When I read the article written by

Thomas Walker, a lecturer in the ISU department of English, on Dec.

5, I found it difficult to respect the College of Liberal Arts and

Sciences and its faculty. I am dumbfounded that anyone could attack

any form of charity, especially a faculty member of a university

that prides itself in its diversity and openness. Even if one

believes that there are those in greater need than our nation’s

soldiers, that person should reserve those thoughts and comments

for private conversations, not state them in public displays of

political bias.

I am by no means belittling the

needs and the unfortunate circumstances of the poorest Americans

and those that pick up the torch in their defense deserve our

respect and support as well. Growing up in rural Iowa, I personally

saw the effects poverty has on the citizens of this nation and as

many do during this festive time of the year, I volunteer my

services to support this demographic. I also find it humorous that

Thomas Walker is attacking the support of those whose sacrifices

give him the right to publicly display his opinion in this

fashion.

“Doesn’t the army provide victual to

its soldiers?” While it is true that the army does provide food and

other provisions to its soldiers while deployed, variety is

limited. The comforts we as Americans enjoy on a daily basis such

as magazines, chocolate and shaving cream, are not a short drive

away as they are in the United States. “Don’t their families send

them yuletide goodies?” While members of the typical “nuclear”

family would have loved ones at home to send these treats and well

wishes, there are many who may not.

How would Thomas Walker feel to be

stationed in Afghanistan over the holiday and receive no tidings of

cheer or well wishes because he chose to adhere to his moral

responsibilities as a U.S. citizen and fight for his country? Many

of those that serve in the armed forces do so for a variety of

reasons. For some, it is the only way they can afford an education,

others because they believe that it is their civic duty to serve

the greater good. But as Thomas Walker stated in his article, “They

chose to leave home.”

I understand that there is a great

division in this country between the two major political parties. I

understand that the beliefs held by members of these two parties

could be as different as night and day. What I do not understand is

how any self-respecting human being could take a simple act of

charity and turn it into a podium to voice their political stance.

Acts of charity are positive actions that should be supported by

everyone, especially when they are directed towards a group that

has a strong presence on this campus, as the military

does.

After reading this article I felt

obliged to share these thoughts and feelings. Statements made in

Thomas Walkers article put him, the department of English and the

entire College of LAS in a negative light. If I were part of the

administration of any of these offices, I would take action to see

that members of my faculty were inclusive to members of any group,

yes, even those of varying political parties.

This lecturer very likely has

students in his classes that are either currently enlisted, a

veteran, in ROTC or has a family member doing one of these. I would

not feel comfortable as a student in his class and feel sorry for

those that are. If we are to have faculty that attacks the actions

of a student group based solely on their political stance how are

we to fulfill the university mission to “create, share and apply

knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place.”