Published October 05, 2006

Vote ‘No’ Nov. 7
I would first like to say thank you for printing the article entitled “Amendment Controversy Splits State.” It is extremely important that voters become educated on this issue and are presented with factual and unbiased information.

In 1691, the first session of the Virginia Legislature passed a resolution abolishing interracial marriage.

Upon researching this past debate, I came upon some startling information. It is preposterous to think that allowing interracial couples to marry could cause polygamy, damage children’s lives and corrupt the sanctity of “traditional” marriage. Today, these are some of the same reasons being given to outlaw marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

The proponents of this amendment give nothing but the same old excuse to outlaw civil unions — that this sort of legislation is essential to preserving the sanctity of marriage. I don’t think a homosexual couple would be hurting neither yours, nor anyone else’s marriage just because they chose to legally declare their partnership. 

Wisconsin is a progressive state with a progressive past. Wisconsin was the first state to oppose the fugitive slave laws in the 1850s, pass laws eliminating legal discrimination against women and grant women the right to vote by ratifying the 19th Amendment.

Wisconsin was also the first state to add sexual orientation to its non-discrimination statues in 1985. If this is the case, why is this amendment on the ballot in the first place?

On Nov. 7, Wisconsin has a chance to show the rest of the nation that we stand up for the rights of all citizens. Let’s do our part to keep discrimination out of our constitution.

A Fair Wisconsin Votes NO.

Lacey M. Felmlee
Student

America secures hold on Iraq

Critics of the Bush administration keep saying we have spent billions of our tax dollars for the reconstruction of Iraq, but have built practically nothing.

If you went to Iraq today, you would see a marvelous new complex rising right in the heart of Baghdad.

This 104-acre shining oasis will include more than 600 apartments, two major office buildings, its own electrical plant and water system, air conditioning, a swimming pool, gym, movie theater, food court, beauty salon, car-repair shop and even a nightclub.

The sprawling complex, which will have 8,000 people working in it when completed next year, must be a welcome sign of progress and a symbol of democratic pride for the long-suffering people of Iraq.

Right? Well, not exactly. The palace is not for them, but will be the new U.S. embassy.
Being built by an affiliate of — guess who? — Halliburton.

This half-billion dollar complex will be by far the largest embassy in the world. It is no mere house of diplomacy. It is a mini-state inside Iraq’s capital, establishing a permanent American base.

Surrounded by 15-foot walls, guarded by Marines and overlooking the chambers housing the Iraqi government, this fortress will be viewed by the people as a palace of occupation, a reminder of who really holds the reins of power in their country.

Ray Anderson
Professor Emeritus