Dear Abby's decision wise
Once again I find myself dumbfounded at the ignorance and moronic reasoning by a State Press "Editorial." I am referring specifically in this case to Josh Deahl's response to Dear Abby's wise decision to report Paul Weiser to the police after confessing his sexual fantasies to her about a 10-year-old girl within his reach. Mr. Deahl says "I understand that the girl might have been in trouble, but from what Abby knew, the man had no intent to act on his fantasies." Uh huh.
Perhaps Mr. Deahl should read a little more about pedophilia and the nature of these "sexual cravings" Mr. Weiser reportedly has, and the many APA findings that it is simply a matter of time before a pedophile acts on his fantasies. Mr. Weiser stated a specific child within his actual reach that he was having sexual thoughts about. That is why the police went to his home, and that is why Abby reported it. In my opinion, writing a nationally publicized columnist is far from doctor/patient privilege. As a matter of fact, those who are seeking professional help (which Mr. Weiser says himself did not change his behavior) are subject to being reported to law enforcement if the treating physician feels that the patient is a threat to him/herself or others around them.
As a far "on any college student's computer you'll probably find child porn in the logs somewhere," well, let me know who your friends are so that I can cross the street when I see them coming. Whatever sophomoric world you're living in, here's some info from the real world: Being a victim of rape or child molestation is a fate far worse than the inconvenience Mr. Weiser now faces. The worst case scenario is that he does do time (which is highly unlikely due to the actual charges of possession) and that he is ordered by the state to receive counseling. Fortunately, it is also the best case scenario for his potential victim — she is now aware of him, and she said her parent(s) can respond accordingly.
Veronica Brauchli
Alumna
Classified Staff
Noelck's argument flawed
North Noelck's argument to "Attach strings to aid for developing nations" has tragic failings. Noelck argues that the newer system of requiring certain changes of a nation before money is thrown at them is a "marked departure from the Cold War era, when money was given to toadies in exchange for political allegiance."
The case of Argentina illustrates that this is not the case. (See anything written by Noam Chomsky to reference what follows.) Argentina was the major recipient among many Latin American nations that provided asylum for thousands of Nazi war criminals after WWII. These Nazis became advisers to US-supported police states that were modeled, often quite openly, on the Third Reich.
Argentina's current president, Eduardo Duhalde, was recently installed by the Argentine ruling class. As Duhalde took his oath, he had his fascist street fighters beating up protesters. Duhalde, with Bush's support, is currently creating an economic plan that follows the "attached strings" required by International Monetary Fund (IMF), in blatant opposition to the will of the majority of Argentina's people. In this effort, Duhalde recently economically attacked the working people of Argentina by devaluing the Peso to meet the demands of imperialist creditors. Simply put, it is wishful thinking in these times to suppose that the rich and powerful of America and Europe are going to part with their money without ensuring that their "aid" will go towards increasing their wealth and power.
Matt Sluder
AIS
Senior
Thelen's thesis simplistic
If only things were as simple as Ben Thelen presents them. Sharon is using Draconian measures, but recall that he is prime minister because for six months, Barak's turning of the cheek and requests that Arafat crack down on suicide bombers failed to bring security.
As Thelen states, talk now will do little that is productive. But there is another reason for this: Arafat can be said to no longer represent the Palestinians. He has called for a cease-fire many times in the past year, only to have Islamic Jihad and Hamas ignore him and refuse to honor his order. There is thus no coherent policy of the Palestinians that they abide by.
This means it is unclear what the Palestinians want. Eighteen months ago, the vast majority wanted statehood alongside Israel. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have gained strength and popularity, at the expense of moderate Palestinians, and they want nothing less than the destruction of Israel.
What is needed then is a fair election of a new leader and council of and for the Palestinians. Otherwise, Israel is simply negotiating with the head that does not control the arm that raises a gun and pulls a trigger.
Randy Silvers
Graduate Student
Economics
