Page One

Editor: 

I'm scared. Each day as I read the paper I read more and more letters from people who have no ability to conceive of a solution to problems without resorting to violence. In Thursday’s march on the U.C. campus, out of the 2,500 people of diverse races, classes, women, men, children and elderly, there were a small number of people enthusiastically supporting the use of violence towards the Middle Eastern nations (they seemed to not care which one. To be Arabic was enough for them). They were almost exclusively white men. As they chanted “U.S.A” they may as well have been chanting “White Male Privilege!” It would have been more accurate. 

The domestic and foreign policy of this nation has never been for the benefit of women and people of color. It worries me as I watch the violence in people calling for war. I can't help thinking of their families. As a society in which the politicians and mass media glorify might and think compassion a sign of weakness, I see why there is such a need for domestic abuse shelters and self defense classes for women. I see why we imprison so many of our citizens for nonviolent crimes. I see why our children are at risk of never learning to resolve problems without resorting to violence themselves. 

There is another way. 

Thomas Wandall 

Oakland