This whole Catt controversy is sickening. One would think that each rights group is fighting over a limited supply of rights.

And bigots are laughing as each group dukes it out with the other.

Solidarity is the only way that civil rights movements can move forward. Some people are angry because Catt wasn’t in solidarity with Afro-Americans. I can list pages of people who are not in solidarity. Some of them should have known better.

In solidarity, I think every group has the right to pick their own heroes. At the rate our society is going, there won’t be any heroes left. Truly, there is a bad side to everyone and everything (but love). If we have no mentors, we cannot grow.

For example, one of my mentors and dearest friends, is bigoted towards gays and the gay movement. I feel anger and argue with her at times. But this doesn’t negate the things she has taught me and the love she’s shown me. To understand the issue a little better, do those who are angry with the choice of honoring Carrie Chapman Catt have a perfect record of solidarity? I doubt it.

Have you always spoken and acted against oppression of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, the transgendered, Latinos, Latinas, Asians, Afro-Americans, unions, people with emotional/physical challenges, women, men…?

Yes? You are truly amazing! No? Then you understand how difficult this is. In solidarity, I think we need to give the women’s movement their hero with unconditional love.

And in solidarity with Afro American rights, I would like to propose a “Plaza of Solidarity” next to George Washington Carver Hall.

I would like to be the first to buy a brick.

Terry Lowman

Ames resident