Why must the fashion be to make fun, to ridicule someone’s intent? Is it cool to pose before someone’s death and say, “How do we know he doesn’t have ding-dongs in his back pocket?” Also, why do people say, “We should just be happy with what we get.”

The issues of disenfranchisement, discrimination and racism should never be swept under the rug, but discussed in the light of rational discourse.

The members of the September 29th Movement committee have thought this through rationally and explained it rationally at every opportunity for the last two years. They explained it subjectively, saying “it hurts.”

How does the world progress if we all are just happy with what we get? Isn’t the university a place we are supposed to look at the information and learn how to think for ourselves, not just follow the line?

Thousands of people were killed in Vietnam because American soldiers just followed orders. Many soldiers in Germany said “just following orders” and gassed people in concentration camps. How did those situations begin? Each began with a person who said, “It’s just easier to go along.” You may believe that those are extreme situations.

This is an extreme situation. Allan Nosworthy has stood up and said, “No more. This hurts. It’s time to look at the situation.”

Allan believes it is important for us all to live in a world we contribute to and can be proud of.

It isn’t OK to watch Allan die. Please join us all on the steps of Beardshear at noon. Listen quietly to Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words.

We have an opportunity to work for reasoned change at ISU. You show who you are by laughing at his pain.

Sherri Zapata

Ames