E.J., Tuesday, Apr. 20, 2004

It is my personal opinion that the students, faculty, and residents, have nothing better to do with their time, than to bash the chief, and call for his dismissal. The chief, is a symbol, like that of the bald eagle, and we aren't asking him to step down as a sign of this country's freedom. There are bigger issues, that the people protesting the chief, need to deal with, like how about putting some effort into raising funds, so my sons school, doesnt have to fire nearly half the teaching staff. That could end up meaning that my son didn't get enough personal attention, because his class was too big, and maybe because of this he wouldn't even be able to attend the U of I. What about fighting, and protesting Bush's actions with Iraq, ( Personal Vendetta ). The students of the U of I are so wrapped up in the oh it's racism thing that no one ever thought it was racism, until someone said " hey lets get rid of the chief, because we might offend somebody. Hey while were at it, lets take the words one nation under god out of the pledge of allegience. This country was only founded on christian beliefs, but hey it might offend someone. Too bad, get over it if you are offended, dont go to the U.S., its our country, and our way of life, we need to remember that. Sure its a melting pot, but its our country, and we shouldnt have to compromise for anyone. If you are offended by the chief, dont go to the U of I , you're only missing out on a great education. You people are just looking for your own personal vietnam, a good cause to argue about, but you are missing the real issues.1. Taking care of our children, they are our future. 2. If the chief sparks even one child to be curious about native americans, then isnt that a good thing? For a child to be curious, and want to learn, about cultures from America. 3. Are you protesting for a good reason, for because you think you know what is best for a college that was around, before you were even a gleam in your daddys eyes. Grow up, get an education, and quit bitching. Its people like you that make racism thrive, by creating the controversy.

E.J., via email.