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• , Page 2 May 5,1993 o Insight pinion What price justice? We have a country whose justice system is good only for stopping law abiding citizens from becoming criminals. The fear of public retribution or criminal prosecution does very little to stop those people who are going to be criminals. Further- morc, the common person is virtually helpless to defend their self against perpetrators. In addition, we won't even let the courts deal out justice because all of society doesn't trust the courts' verdict. Because our justice system isso bloated, slow and lax, murderers walk on insanity charges and molesters get off on circumstantial evidence. In addition, these criminals seem to be paroled in a few years to stalk the streets again. The worst scenario a convicted criminal has to face is life in prison: free room, food, heat, libraries, gyms and jobs. Life behind bars is punishment? What stings is that regular Jane and Joe citizen are virtually helpless. An example is a friend being mugged in New York City. He was thrashed around and thrown on the ground and generally beaten up. After the mugging he tried to chase the three attackers down, but he stopped, thinking, "what if I do catch them?" If this person had had a gun, how would that have slopped the mugging? Shoot everyone who gets within four feet of his person? Blast away after they're done? Now you're up for murder because the muggers have retreated and your safety isn't threatened. Basically there is no weapon to protect you. There is no fear or thought of legal action that will stop muggers, murderers of whatever else people get into. What really is laughable in society is that the public doesn't even trust the verdict of our courts. There has to be some point of departure where society can re gard a criminal as such and let the convicted stand as guilty. Then the "proper authorities" can get on meting out justice eye-for-an-eye style. That would really tweak would-be criminals' minds. To bad the legal system isn't ready to put up with this kind of defensive display. Witness Elbe Nelson who was accused of pumping five rounds into molester Daniel Mark Driver's head. She was taking justice, cye-for-an-cye style, into her hands to retaliate for Driver's sexual molestation of her 11-year-old son. The molester. Driver, would probably get five years in prison then be paroled for good behavior. Great, now some neighborhood has a pissed-off ex-con molester scoping out more little boys and girls. If people can't handle the town square bearing, eye-for-an-eye method to justice, who does it go to? The government. Does the state bring back the death penalty nationwide? Do all criminals get hard labor splitting rocks, then nighUy beatings? This sou nds great; scare the shitout of people so they don't, want to commit crimes. The killing power of government is nothing new. However, are you ready to give the government the power to tax you, regulate you, support you and kill you? Of course, if all else fails, have faith in one thing. The prison riot, like in the Sou thcrnOhioCorrecuonal Facility, won't be the last. If prison riots continue, then criminals automatically reduce their numbers. It would be a great idea to have regular riots once a month, or at least once a year minimum. This would thin out the amount to criminals you pay taxes to keep fed and housed Remember, each riot would lessen the odds of one on those prisoners coming and killing or otherwise violating you. Corrections... In the April 28 issue, Hakop Adjinian was misquoted as saying: " 1 would prefer to marry an American, and so would my parents, but I cant guarantee anything." It should have read: "I would prefer to marry an Armenian..." The map shown was dated and inaccurate: the correct map of Armenia is shown here. \ GEORGIA ^S *VO v- \ ARMENIA "S AZERBAIJAN \ ^YerevwiV; *"_JkamrXgh TURKEY y^\ ,\w <-J Dam ^HtyANc! y | IRAN What's on your mind? Ironically in 2018. the same year CSU Fresno closed down due to stale budget cuts, the Bulldog A-"^^ Corporation broke all-time attendance records and generated $250 million in season ticket sales. Go Dogs. ^flgfe^y ^^^^ ^^ ^raSSsfe ^^^X.^r^ ^^^fej^^^s w£^ cS^?