In response to the two letters regarding patriotism in last week’s paper:

America — home of Freedom of Speech*

* Except during wars (should support the troops instead), before wars (too dangerous of a time), after wars (we need to help the countries we’ve destroyed, not complain), in the case we might go to war. Not to be done on streets (ambulances could/might go down that street), on sidewalks (people need to have places to walk), in open public places (others might want to have picnics), any public places (you’re wasting precious tax dollars by paying for police and they could be doing something more useful), at work (hey, work is not for politics), at schools (you’re there to learn not to contest the government), on TV (simply propaganda) or on holidays (hey, that’s just wrong).

I’d also like to add that I really liked Michael Glennon’s (“Beyond patriotism”) joke about the UN and all 191 countries having a equal vote — that was hysterical (it’s called the security council — check that out). And I don’t think I’m Sherlock Holmes either, but in under 30 seconds I came across that “inflated number propaganda” being supported by former UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Denis Halliday (let me guess: he’s a commie right?)

As for Justin Ellsworth (“Taking things for granted”), maybe he should meander over from the business side of campus to Meserve Hall, to the second and third floors to the history and political science departments — drop by a professor’s office (any will do) and ask them if the U.S. government knew what was going on in Europe to the Jews early on in the war and if the U.S. entered the European theater to “save the Jews.” The U.S. and British governments knew what was going on by 1942, not they “MAY have known about the bad things happening.”

I’d suggest a minimal amount of research before sending a letter to the paper. Although the lack thereof gives me a great deal of laughter every Wednesday afternoon. This is exactly the type of half-truths and misinformation that our government used to sell a pointless war to American people.

How many times is the un original, pathetic “love it or leave it” line going to be printed in this paper? Is that really the best argument you folks can come up with? So let me get this straight: if you disagree with anything your government says you should emigrate? Brilliant, I couldn’t think of anything more simplistic, nationalistic and useless myself. All it displays is what America means to you: do what you’re told and don’t dare question anyone or anything. And if you do, leave. Wouldn’t our founding fathers be proud.

– Jared McBride is a junior history major.