Letters to the editor
Issue date: 12/5/08 Section: Opinion
No excuse to raise funds for illegal immigrants
The recent article in the Traveler detailing how Chancellor Gearhart and several other university affiliates will be raising private funds for "undocumented students" is one riddled with hypocrisy and is ludicrous.
First of all, one thing needs to be straightened out: "undocumented students" is simply a fancy term for illegal aliens. Title 8, Section 1325 of the U.S. Code clearly states that illegal immigration in any form is a federal crime, which begs the question as to why the chancellor is in favor of allotting funds to felons.
The story goes on to say that these students have grown up in America and "don't remember" their home country, which is a huge generalization and totally irrelevant. The passing of time does not alleviate the crime committed.
As an out-of-state student, I know how hard it is to come by scholarships as a nonresident, but I hardly believe it is in the best interest of the university and its students to allocate $400,000 to criminals.
Also, as a third-generation legal immigrant, I feel that the university is acting in an extremely unjust manner by overlooking the steps many of our ancestors have taken to enjoy the rights of American citizens and giving handouts to those who have not taken the correct steps to assume these rights.
Diversity is fine. Illegal immigration is a crime.
Dominic Box
Freshman
International relations
Tobacco-free policy in keeping with UA goals
As an academic institution, the pursuit of knowledge and the meaningful application of knowledge are at the core of the university's purpose. The tobacco-free policy recognizes the knowledge, the facts, of the multiple areas of harm related to tobacco use and exposure.
The known harm from secondhand smoke exposure and the multiple societal costs related to tobacco use take the issue beyond the narrow realm of personal choice. In addition to seeking and applying knowledge, the university also has the policy and commitment "to promote the health, well-being and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors while on the campus."
Clearly, the tobacco-free policy is in keeping with the university's purpose and goals. As a health issue, the facts and the witnessing of the multiple detrimental effects of tobacco in many aspects of people's lives continue to be alarming to those trying to help people with their health care. As health-care providers, we know tobacco use is a high-risk behavior. We try to educate and be empathetic with patients while treating or assisting them for health issues and personal decisions. We strive to provide knowledgeable care. We try to be nonjudgmental.
The university's tobacco-free policy is in keeping with health care models as it educates about the known harmful effects of tobacco. The policy offers assistance for tobacco cessation and is not punitive. As an institution that values and promotes knowledge and the well being of people, the university's tobacco free policy is in keeping with these goals.
As a health-care provider, I urge continued efforts to educate people and to offer smoking cessation assistance. In keeping with the tobacco-free policy, I do not urge accommodation or punishment for the use of tobacco. Let the policy stand as is.
Carol Fossey, M.D.
Pat Walker Health Center
The recent article in the Traveler detailing how Chancellor Gearhart and several other university affiliates will be raising private funds for "undocumented students" is one riddled with hypocrisy and is ludicrous.
First of all, one thing needs to be straightened out: "undocumented students" is simply a fancy term for illegal aliens. Title 8, Section 1325 of the U.S. Code clearly states that illegal immigration in any form is a federal crime, which begs the question as to why the chancellor is in favor of allotting funds to felons.
The story goes on to say that these students have grown up in America and "don't remember" their home country, which is a huge generalization and totally irrelevant. The passing of time does not alleviate the crime committed.
As an out-of-state student, I know how hard it is to come by scholarships as a nonresident, but I hardly believe it is in the best interest of the university and its students to allocate $400,000 to criminals.
Also, as a third-generation legal immigrant, I feel that the university is acting in an extremely unjust manner by overlooking the steps many of our ancestors have taken to enjoy the rights of American citizens and giving handouts to those who have not taken the correct steps to assume these rights.
Diversity is fine. Illegal immigration is a crime.
Dominic Box
Freshman
International relations
Tobacco-free policy in keeping with UA goals
As an academic institution, the pursuit of knowledge and the meaningful application of knowledge are at the core of the university's purpose. The tobacco-free policy recognizes the knowledge, the facts, of the multiple areas of harm related to tobacco use and exposure.
The known harm from secondhand smoke exposure and the multiple societal costs related to tobacco use take the issue beyond the narrow realm of personal choice. In addition to seeking and applying knowledge, the university also has the policy and commitment "to promote the health, well-being and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors while on the campus."
Clearly, the tobacco-free policy is in keeping with the university's purpose and goals. As a health issue, the facts and the witnessing of the multiple detrimental effects of tobacco in many aspects of people's lives continue to be alarming to those trying to help people with their health care. As health-care providers, we know tobacco use is a high-risk behavior. We try to educate and be empathetic with patients while treating or assisting them for health issues and personal decisions. We strive to provide knowledgeable care. We try to be nonjudgmental.
The university's tobacco-free policy is in keeping with health care models as it educates about the known harmful effects of tobacco. The policy offers assistance for tobacco cessation and is not punitive. As an institution that values and promotes knowledge and the well being of people, the university's tobacco free policy is in keeping with these goals.
As a health-care provider, I urge continued efforts to educate people and to offer smoking cessation assistance. In keeping with the tobacco-free policy, I do not urge accommodation or punishment for the use of tobacco. Let the policy stand as is.
Carol Fossey, M.D.
Pat Walker Health Center
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 8
Adam
posted 12/05/08 @ 6:00 PM CST
We have a tobacco-free policy? Is there a new definition of the word "free" that I'm not aware of?
asm001
Alex Moore
posted 12/08/08 @ 2:27 PM CST
Dominican Box,
I think that the most important thing for me to initially say, in order for you to take me seriously, is that this is by no means a hate letter, although I am very offended by your letter to the editor. (Continued…)
asm001
Alex Moore
posted 12/08/08 @ 5:47 PM CST
I apologize for misspelling your name. It was not on purpose!
Rafael Jaime
posted 12/08/08 @ 8:33 PM CST
Dominic Box,
Finding your recent letter to the editor in The Traveler came as a big surprise. On their disclaimer they state, "The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse letters on the basis of length, accuracy, fairness, liability and sensibility. (Continued…)
Alex Moore
posted 12/09/08 @ 6:57 PM CST
I would like for you to reply to my post if you get the chance Dominic.
K
posted 12/17/08 @ 9:27 PM CST
Rather than stooping to ad hominem attacks, telling someone they don't know what they're talking about, and playing little twisty games of spin rife with fallacies of logic and missing the point, let's get down to the bottom line: they are illegal aliens. (Continued…)
Post a Comment