^^r\^^A^v Af^^^^^^^> K|||k§ ^^"^ / ^\^4E-^<Pv^> ^E^^p^^^-^s^w ^ \ / >Sil^ ^^^"^s c^C^^^^l^v^^ \V / ^^ >. i^^fV/ Letters to the editor Racism on campus Question: Do you believe the ASI has the power to change anything? Asked of students at Vintage Days last week. Lourdes Gonzalez, liberal studies "I believe the ASI has the power, if they come together as a group." Merridith Prds, health science Mlche»e Daney, ,ib«ral ^^ "People dont even know who they're "' do. but no one gets involved in voting. voting for. Most people voted out of 'nen's rot "»«««h advertising on the ignorance." campaign." dents of color see themselves as outsiders, because they are treated differendy by other students as well as professors. Conrad Mendoza, a liberal arts major, feels that professors talk down to him and do not grant him the same open door policies extended to non- minority students. Other minority students have stated that they feel resentment from instructors. Another student, afraid to reveal his identity, shares the following sentiments, "I am here to learn, too. I am not just taking up space in class." Regardless of the endless efforts of minority students to prove themselves ten times as worthy to be in class, it seems that professors see them as minorities and automatically categorize them as 'B' or *C students. The above three issues which I have cited in response to racism and bigotry are real and of great concern to the ethnic minority population on campus. The great number of students that sincerely believe that racism has not vanished is proof that, although not always blatant, it still exists. Sanger Mapa Chapter Coordinator. Eugcnio Ybarra, explains that, "Discrimination and racism against Mexican- American's is rooted in the United States conquering of the Mexican people and thus leading Caucasians to put them in an inferior position. But, is perpetuated by society through the television,print media, and the silverscreen. Society takes their impression of Mexicans, portrayed in villainous orinferior positions on the screen, and transfers it to their everyday interaction. Young children are considered intellectually inferior and thus not given adequate attention and encouragement in school. This type of teacher behavior, in turn, fosters low self-esteem in the students and contributes to the high drop-out rate. Low educational attainment leads to low economic status which reinforces a continuous cycle of inferior stereotypes. It is unfortunate that the higher educational arena is not exempt from racism and discrimination." (Phone interview, 2-20-93). Racism and discrimination will diminish, only when administrators, professors and certain non-minorities stop denying the reality of il and make earnest efforts to curb it. Very truly yours, Maria Ybarra The cost of higher education Dear Editor, Have you ever wondered why California's Governor and Slate Legislature keeps voting to cut the budget for higher education? Don't they realize that doing this hurts over two million students across the state? Do they have a personal vendetta against students or Where the problem lies is with ourselves. Wc arc all sitting around, either feeling helpless or just twiddling our thumbs, while our chance for a quality education vanish. We've all heard it before, "We're paying more for less." Well stop whining and do something about it! All of this is our own fault! We have not demanded that our so called "Student Leaders" do anything. They seem to be more interested in padding their resumes or giving money to their favorite club or Greek organization than giving a damn about the average student on campus. The rest ofthe alleged 'concerned students' on campus are too concerned about abortion, the environment, minority rights, gun control, etc., that they could not care less about the accessibility and cost of their own education. The rest of us seem to care more about the next weekend road trip or party than we do about these problems. The way our own student government has addressed the situation is a joke. Just about every year the ASI sends several members lo a three-day student lobbying conference in Sacramento. Each year the ASI members lobby however they feel, not as a group. And we wonder why our stale government ignores our needs. * Don Peck, education Wcll it is t^,. for M students „, organizc "Basically no, because the way the sys- imo ^ effective lobbying group. For if we tern is. you have a hierarchy you can't do don't, we can look forward to paying over anything against." $10,000 a year, within the next few years. Dear Editor, This letter is intended to serve as an outcry against acts of racism and bigotry on the CSUF campus. It is 1993 not 1943. The time is long overdue for professors to end their inferior treatment of minority students. Certain incidents in the classroom have ignited my personal desire to increase the awareness of all members ofthe university on this issue. I will address racism and bigotry from the perspectiveof anobserver.recipient,and lastly through the eyes of other ethnic minorities. The first concern which I would like to address is the manner in which professors alienate students of color in the classroom. As an observer, I have