Yellow ribbons tax
For the past few years I have seen many yellow ribbons on people’s cars, in an effort to support the troops. I often wonder why people choose to put these stickers on their cars. Is it really a display of their support for the military, or just a show of blind faith in Bush? What have these people done to support the troops, other than put a sticker on their car? I realize some readers are ex-military, and others have members of the family in the armed forces. But what about everyone else?
I propose that the government put a $200 tax on the sales of any of these yellow ribbon stickers for cars. All of the proceeds should go to the military. This would help alleviate some of our out-of-control defense spending. Plus, everyone with a sticker would actually be doing something to support the troops, and not just passively sporting a sticker. I predict we would see a lot less stickers if they were heavily taxed (which would give insight into people’s true motives regarding the stickers).
Brian Bowen
Claremont, Calif
Ignorant editorial
Responding to the April 12 editorial titled, "Respectful reception," I am really curious how such ignorance can (even at BYU) substitute for journalism? The claim that LDS teachings are killing people should not be belittled by such a quip as "everyone of them left here alive and unharmed." We're talking about real people — people who have spent their entire lives trying to live their religion. You don't have to agree that homosexuality is okay to appreciate the turmoil such feelings have brought to many faithful LDS. If the author of that piece understood anything about journalism, he would have understood that statements should be researched before they unnecessarily expose the author's ignorance. Suicides have occurred regardless of whether we want to accept them or not. Remember, we are saved by grace, not ignorance.
Adrian Reynolds
Austin, Texas
LDS doesn’t mean perfect
While I agree with the comments of Ryan Hess in his April 12 letter regarding self-righteousness, I disagree with his comment that no one can make assumptions about his character because he's an active member of the LDS church. Being an active member of the LDS church does not automatically exempt a person from having questionable character. Utah has a long history of significant white-collar crime and unethical business practices, which have involved LDS people who are considered members in good standing.
Dave Terran
Orem
Pointing out delinquency
Ryan Hess recently stated that students have no right to point out when others are breaking the Honor Code. I disagree. It is our responsibility to do so, albeit in an appropriate way. I recommend the re-reading of President Samuelson's devotional "Outward Expressions of the Inner Self" (January 13, 2004). The following are excerpts from it:
"I also remind you of your responsibilities to and for each other. You young women will have a greater influence over the appearance and deportment of young men than will others if you will kindly but directly share your concerns and commendations. Likewise, young men, you will be of the greatest assistance to our young women when you carefully and charitably share your encouragement for modeling modesty in every way."
And, to those who believe the Honor Code stifles their freedom, President Samuelson stated: "Some believe they are expressing newfound freedoms, when all they are really doing is expressing ignorance or disdain for things sacred and significant while being trapped with the milling hordes of low-class conformity."
I hope we will follow President Samuelson's call and assist each other, carefully and charitably, as we seek to live up to our word.
Josh Summers
Albany, New York
Editorial mad lib
The other day while _______(action) I was (shocked appalled and/or offended, circle one or more) by ______ (action, group, event, or newspaper article). I can't believe that such a thing could be present at the Lord’s university. I was (shocked appalled and/or offended, circle one or more) at the blatant disregard for _______(moral principal) exhibited by _______ (person, group, or organization).
As taught by _______ (scripture reference, general authority, or secular authority) such actions are below the standard of _________(person, group, or organization).
If _______(person, group, or organization) isn't willing to follow ________(code, amendment or standard), they can go somewhere else. If they signed _______(code, amendment of standard) they should live up to it.
By doing this_______(action) BYU will ________(positive result) if not we all will end up in/at ________(unpleasant place or U of U).
(Finish article with other Self Righteous comment.)
P.S. Make T-shirt opposing offensive________(action, group, event, or newspaper article).
Travis Schenck
Ward Cove, Ark.
Independent thinking
To all of you who defend the Honor Code and believe it should not be altered, "Thou fool, that shall say: [an Honor Code], we have got [an Honor Code], and we need no more [Honor Code].” Okay, I was totally kidding. But at a school which is not a democracy, we do not have a chance to vote for our policies and policy makers. Being able to voice our opinions in The Daily Universe, protesting on campus and discussing with our friends, roommates and classmates is the closest we get to letting ourselves be heard. So don't yell that we should just accept the status quo or believe that because we signed a document that we must turn off our brains and no longer hold opinions.
Just because I signed a paper making me a registered Republican doesn't mean that I can't or shouldn't vote Democrat if I feel they do a better job. And if I ever vote Democrat it will no more be an embarrassment to the church than putting tape on my mouth to symbolize my beliefs or by writing to the Universe to express my opinions. We vote with our voices. I think the church and prophet should be proud that one of its universities is breeding critical and independent thought.
Scott Guymon
Layton
Copyright Brigham Young University 17 Apr 2006
