I wanted to respond to some of the Quick E questions that were printed in the Daily on Jan. 22.

First of all, a senior in community and regional planning stated that “Breast reduction is a crime against humanity.” How do you figure? I had breast reduction surgery approximately three years ago, and it was the best thing that I could have ever done for myself.

I had had severe back problems and was not able to participate in all the extra-curricular activities that I wanted to. I didn’t get this procedure done because I had a negative self-image. I chose to get the procedure done because it was the right thing for me to do and alleviated the chronic back pain that I had to deal with everyday. None of my friends or family had a problem with what I did. Why do you?

The next statement I wanted to respond to was from a junior majoring in graphic design. The statement was “We should just ban women from ISU, so no one else gets hurt.” Would you like to explain your thinking behind this? I have a better idea. Why don’t we educate both men and women more on how to coexist in this world in a peaceful and civil fashion. I like how this student puts the blame on women. Do they have anything to say about men?

The third question I wanted to respond to was written by a graduate student in entomology. The statement was “How can someone call themself a Christian and support the death penalty — can you say illiterate?” This did not make any sense. Just look at the spelling. But, that is not the reason I wanted to respond. I just wanted to comment on the question. Someone has a different view from you and you resort to immature name-calling because you disagree with them? You are not going to be taken seriously in this world if you resort to this kind of behavior when someone does not agree with you. I take a neutral stance on the death penalty because it is such a complex and difficult topic to work through and should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The last question I wanted to respond to dealt with some Chinese students and their problems affording tuition at Iowa State. The statement was made by a junior in psychology. This student wrote, “To the Chinese student in Thursday’s Daily [1-15-98], ISU has one of the lowest tuitions in the country. Plus, why should WE have to pay for YOURS or anyone else’s tuition? If it’s too expensive here, then go back home.”

All students of every ethnicity and cultural background should have the right to acquire an education at a college they feel comfortable and welcome at. Who are you to say who can attend Iowa State and who cannot? Not everyone can afford the tuition at Iowa State, but have a strong desire to still attend because of its strong reputation in science and technology. Minority students are combatted with a whole set of different struggles and barriers that caucasian students don” normally deal with.

Why don’t you learn about these problems before making a blatant statement like this? EVERYONE has a right to an education, no matter who they are or where they come from.

Alissa Stoehr

Liberal studies

Senior