Newspapers / Winston-Salem State University Student … / Feb. 1, 1991, edition 1 / Page 3
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February 1991 — The News Argus Page 3 EDITORIAL Letters to the Editor Too many times have we not taken advantage of opportunities that were not offered to our predecessors. Last November will be remembered for a long time in the black community. Blacks had a chance to elect the first black Senator in North Carolina’s history, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity to vote and the right to be politically affluent. Another opportunity was missed last year as teen pregnancy rates soared in Forsyth County. Too many of us failed to volimteer a few hours of our time to make a tangible difference in a young person’s life. Two fights, in the last three weeks of December that involved four black teenage females occurred at Hanes Mall . The four girls who were involved in the incident that took place in the mall did not need to know what minorities needed to do, or what they needed you to do! We often fail to realize that a few hours can sometimes make a wcvld of difference in someone else’s’ life. It is a shame and disgrace that African paraphernalia shops are sold and every seminar is filled with people who have a solution, but when it comes time to help somebody or put solutions into the implementation phase, there is not a soul to be found. It is time that we stop talking so much and start showing integrity, which is simply doing what you said you would do. We also need to stop professing that which we cannot deliver. I challenge everyone who has not yet arrived to move from where you are to where you ought to be. J. Elliott Pritchett Dear Editor, There are three reasons why I am opposed to the war in Iraq. First, war is simply not the answer to solving problems. Second, I am very disappointed with the way the media have covered the crisis since its beginning. Third, I feel that it was wrong for the United States to condemn Iraq for using military force, then turn around and do the same thing. I feel that war is wrong! It doesn’t matter where, when, or why. Anyone or country that initiates war is committing a crime against all humanity. My opinion is that the president of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was wrong to use force in order to acquire Kuwait. He should have used diplomacy to obtain his goals. Although I am against President Hussein’s actions, I am also appalled by the way the media have dragged his name through the mud. The American press has the responsibility to report the news and actions of the world’s leaders objectively and respectfully. The media have called this man crazy, insane, illiterate, etc. I feel that it is logical to assume that no man could reach the political plateau Saddam Hussein has by being stupid. He seems to be loved not only by the people of Iraq, but by most of the Middle East. It is indeed not likely that a devil would be so adored. However, my opinion is just one of many. I do want the United States news people to stick to their jobs stating the facts. The United States government has taken great measures to condemn Iraq’s use of violence against Kuwait It strikes me as insane that the government would take the same steps as these “less civilized” people to protect oil. The United States has often criticized any nation that uses force to obtain victories, then turn around and set “The end justifies the means” attitude to solve disputes. 1 love my country. I am willing to defend her for a just cause, but we are not in a defensive posture, and I sometimes wonder if the cause is just. Joel E. Mclver Dear Editor: This letter expresses my feelings about the Persian (Arabian) Gulf War. I, in no way, support this war. I think it is unjust and a shame that so many of our young men and women have to go and fight in a situation that's not over until their political leader says it's over, a situation that most never wanted a part of. When asked what was the purpose of this war, my answer was "Oil!" It's definitely not for the protection of my country, which is the job of the military. Others think that because the Arabs are included in the black race and the majority of the soldiers fighting in Operation Desert Storm are black, that this was in a way for the American Government, which is predominantly white, to rid this country of Afro- Americans. I think this is the belief of many naive individuals. Money only comes in one color, and that's green. We cannot let the mistreatment of blacks in the past, and occasionally in the present, continue to pull the cover over our eyes. We have to see that although the government is against Blacks in many ways, this war is not necessarily a means of eliminating the Black race. I think we must now try and make it through this crisis, and then concentrate on ways of preventing events like this in the future. Kia N. Johnson Dear Editor, I would like to say that I am totally supportive of the soldiers who are risking their lives in Saudi Arabia. But I definitely disagree with the actions taken by President Bush and his administration. The United States government agreed that we would not become involved with the situation between Iraq and Kuwait. Indeed we should have stuck to that original plan. Unfortunately, we did become involved. In my opinion. President Bush took the wrong precautions in