Letters to the Editor
Campus Times
April 25, 2003
Dear Editor,
Good work in getting this breaking story in Friday's paper. The Phi
Delts' reinstatement is an example of the good Greek organizations can do.
Last spring, the image of Phi Delta Theta was significantly tarnished with
their disregard to long-standing rules and the subsequent cover up. Many
chapter alumni were disappointed with their actions and angry that the work
of so many could be wiped away by a night of stupid decisions.
When the Greek Review Board handed down its tough (some say harsh and
inappropriate) decision, some wondered if the chapter could recover. Many
fellow students, Greeks, faculty members, even chapter alumni, myself included,
felt this was a death sentence to the chapter. But instead of wallowing
in self-pity and accepting the doom and gloom forecast, the Phi Delts turned
it around.
Since the suspension the chapter performed more than 14 community service
activities. Many of the organizations they helped sent in letters of recommendation
that were used in the reinstatement process. They've gotten their act together
and received their just rewards.
Now, many folks in the University community probably think that the
Phi Delts should stay suspended and that the whole system should be abolished
from the campus. However, these cynics should try to count the number of
service events Greek organizations do in a given year and realize their
importance. Fourteen events by the Phi Delts. Another fraternity held a
workshop on date-rape prevention. Other fraternities and sororities work
hard to improve the culture of the University. Do any other organizations
help foster that much of a spirit of community and service?
Greek life is a part of University life. I'm glad one component of that
life is back on campus.
Vince Wetzel ('96)
Phi Delta Theta, California Rho Chapter founder
Dear Editor,
I wanted to thank the Campus Times and particularly, Amby Sarabia for
nice article about my concert ["Gratz
Band jazzes up local audience," April 11]. To clear up a continuing
untrue rumor, I did NOT receive a Grammy nomination this past year. I worked
as arranger and keyboardist on a recording that made the Grammy cut to those
considered for a nomination in the Contemporary Folk Music category.
Thank you again for the well-written article and the photos by Sylvia
Castellanos.
Reed Gratz
Professor of Music
Dear Editor,
I am writing yet again in response to the opinion column reemphasizing
"A Christian's viewpoint"
on how "under God" must go [April 11]. It seems to me that it
is becoming our newspaper's crusade to stomp out any flames of belief that
"under God" must stay. The problem is that the column suggests
this supposed unconstitutional phrase is "oppressive" and "forces"
the minority to subscribe to the beliefs of the nation. This is utterly
untrue. Groups will always exist that one disagrees with but their mere
presence does not constitute oppression. Some people will always sneer,
whether God is mentioned in a conversation or during holidays. But it is
not the nation's job to accommodate people who allow themselves to get offended
so easily.
Before the cries of hypocrisy arise due to the coexistence of the Pledge
and Constitution, Americans must ask themselves how hypocritical it is to
pray for our troops and nation during crises and then oust the very God
to whom they are appealing.
Desireé Whipperman
Junior
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the ridiculous letter Mr. Suzuki wrote concerning
his status with his former country of residence ["Letters
to the Editor," April 11]. I believe it should be his former country
after the nonsense and hatred he has displayed towards our nation. According
to him, people have no voice and are not allowed to have any influence on
the world today. This wouldn't be because they didn't vote or register would
it? Voting is your chance to be heard! But then again, with the nonsense
being spewed throughout his letter, why would anyone listen to you?
More nonsense would include the banning of the Dixie Chicks on every
country music station. For the record, they were banned for a couple of
days at most and then were put back in the rotation. And no they weren't
pulled because of corporate sponsors, they were pulled because of the listener
response to the inflammatory remarks made by Natalie Maines. This was rightfully
done as well! Anyone who makes money on our nation's people and then rips
their leader in a foreign country deserves whatever comes to them. They
wouldn't have dared to do that in their home state of Texas.
Another thing I love about your article, is that you too believe that
this war was waged because of oil. If you did any research, you would see
that the U.S. has not bought or received any oil from the Middle East since
1991 and has been going elsewhere. We don't need their oil! As far as I
am concerned, we didn't start this war. We are simply throwing the first
punch to avoid another eventual death toll on American soil.
There is no reason this world should hate us! We are the first to supply
aid, support and protection. If you are beginning to agree with them, then
maybe you should pack up your bags and leave.
Todd Farrell
Senior
Dear Editor,
Thank you in advance for being generous with space in your newspaper
for a truly deserving cause. As has been printed in the Campus Times, Jack
Coberly, ULV men's volleyball coach, completed his sixth and final season
at that position.
On behalf of the six teams he has coached, and the teams to come who
will reap the benefits of his work, I'd like to thank Jack. The National
Championship, the Final Four appearances and the Division I victories speak
for themselves, but anyone will tell you that Jack has made ULV men's volleyball
so much more than volleyball. As evidenced by his players, his alumni, his
coaching staff and even his own son, Jack makes it clear that sports are
a tool for us to better ourselves as people, and not something for us to
depend on.
So thank you Jack for being our coach, mentor, teacher and friend. It
is with best future wishes and sincerest thanks that we say goodbye. Thank
you again for the forum.
Nate Silva
Senior