Letters to the editor

USAC shows humanity, sensibility

I’d like to congratulate USAC on its resolution opposing a
U.S. invasion of Iraq (“USAC passes resolution condemning war
with Iraq,” Nov. 27). It’s heartening to see that
humane and sensible politics persist on campus, even as the leaders
of our country rush headlong into mayhem and easily foreseeable
consequences.

Our country squanders well over a billion dollars a day on its
war machine, but is very stingy in humanitarian aid, spending less
per capita than any other developed country.

This is not only inhumane, it’s unwise; frustration is the
father of terrorism and impotence within less extreme constraints
its mother. Consider how many farm tractors could be purchased for
the price of a tank, how much medicine for the price of a rifle,
how many schools for the price of a warplane, how many wells for
the price of producing a bomb crater.

Would young men be so angry that they would give their lives
lashing out at us if we used our incredible wealth and technology
to make their lives better, rather than dominating and intimidating
them?

I hope that your generation will prove wiser and more humane
than mine, and that the students of UCLA will retain and foster
their wisdom as reflected in this resolution.

Brian Cobb, M.D. Professor of Medicine, Tribhuvan
University

Crooks aren’t reason to ignore
homeless

As a business owner, Mike Madvig is allowed his opinion
regarding the homeless near his business (“Don’t be
duped by homeless,” Nov. 27). However, he has no right to
make assertions regarding the homeless that are untrue.

I’ve been working with the homeless all this time, not
even realizing the hundreds of people sleeping at the local park
every freezing night had secret houses that they were whisked off
to when no one was looking.

Yes, there are crooks in every city, in every form, including
those who pretend to be homeless. Should I stop working with the
homeless because of those very few crooks?

Madvig’s mentality is to justify the actions of those who
do not want to give. If you do not want to help the homeless or
work for improved economic and health legislation to combat the
true causes of homelessness, than so be it, but do not blame your
lack of compassion on those who bear the brunt of society’s
carelessness and apathy.

Kristina Caberto Alumnus, 1999