It’s a big war zone
Re: Life in a war zone, (Nov. 6)
I was extremely offended that you would feature a story about three occupying soldiers that most likely have blood of civilians on their hands. Why not feature a story about Hamas members?
It is important to note that Israel as well as her soldiers are illegally occupying another country and committing genocide in the process. You can never equate the two (the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian resistance). Israel is occupying Palestine, not the other way around. If the illegal Israeli occupation (including murder, deportations, curfews, land theft/confiscation, illegal settlements, etc.) ends, so will the Palestinian reactionary responses (e.g. suicide bombings). Terrorism is terrorism regardless of who commits it.
Brion Parker
Sex is about choice too
Re: Is it natural to be gay? (Nov. 11)
I want to thank the Varsity for its recent feature article Is it natural to be gay? Joanne Tang shed light on one of the most frequent attacks that critics of homosexuality make, that homosexuality is somehow unnatural or contrary to our innate biology.
Studies on animal sexuality are an important part of discrediting the idea that heterosexuality is somehow a more natural kind of sexuality. Our rigid notions of sexuality have more to do with our own unquestioned beliefs than with any basis in “nature.” Recognizing the fluidity of both human and animal sexuality is an important step forward for science and for human society. But as a polyamorous queer man, I think that it is important to note that-regardless of what Nature intended for me-I choose to be non-monogamous and non-heterosexual.
For many in the LGBTQ community, falling back on the “I was born this way” argument is simply a way to shut down debate. Inherent in that position is that if one were to choose homosexuality, it would be wrong–or worse-immoral.
With science working to expand our idea of what is “natural,” we should not forget that morality is also a social construction. Our morals are as much a personal choice as our sexual practices. With or without a “gay gene,” homo sex isn’t bad or wrong, just different.
I’m proud of how I choose to live my life. To be frank, I would be doing this even if the monkeys and hummingbirds weren’t.
Chris McKinnon
Preston’s alright
Re: Preston & me, (Nov. 11)
I am writing in regard to Jessica Holloway’s article concerning the supposedly “elusive” Preston Manning, the Reform Party founder and visiting fellow to U of T.
Ms. Holloway gives the impression that Mr. Manning avoids interacting with our student body and is inaccessible to the U of T community. This could not be more different from my experience.
I ran into Mr. Manning as I was walking to the St. George subway and introduced myself. When he learned I was a political science student, he invited me to join him for a coffee and we talked for a long time about Canadian politics and his experience at U of T. I found him to be very polite, thoughtful, and genuinely interested in the views of students. He is truly a credit to our university and we are all lucky to have him here.
Joshua Somer
Trinity ’04
There’s always room for schwarma
Re: More Shwarma Less Sharon, (Nov. 11)
I am not surprised that Hillel’s recent campaign “More Humus, Less Hamas” has been garnering attention in the letters section of the Varsity. I was also not surprised that the campaign slogan is seen as biased by some individuals.
However, I think the purpose of the campaign was to focus on the similarities between all Middle Eastern peoples, rather than their differences. The conflict has long and complicated history and it would be very difficult to include every argument about its source in a short slogan. I think the most important thing about the campaign is that it should promote dialogue between Jews and Muslims. I think the important part of the slogan is the first half-the one that emphasized the similarities. So, by all means start a “More Shwarma, less Sharon” campaign, as long as it promotes constructive dialogue between Jews and Muslims.
Michelle Waese
