Lives before journalism
Shanna Bowman's column criticizing Eason Jordan and CNN for keeping information in Iraq a secret was much less journalism than it was dogmatism. Bowman makes it sound like Jordan had only one thing he needed to worry about - his own safety - and that if he left Iraq he would be able to report everything he had seen without any fear of consequence. Jordan makes it very clear that he had native Iraqi staff (translators, cameramen, etc.) and if he did report in an unbiased fashion these people who were stuck in Iraq would be in great danger.
If he allowed all he knew to be reported, many more people would die, and this time much of the blood would be on his own hands. Shanna, who recognized the horrors of Saddam's regime and his threat to the world, should also recognize the danger to those who associated with Jordan.
Justin Vieira
Computer Science Sophomore
Use freedom of thought
I would like to thank Brian Searles for his Tuesday column, "The human side of war, in print." I was disappointed by some responses to Igor Vojvodic's letter about war as well, and I thought the argument Searles presented was rational and fair. In general, I would consider myself in favor of the efforts to dismantle Saddam Hussein, but I don't kid myself that there is minimal suffering involved. There have been thousands of deaths involved, and isn't it funny how we don't see any of that on TV?
I personally get very perturbed by individuals who refuse to consider the plight of others, and then criticize people who don't agree with their views. They didn't have to work for the freedoms they enjoy today, so they should at least respect and use their freedoms. In this country, we're allowed to use our brains without having our lives threatened.
Alicia Harvie
Biology Freshman
Props to Marbury
I'm not too sure what Phoenix Suns team sports writer Damien Tippett has been watching all season. On Tuesday, he cited Amare Stoudemire and Shaun Marion as the main reasons the Suns are back in the playoffs. True, Amare gets the press and Marion scores the points. Yet, aside from the wonderful coaching and ego management job done by head coach Frank Johnson, the heart and sole of the team is Stephon Marbury.
This season, "Starbury" has matured and separated himself into a truly select and elite group of NBA stars. He has grown to become the type of player that makes those around him better. His individual skills are as sharp as they ever were, but his ability to make the other four players on the court more efficient and productive is what makes him the reason the Phoenix Suns have returned to the playoffs.
Jonathan Jones
Broadcasting Senior
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