To the editor:
Having dated a girl from Westbrook High School for a significant part of my junior year and the entirety of my senior year, I regularly attended Westbrook High School sporting events. There, I was able to see Jason Levecque at the peak of his high school basketball career. At the time, his skills were intense and amazing.
This is my first year back at USM after a year and a half break so until I saw the feature on Levecque on the sports page, I had no idea he was playing for our school. I didn’t know him when I saw him play in Westbrook nor do I know him now but I am happy and proud to know he is playing for us. It is also great to see that The FREE PRESS has recognized his talent in print.
Alex Steed
Sophomore, history and linguistics
***
To the editor:
When I read Jason Libby’s letter, I immediately cut it out and taped it to my door. Jason said everything I’ve wanted to say in response to all the anti-U.S. sentiment spewing forth.
Jason points out that as a country, we need to take action because no one else will. Maintaining our freedom means fighting for it, and to all the people that bang pots and pans, make pictures of our flag with a swastika on it, and bash the name of our President— you wouldn’t have the freedom to do those things if we didn’t fight for it.
I am disgusted by the acts of pathetic vandalism done to this campus and other locales by those people. Just because you’re against the president and feel you have all the right to speak, it does not mean you need to write all over our walls, spray paint overpasses, and “make your point” by destroying our school property. Every time I see “Bush Kills for Oil” scrawled across the wall, I only laugh at your cause even more. It’s pathetic and you’ll never earn credit for it.
In the most recent issue of The FREE PRESS, people like Courtney Bright, Jared Valiquet, and Cindy Merrill point out why we need to do what we are doing. Inspections didn’t work, and we’re not just being thugs to kill for oil. We’re also helping to remove a major threat from the world, and liberate those who never had freedom.
Thank all of you who wrote to remind us that we’re free for a reason, and that we’re going in to disarm a man who kills his own people.
People like William Burke, who take punches at Jason for writing his proud letter, do nothing in response to the real issue. You have to remember … if Saddam takes aim at us and hits … you won’t even be around to complain about our government or to enjoy your freedoms. 9/11 took more than 3000 lives. I don’t want to see a date that would live in infamy, take the entire country.
Aron Shay
***
To the editor:
After seeing the responses to my letter a few weeks back, I have decided to give a rebuttal. In the case of Briggs Seekins, it was nothing personal. You’re right, I don’t know you, nor would I want to. As for your military service, you weren’t forced to do it. Things happen when we join. Sometimes it’s not really for the better. But when you sign up you need to be willing to accept whatever happens to you. I did and still live with the aftermath. That’s life.
As for Mr. Burke, you’re something entirely different. I had the pleasure of listening to Mr. Burke tell me what his solidarity group does. Organizing Palestinian protests, standing in crowds of children as they throw rocks at Israeli soldiers and camping out with Palestinians. Basically causing more discontent and more death. Real humanitarian. Do you understand that women and children are committing suicide bombings over there? Do you understand that the money for your Solidarity group comes from the same sources as those who fund terrorist cells? These children who you protect are growing up only knowing hate. By allowing them to commit acts of violence, you are helping breed a new generation of militants. Israeli soldiers are there to do a job. They are people just like you and me. They have families. Having to face protesters day in and day out would put anyone on edge. Not knowing if the person walking past you is going to set off a bomb is nerve wracking. Do you expect them to just sit there and get killed day in and day out? I don’t think so. Going over there and stirring up a hornets’ nest in the name of solidarity is no better than being a terrorist. None of us have a right to be there. The United Nations needs to deal with the issues without the constant interference of outside usurpers. By helping militants against our allies, you become an enemy combatant and should be arrested and prosecuted like one. I’m sure the Israeli government would love to get their hands on you. I am also curious as to why this University would allow a meeting of your solidarity group on campus considering how illegal your activities are. I don’t think USM would want to be labeled a school that promotes terrorism overseas.
Then there is the Human Shield crowd. On Feb. 24 Fox News interviewed a woman who was held as a human shield by Saddam during the Gulf War. She accused the American human shields of being traitors to our country. Many Iraqi citizens are speaking out now about their days as Saddam’s human shields. I hope everyone is getting the picture without me having to go into detail. Stupidity is the only word to describe Americans who voluntarily become human shields.
Jason Libby
Retired USN
Senior, English