discussing the Persian Gulf issues with Saddam Hussein. Immediate diplomatic action should have been taken during the month of August when this crisis first began. The two diplomatic leaders might have come to some type of agreement if matters were handled in a more peaceful and cooperative manner. And maybe innocent lives would not be lost! Cheri Wallington Dear Editor, On January 16, 1991 President Bush fell through on his threat of military intervention against Saddam Hussein, the current leader of Iraq, who invaded Kuwait, which was once part of Iraq. Bush has put over 460,000 soldiers to fight a war that has no bearing on the American people, especially Black people in America. First of all, in June, 1990 Nelson Mandela of the African National Congress visited President Bush in support of the United Stales sanctions against the South African government for its practice of apartheid. Mandela told Bush that he would not rule out the use of violence to fight apartheid for a new in South Africa. Bush told Mandela that the use of violence to achieve his goals was not a wise decision and even quoted Martin Luther King in his effort to explain his dismay for violence. In Bush’s first news conference following the invasion, he stated, “The world could wait no longer; sanctions, although having some effect, showed no signs of achieving their objectives; sanctions alone could not force Saddam from Kuwait” I would like to dispute this statement. Kuwait was once a part of Iraq until it was forcibly taken from Iraq by Britain. Since then, Kuwait has supplied Great Britain and the U.S. with tremendous wealth, but has supplied Ihe Middle East with relatively none. Kuwait practices a feudalistic government which allows a family to possess the wealth, while everyone else lives in poverty; Kuwait practices chattel slavery. I am also opposed to the disproportionate number of Black male soldiers who are serving in the Gulf. In 1990, President Buskvetoed a major civil rights bill that would have given opportunity for Blacks. Mr. Bush is willing to take every measure to stop black men from advancing, but will send them to die for a country that displays no interest in our progression. Also, due to the fact that Iraq is a country filled with men and women of African descent, this means that there will be African men fighting African men at a time when Black men in America and abroad are being oppressed. If Saddam Hussein is the “madman” the media make him to be, why is it that nearly every person living in the Middle East not only glorifies this man, but is willing to die for him? Are all these people “mad” also? No one actually knows what Saddam Hussein has done within his government nothing more than the same propaganda used to destroy everyone the media target to destroy. I do know of the atrocities that the U.S. has imposed primarily against Black America and also American Indians, Hispanics, and other minorities. 1 suongly feel that if we as a people do not get the respect, justice, we should not die in a war that will lake away Black men. Brandon Wilh'ams Letters to the Editor will be In each Issue starting February, 1991. If you would like to submit a letter, please contact The News Argus Staff at:750-2327 or send Information In to The News Argus Staff Hall-Patterson WSSU Winston-Salem, NC 27110. News Argus Logo on pg 2 last issue Faculty Advisor Maurice Odine Editor: Brandon Williams Sports Editors: Stephen Smith John Little Greek Editor: Michael! Parker Photographer Chuck Hanes Tbny Wright Staff Writers Chuck Hanes John Little Candace Marshal Connie Thompson Rena Williams Laurance DeShields Roderick Williams The News Argus reserves Ihe right to refuse publication of any article, photograph or illustration that is deemed inappropriate for its readership. AH submissions must be turned in for consideration in a timely manner Tho Nawa Argut staff reserves the right to edit al editorial submissions. For advertising iriormation, please call (919) 750-2327. The News Argut assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. African-Americans Urged to take Part in Blake History Month By Michaelie Parker Staff Writef Febniary is better known to Afro-Americans as Black History Month. Black History Month is a time of celebration (rf history and culture. It gives Afro-Americans a chance to reflea on their orgin and where they go. Nevertheless, there will be some of us who will once again let this opportunity slip by. February is a chance for us to redeem ourselves for so many of us fail to recognize the significance of our history at any odier time of the year. For example, the young men of Alpha nii Alpha Fraternity, Inc. sponsored an informative program to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr in January. The attendance was exuemely poor. I could not begin to imagine the excuses people had for not coming. Various organizations and clubs on campus, as well as in the city of Winston-Salem, have planned some outstanding activities, programs, and lectures for this month. La's attend in grand numbers and celebrate our proud history. From one student to another, ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance will simply impoverish the Afro-American race.
Winston-Salem State University Student Newspaper
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Feb. 1, 1991, edition 1
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