I must congratulate Benjamin Abel regarding his idea of “verbalpoverty,” especially his comments regarding the Aztec Centername-change issue (“‘Verbal poverty’ a problematic trend” Feb. 25).
I completely agree that changing the name of the Aztec Center torecognize two men who each have countless structures, let alonefederal holidays named after them, is trivial. Not to take away fromDr. King and Mr. Chavez’s accomplishments, but there are many otherfamous people who also deserve recognition.
Have we so few important figures in our nation’s history that wemust default to naming buildings after the same people over and over?Why not name the building after a generous donor to the school, or afigure who has achieved accomplishments similar to Dr. King or Mr.Chavez, but with ties to San Diego? Aren’t there enough streets,freeways, schools and buildings named after these two men to last usa lifetime?
Renaming the Aztec Center to honor local heroes instead ofworldwide icons would not only benefit the campus, but also thecommunity by giving our own important figures in the area credit fortheir achievements.
–Jason RomeroEnglish freshman
Abel gives voice to silent majority
Every time I read one of Benjamin Abel’s columns, I find myselfnodding in agreement and smiling. He is the voice of the silentmajority; the people who lack the courage to stand up to theoutspoken, inane, idiotic liberal minority. He speaks what othersthink. He is the shining light of reason in a blinding world ofliberal stupidity. Thank you, Benjamin. Your insight is superb. Youare not alone. I, and others like me, believe in you and what youhave to say.
–Jennifer WeaverEnglish junior
What should be in a name
As a student who attended high school during the 1960s and livedthrough the “lettuce” boycott of the early 70s at SDSU, I questionthe motivation of the Associated Students Council in renaming AztecCenter. In what other ways do these student leaders address or getinvolved in issues concerning economic injustice.
Dr. King and Mr. Chavez are recognized by national holidays.Another building or another freeway renamed after them seems trivial.Why not recognize others who have lead the fight for economic justice– others who are much closer to SDSU and San Diego in general. TrySDSU’s Hal Brown, for example.
–Ken M. Clark
Small Business Development and International Trade Center, ChulaVista
Mascot battle fought in childishmanner
As anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past yearknows, SDSU has been involved in a controversy over its mascot; morespecifically, cries of racism from student groups MEChA and NASA.
I would just like to say I don’t get what the big deal is. I thinkthese protesters should be honored that a school whose population ismainly white has even chosen to honor a Mexica descendant as itsmascot. Sure we could be something generic like the San Diego StateLions, or what have you, but where would the pride in that be?Everyone at this school knows who the Aztecs are, and that is in nosmall part because of the status as our mascot.
Secondly, I want to address Mr. Ron Gochez. I will say this, Iadmire your passion to fight so fervently for what you believe in; Ifind that a very noble quality. However, how am I supposed to takeyou seriously when all you do is threaten violence (“stop oppressingmy people or we’ll be forced to revolt”), make immature gestures(refer to the mascot with a pineapple head drawing), and then noteven tell the administration as to what you perceive it’s doingwrong? Believing strongly in a cause is one thing, but the childishway you have gone about making your point has only made me lose allrespect for both you and MEChA. If you want change, please advocatefor it like the intelligent adult I know you are.
In conclusion, far too much time and money has been wasted on thismascot issue (yes, Mr. Albergotti, money that would be far betterspent on better facilities and more faculty) but if I have my say, Iwill say this — I am, and will always be, proud to be a San DiegoState Aztec.
–Monica Moralesaccounting junior
You can keep your ambassador, just give us amascot
It is nice to finally hear from the mouth of the Ambassador and Irespect the fact that he is not taking all this well-deservedcontroversy too personally. But the part I liked best about thearticle “The First Ambassador” (Jason Williams, Feb. 19) is that headmits he is not a mascot, because frankly, he’s not and we don’twant him to be.
So that still leaves SDSU with one huge problem — we don’t have amascot. Of course, we do have a reliable ambassador who is more thanwilling to educate elementary school children and hand outinformational fliers about the Aztec culture at our sporting events,but who is going to help get the crowd fired up at games?
I think it’s an important part of the college experience to havean exciting mascot to represent us and I personally do not want to berepresented by ambassador Montezuma — no offense to him.
So here’s a bright idea — keep the Ambassador, but please let usalso have a mascot!
–Kimberly EakenEnglish senior
Liberal groups’ ‘selfish’ manner bound tobackfire
I have come to a conclusion about the liberal groups on campus. Myconclusion is that these liberal groups are selfish. When they pushedto change the mascot to the ambassador, they did not take intoconsideration any other viewpoint. When they proposed to change thename of Aztec center to Chavez/King they did not include any othergreat leaders to the proposal, such as Abraham Lincoln, or YitzchakRabin. This shows their liberalism is selfish and just plain stupid.
Liberal groups on campus don’t try to change things that wouldmake things better for everyone; they just have themselves in mind.It’s a real shame that my school is overrun by selfish liberalgroups, instead of liberal groups that try to help all people.
They are really a detriment to this school’s focus and purpose andshould really assess their policies.
If these groups do not begin to analyze their policies, theoverall population will begin to hate them, which is the oppositetheir goals.
Do yourselves a favor, liberals, and try to change something thatwill benefit all. If you keep on being selfish, then people willbegin to hate you. Hatred is the last thing you need.
–Samuel Youngeconomics senior
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