CSULB Online 49er: v9n18: Letters

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Letters

I hope that my fellow citizens of Cal State Long Beach recognize Dwight Flenniken's irresponsible journalism in "Varying Thoughts on U.S. Issues, " (On-line Forty-Niner, 9/18/01).

Don't get me wrong, but our government needs the support of other nations if they are to succeed in their pledge to protect Americans against terrorism. Such arrogance and ignorance inflames the anti-American sentiments of which we so often hear.

And don't take me wrong, but the statement that we should "rid America of those who stand against it within its own borders" smacks of racism and insinuates that certain ethnic groups pose a national security threat and therefore should be denied residency.

Personally, I am proud of the cultural diversity in which we are so privileged to live and believe it strengthens our nation. Perhaps you prefer a government that prohibits diversity. You only then need worry about the tyranny imposed by government itself.

Don't get me wrong when I question the statement "we are forced to educate, train, and give work to the entire world." We possess great fortunes, including some of the best universities and work opportunities. America flourished by the labor and brainpower of immigrants and native born citizens working together, and our strength will forever grow from these same sources. The majority of immigrants help build and fortify America, not destroy it.

I will leave you with the statement that the World Islamic Front is a radical organization that supports terrorism and grossly misrepresents the silent majority of Muslims who believe in peace, love, and acceptance of all races and religions. To insinuate they represent the beliefs of all Muslims is akin to stating that the Klu Klux Klan represents the views of all Americans.

-- Cheryl Doolittle, English major

I wish to voice my objection and disappointment in your publication of Dwight Flenniken's "Varying thoughts on U.S. issues." As the journalism department's student newspaper, the On-line Forty-Niner has failed in its responsibility to serve Cal State Long Beach's students, faculty and university staff.

After the horrible events of Sept. 11, the On-line Forty-Niner allowed Flenniken to undermine reader's intelligence and attack his fellow students by using these slanderous tactics to incite intolerance if not hate:
Us against them mentality

• "Rid America of those who stand against it within its own borders" (we are the innocent, they are all evil)
Misleading conclusion

• "The report stated that in 1997 more than 800 student visas were issued to citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Syria -- the U.S. designates all of these countries as countries that support terrorism" (all 800 students are terrorists)
False Logic

• "Each foreign national engineer taught in the United States means one less American engineer" (really!)

It is inexcusable for Flenniken, who is majoring in journalism, to use gross generalization and inaccurate assumptions to single out and attack a group of people because of their race, ethnicity or religious beliefs. Many people in America have already been hurt or killed because of ignorant people sharing Flenniken's attitudes.

People have aright to their opinion, but opinion based on unsubstantiated evidence against a particular group of people has no place in a supposedly professional student newspaper.

-- Hong Ha,
English major

Regarding Dwight Flenniken's "Varying thought on U.S. issues," the author claims 40 percent of foreign students never return to their original countries. Regardless what source this percentage comes from, it is not statistically reliable because of missing some critical facts: samples size, accuracy, and on what country it focuses.

Assuming that 40 percent is correct, what is the point? The author might have forgotten that the U.S. is a cultural mosaic where immigrant from all over the world has contributed successfully to the commonwealth. Immigrants or foreign students by visa is not the root cause of terrorism -- in fact, they became indirect victims of terrorism.

-- Anthony Nguyen
math major