Wednesday 4/25/2000
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Wednesday 4/25/2000
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 Homosexuals deserve acceptance I was astounded to open the Exponent today to discover that the timeless philosophical search for a universal system of ethics is over. Congratulations, Mr. May — I'm impressed that you were able to discern something so complex. However, I am little dismayed that your discovery includes the percent that is morally wrong to be yourself. Sarcasm aside, I would like to ask this: Do you really have any reason for thinking you know more about morality than the next fellow? I hope you're not that conceited. And please, no tired appeals to religion; you ought to know enough not to use God as an excuse for hatred and condemnation. Wouldn't it be wisest to practice universal acceptance in case you're not as superior as you think? The "societal implication" of the acceptance of homosexuality (which is not nearly so widespread Mr. May fears, much to my chagrin) failed to be explained, so I would like to offer my own. Acceptance of others leads to better, more open-minded people. There is no need for homosexuals to justify themselves. You did not choose to be straight any more than I did (at least, I certainly don't remember making such a choice). Fifty years ago, people were so myopic that they thought anyone unlike them had a "disorder." Less than 50 years ago, we were entangled in the Civil Rights movement that helped encourage widespread social acceptance of racial equality. While the battle for racial equality is far from over, few rational people would disagree with it. Is it so wrong to think that you might be similarly mistaken about homosexuality? Gays do not "desire to be gay" — they desire to be themselves, including their sexual orientation, and to be accepted for that alone. Not too much to ask. Emily Cripe Area has many non-chain eateries Exponent columnist Olivia Conroy is way off base and obviously doesn't get to the "other side" much. Granted there aren't many non-chain restaurants but there are quite a few worth mentioning, and there would be more if spoiled students like her would support them. Ms. Conroy, have you ever eaten at Phil's Place, Maize, The Milling Company, Sarge Oak, The Other Pub, Little Mexico, Panini Deli or (when it existed) Patout's? How about Heisi or Kokoro? The chefs at family owned restaurants are proud of what they serve and add a personal touch you can't get from a chain restaurant. I suggest you stop complaining and get out more. John Coy Scouts can decide whom to include No, we cannot "allow our national belief in justice for all to be subverted," as Mr. Hoffman put it in his letter published on Feb. 25. This is precisely why the Boy Scouts of America should be allowed to decide who they want included in their membership and who they do not. The scouts does not just seem to be a private organization — it is one. Therefore, the U.S. government has no right to tell them they have to include certain groups of people in their organization, whether it be homosexuals or anyone else. Regardless of what you or I may think or believe about homosexuality, it is contrary to the values that the scouts wish to promote. Furthermore, I do not understand why anyone who disagrees with an organization's viewpoint so much would want to be a part of it. Go somewhere else instead of trying to force your views on others. The bottom line though is this — the Boy Scouts of America is a private organization and is therefore entitled to believe what they choose. If the government can tell them what is OK to believe and what is not, then where will it stop? Ryan Bailey Crosses misrepresent abortions What was with the crosses on the mall on Wednesday? Why no stars of David? Or crescent moons? Or ankhs? Were the organizers implying that only Christians have abortions? Or maybe only Christian fetuses are aborted. Are all aborted fetuses Christian? Can a fetus be a Christian? Why use a cross at all for this purpose? David Fry Adviser explains selection process As adviser to Purdue Pete and as the person responsible for the callout and selection of Pete, I would like to respond to a letter to the editor which appeared in the April 14 edition of the Exponent. Matthew Jones wrote of his roommate's disappointment in not being able to try out for Purdue Pete after "the mandatory forms were filled in and preparation started for the audition and interview." After a handful of students filled out those same forms and the process to find a new Pete to replace the one (out of four) who was leaving began, that Pete changed his mind and decided to continue for another year. At that point, welcoming this Pete back for 2000-01 meant that we had no position to fill and, therefore, had no reason to continue the selection process, premature as it was. It is a most unfortunate situation for people like Mr. Jones' roommate, who showed great interest in the position, but we had a duty to remain loyal to Pete. Hopefully Mr. Jones, his roommate and all others affected by this circumstance can understand this decision. Mr. Jones requested "an explanation from the people in charge of this highly regrettable and undignified situation." I hope this letter will suffice. If not, I would be more than happy to discuss this situation with him or anyone else who mandates further explanation. I am more sorry that Mr. Jones' roommate will not get the opportunity to be Pete this year, but hopefully he will reconsider in the future. Jan Winger New administration shows promise I would be lying to say that I have been shocked by the way PSG has been conducting itself lately. The sad truth is that I have come to expect this type of outrageous behavior from this organization. PSG had been traveling down a dangerous road for quite some time, but they crossed the line when after weeks of begging the student body to participate in their election, they allowed the results to be tied up in the bureaucratic nonsense so typical of their self-important organization. Now some are taking this rubbish one step further. Even considering censure of President Busch Voigts for merely speaking his mind clearly shows how neglectful PSG has become regarding responsibility to represent the students and instead have gotten tied up in a playground for childish political wannabes. Fortunately, even the worst of messes can be straightened up. The newly elected administration shows promise, possessing a common vision with students once again. With a strong dose of responsible leadership, let us hope PSG is on its way to regaining the credibility and effectiveness it so lacks today. Alexander Housten
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