witnessed professors extend condescending treatment to students of color. Certain professors ignore student's raised hands, deprive them of equal classroom privileges, and commonly pose negative responses to them. I have witnessed many cases where minorities' answers arc dismissed in class with the words, "That's not the answer I was looking for" or more commonly, "That's not the perfect answer." I have also seen how these verbally abused students sink in their scats and cringe from the professor's harsh words. This type of treatment creates further degradation of an already stigmatized population. Secondly, as a recipient of subtle racism I have left classrooms emotionally dismembered, disenchanted, frustrated, and feeling extremely powerless. I have learned from experience that the professor-student relationship is not one of reciprocity for minorities. Last semester, I had an instructor give me an "F on a well-structured argument discussing racism and discrimination. The failing mark was a response tomy argumentand its'contradiction to the professor's philosophy. Another professor, in a class discussion, stated that Mexicans were traditionally better employees because of their passive and manana ('I will do it tomorrow') nature. It was in my heart to challenge the professor, but I did not I recalled some advice a fellow minority student had given me; she had voiced opposition to a professor's statements, when confronted in a similar situation, and had suffered negative consequences. Frustration overcame mc as I found myself in a no-win situation with my hands tied. Lastly, I will discuss racism through the eyes of other minority students on campus. Stu- 'Crazy', "could nol happen", you might think. Well ask anyone three years ago if we would be paying over a thousand dollars per semester now, and they would have said the same thing. You're crazy; and we all are if we continue to sit around doing nothing. Sincerely, Dallas Blanchard Praise for Rosaisela Dear Editor, Thank you (Mike Fleming) for writing the story of an outstanding young lady named Rosaiscla Ponce. Your story was as inspiring as Rosaiscla herself. No one realizes the tremendous odds some young people are up against to achieve tremendous accomplishments and especially young people from migrant families. It's articles like yours that will break down the stereotype mentality that exists regarding ethnic people on our campus. We send our sincere congratulations to Rosaisela and our prayer is that she will be able to continue her education. God bless you Mike and Rosaiscla, Pat Dressier Mike Moore, biology "I think so. It depends on how much power the school gives them." Mail Stop 10, CSU Fresno Fresno, CA 93740 (209) 278-2892 McKee Fisk, Rm. 240 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, FRESNO Insight Davin A. Hutchins Katharine Barrans Graphies/Photo Editor Eric Johnston K. Amy Kaltman Lisa Driver Arts A Entertainment Editor Michele D'Ambrosio Pro/tea Editor Shelley L. Willingham Advertising Manager Krista Helgeson Advertising Production Manager Cindi Martinez Assistant Editors Andrew Forester Mike Penner Sandy. Sirias Jenny Steffens Fernando Tejada "Dallas Blanchard Kelly Jantzen Tommy Monreal Matt Soby Thean-su Ooi Diane Troha Fernando Tejada Insight welcomes all reader letters and guest commentary. Letters and commentary must be signed by the author, and may be edited for length. All submissions will be published. All unsigned editorials are die majority opinion of the editorial board, and do not represent the Department of Journalism, CSUF administration, or the trustees of the California Suae University system.
Object Description
Title | 1993_05 Insight May 1993 |
Alternative Title | Insight (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Dept. of Journalism, California State University, Fresno. |
Publication Date | 1993 |
Description | Weekly during the school year. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Oct. 8, 1969)-v. 29, no. 23 (May 13, 1998). Ceased with May 13, 1998, issue. Title from masthead. Merged with Daily collegian. |
Subject | California State University, Fresno Periodicals |
Contributors | California State University, Fresno Dept. of Journalism |
Coverage | October 8, 1969 – May 13, 1998 |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35mm |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi; TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 “E-image data” |
Language | eng |
Description
Title | Insight May 5 1993 p 2 |
Alternative Title | Insight (California State University, Fresno) |
Publication Date | 1993 |
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•
,
Page 2
May 5,1993
o
Insight
pinion
What price justice?
