group of hijackers and planners, not a
“hateful” world. While U.S. foreign policy is
condescending, hypocritical and uninformed, it does not justify the
attacks as the Daily Bruin implies.

Finally, the editorial ends with the statement that “These
are long term problems … that likely have no solution.” Why
write about them then? If you’re going to give up and become
apathetic ““ something you constantly warn readers against
““ then stop complaining and give the forum to those who still
have hope that the world can be made better.

Corey Chapman Fourth-year English and
history

Bruins need to reclaim their spirit

I am still in shock from last Saturday. I have been a Bruin fan
sitting in the Rose Bowl since 1940, and I have never see a Bruin
team quit like they did against Colorado.

Something is sick on campus, and I can’t believe that
Jackie Robinson, Kenny Washington and the rest of that spirit is
gone from all the great athletes in blue and gold. I really feel
sorry for the Bruin student athletes and the Bruin fans like myself
that have to be associated with quitters. I love UCLA and always
will. Please end this bad dream and wake up.

Justin Purchin Class of 1951

Importance of voting should be taught

In the Daily Bruin’s Registration Issue , Michael
Conception said he didn’t really think the low voter turnout
of the 18-24 age group would affect the political voice of UCLA
students.

This is a fact about university students that has always amazed
me; that so many of them can’t see the relevance of voting.
Where does this head-in-the-sand stance come from? UCLA students
are very, very bright.

In the same issue, someone said that there’s “more
to life than going to class.” Getting out there and voting
for the best person or law, or for the least worst (which,
unfortunately, can be equally if not more important) is
crucial.

I would like to see mandatory classes on the importance of
voting implemented as part of general requirements for graduation.
Have them taught by visiting professors or lecturers of different
political stripes, and you’d have one exciting series of
courses.

Leonard Auslender Class of 1963