To the editor:

Thanks for publishing my opinion. However, “Daily should kowtow to rich alumni who MIGHT not like gays” was not appropriate for what I was trying to say. Kowtow means to revere, to pay homage to, to kneel down before.

I don’t believe I mentioned that in my letter. This was a creative attempt by the Daily to put words into what I wanted to say.

I had two points: 1) I didn’t mention anything about rich alumni. I simply suggested there are many sensitive, traditional, conservative, old-fashioned Christian people (students/parents/alumni) who may second guess supporting Iowa State after seeing things they are not accustomed to seeing. I am not suggesting anywhere that Iowa State is all about the cash. 2) Don’t depend on the Daily for all of the news.

To Rachel Roehler: I do not hate or fear gays. I have known gay people and have had no problems with them as people.

I have never acted out of “redneck” or “hick” rage and gone on a gay-bashing crusade. I don’t like the act and I have that right. I do not choose to dislike the act of homosexuality, I was just born that way.

For that, I am sorry. As for the name calling that is a poor argument.

To Sarah Schweitzer: Why would I not like you after reading what you had to say? I don’t even know you. You had listed seven items that said nothing. I didn’t write anywhere in my letter about hate, did I? There are hints of you being intolerant toward those who don’t like the act of homosexuality. Very contradictory isn’t it?

To Todd and Karen Bandhauer: I disagree with your statement of the students being close-minded. Put yourself in the shoes of the average Midwestern person. What you perceive as close-mindedness is a result of Midwestern values and religious upbringing. If one’s religion looks down upon the act of homosexuality then that is the way it goes.

These Christian people don’t HATE gay people as they are often accused. Aside from religion, maybe people just don’t like the act of homosexuality. So things just can’t be changed.

Being from Florida, I am sure EVERYONE is tolerant there, right? Calling people in Iowa ignorant and intolerant is not opening any doors for negotiations for more rights. Contrary to your statement, Iowans DO know gay people exist. It is how the Daily portrays the issue that bothers them. Finally, you must not think Iowans are too intolerable if you are still there.

Do you know how much money the university gets from alumni or what they do with it? The Daily should be careful about how they portray Iowa State and their name to people, whether it be alumni, parents or their advertisers.

Using shock tactics isn’t always best. I live in K.C. and I don’t see the Kansas City Star using such tactics.

I have seen stories about gay people in it and they are done with professionalism.

To James Primrose: Where did I say that anything Iowa State is affiliated with should revolve around the almighty dollar? You are correct in saying you pay for your education, but Iowa State does make their share of calls to alumni for money who DO have more to offer than “intolerance and ignorance.”

Those really seem to be the BUZZ words for you defensive types.

The proper channels for sharing this information can be the Daily, but maybe in a better portrayal.

There are other sources where this kind of thing can be published. Here in K.C., the Pitch Weekly publishes many articles about straight and gay lifestyles. This is a perfect forum. Have you ever heard of the Web? Well, sir, that is another “forum” or channel for educating people.

There are channels out there. Come out of your cave and look around. Using a college newspaper isn’t the only option.

You asked, “Do I think learning is a function of alumni support?”

You’re damn right it is. Your tuition alone doesn’t pay for all the facilities and teacher’s salaries. Iowa tax dollars and alumni support do much more for you than you think. Maybe the Daily could do a story on that.

Chris Rickert

Alumnus

Kansas City, Mo.