We have a country whose justice system is good only for stopping law abiding
citizens from becoming criminals. The
fear of public retribution or criminal prosecution does very little to stop those people
who are going to be criminals. Further-
morc, the common person is virtually helpless to defend their self against perpetrators. In addition, we won't even let the
courts deal out justice because all of society doesn't trust the courts' verdict.
Because our justice system isso bloated,
slow and lax, murderers walk on insanity
charges and molesters get off on circumstantial evidence. In addition, these criminals seem to be paroled in a few years to
stalk the streets again. The worst scenario
a convicted criminal has to face is life in
prison: free room, food, heat, libraries,
gyms and jobs. Life behind bars is punishment?
What stings is that regular Jane and Joe
citizen are virtually helpless. An example
is a friend being mugged in New York
City. He was thrashed around and thrown
on the ground and generally beaten up.
After the mugging he tried to chase the
three attackers down, but he stopped, thinking, "what if I do catch them?" If this
person had had a gun, how would that have
slopped the mugging? Shoot everyone
who gets within four feet of his person?
Blast away after they're done? Now you're
up for murder because the muggers have
retreated and your safety isn't threatened.
Basically there is no weapon to protect
you. There is no fear or thought of legal
action that will stop muggers, murderers
of whatever else people get into.
What really is laughable in society is
that the public doesn't even trust the verdict of our courts. There has to be some
point of departure where society can re
gard a criminal as such and let the convicted stand as guilty. Then the "proper
authorities" can get on meting out justice
eye-for-an-eye style. That would really
tweak would-be criminals' minds.
To bad the legal system isn't ready to
put up with this kind of defensive display.
Witness Elbe Nelson who was accused of
pumping five rounds into molester Daniel
Mark Driver's head. She was taking justice, cye-for-an-cye style, into her hands to
retaliate for Driver's sexual molestation of
her 11-year-old son. The molester. Driver,
would probably get five years in prison
then be paroled for good behavior. Great,
now some neighborhood has a pissed-off
ex-con molester scoping out more little
boys and girls.
If people can't handle the town square
bearing, eye-for-an-eye method to justice,
who does it go to? The government. Does
the state bring back the death penalty nationwide? Do all criminals get hard labor
splitting rocks, then nighUy beatings? This
sou nds great; scare the shitout of people so
they don't, want to commit crimes. The
killing power of government is nothing
new. However, are you ready to give the
government the power to tax you, regulate
you, support you and kill you?
Of course, if all else fails, have faith in
one thing. The prison riot, like in the
Sou thcrnOhioCorrecuonal Facility, won't
be the last. If prison riots continue, then
criminals automatically reduce their numbers. It would be a great idea to have
regular riots once a month, or at least once
a year minimum. This would thin out the
amount to criminals you pay taxes to keep
fed and housed Remember, each riot
would lessen the odds of one on those
prisoners coming and killing or otherwise
violating you.
Corrections...
In the April 28 issue, Hakop Adjinian was misquoted as saying: " 1 would prefer to
marry an American, and so would my parents, but I cant guarantee anything." It should
have read: "I would prefer to marry an Armenian..."
The map shown was dated and inaccurate: the correct map of Armenia is shown here.
\ GEORGIA ^S
*VO v-
\ ARMENIA
"S AZERBAIJAN
\ ^YerevwiV;
*"_JkamrXgh
TURKEY y^\
,\w
<-J Dam
^HtyANc! y
| IRAN
What's on your mind?
Ironically in 2018. the same year CSU Fresno closed down due to stale budget cuts, the Bulldog A-"^^
Corporation broke all-time attendance records and generated $250 million in season ticket sales. Go Dogs.
^flgfe^y
^^^^
^^ ^raSSsfe
^^^X.^r^
^^^fej^^^s
w£^
cS^?^^r\^^A^v Af^^^^^^^>
K|||k§
^^"^ /
^\^4E-^ |