Re: Unity needed to confront Ukraine crisis, Nov. 25.

Why should U of T “denounce these election results as quickly as possible”? Because exit polls showed Mr. Yushchenko to be ahead of Mr. Yanukovych? If we went by reports from exit polls, John Kerry would be the U.S. president. Furthermore, why should the corruption be contained in Mr. Yanukovych’s corner? Many observers have noted that the media in Western Ukraine was little more than a propaganda tool for Mr. Yushchenko. Of course, we don’t hear this, because the Western media we’re connected to supports him.

There were very good reasons to vote for Mr. Yanukovych. For instance, trade with Russia will generate a much higher standard of living for Ukranians than trade with Europe. Trade in goods and services with Russia is half of Ukraine’s current GNP; its trade with the EU accounts for only a fifth.

Are the democratic elections of a sovereign country now subject to a veto by the rest of the world (or, more precisely, the most powerful nations)? The Ukranians voted-grant them the right to vote as they wish!

If we want to show our solidarity with the Ukranians, we should start by respecting their political processes and not denigrating the worth of their election results below that of scattered exit polls.

Pete Gavin

Remember Arafat’s sins
Re: “Corruption par for course,” Letters, Nov. 25.

I was quite surprised by the way Samer Abdelnour, UTSC Representative, labels those who believe that the former Palestinian leader was undeniably corrupt. For decades, my Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine have been oppressed by their own government. Many of them live in unsuitable living conditions, dying of hunger, with lack of medicines, and suffering from trepidation from being occupied by the depraved brainwashing of various terrorist organizations.

This situation continued while former chairman Arafat sat on a fortune of nearly six billion dollars that the international community trusted to him to distribute to his people. Clearly, pilfering six billion dollars causing hundreds of thousands to suffer cannot be compared to our Prime Minister’s slight unawareness while a few million dollars were transferred through a sponsorship deal.

Abdelnour appears to be partial towards Chairman Arafat while picking on other state leaders’ blunders. Chairman Arafat’s actions were undoubtedly wrong, and he should be accountable for them.

I endeavor as an individual to attend events like Naomi Chazan’s lecture to assist in promoting peace. It hurts when people neglect the suffering of innocent Palestinians while their leaders run around with their aid money.

Sarah Nasser
Chair, U of T SAC International Affairs

  • I feel that Samer Abdelnour’s assessment of Sarah Nasser’s response as biased is inaccurate. Nasser correctly points to Chazan’s omission of the corruption that has plagued the Palestinian administration for decades. The future of a viable state depends on a non-corrupt Palestinian Authority, in which aid money does not go to politician’s pockets, terrorism, or Paris.

Nasser actually points to a bigger problem within the Israeli Left. While the Israeli Right views all Palestinians as terrorists, the Israeli Left apparently sees all Palestinians as saints and ignores issues such as P.A.-sponsored incitement in media and schools.

George Jakubovits

That’s not funny.
Re: Before and After the Black Guy, Comics, Nov. 25.

This strip was offensive, ignorant, and blatantly racist to say the least. I am as tolerant as the next “black guy” when it comes to humor, but quite frankly, that comic wasn’t funny! Mr. Winters’s attempts to pass what can only be called an ignorant and insensitive piece of crap for comedy is deplorable and highly irresponsible.

The most offensive thing about the article is not the fact that the white co-workers felt the need to call themselves “niggaz,” it was the title of the strip! It suggested that all “black guys” speak in that manner and so that is how white people should speak if they feel the need to act like a “black guy.”

If I wanted to read racist comic strips, I’d go pick up an issue of “I hate niggers weekly” or some crap like that!

Mr. Winters, do us a favor and save your ignorant comedy for you and your group of friends, not the U of T community!

Kofi Kusi-Achampong

Healthy debate
Re: Trans-fats not swallowed in Parliament, Nov. 22.

Thanks for the editorial. More information needs to be spread to the public about the deadly effects of trans-fats.

The country that banned trans-fat, however, is Denmark, not the Netherlands.

In fact, if my memory serves me correctly, the Globe and Mail stated that since that country banned trans-fat, heart disease has dropped by 50%.

Chris Thompson

The Economist corroborates NDP member!
Re: “CFS trashes former premier,” Letters, Nov. 22.

I would recommend to Jesse Greener that he should actually consider reading about the educational and financial status in the countries whose public education he cites as superior-especially Germany-before making such stupid comments (although one must expect such ignorance from a CFS official). For example, “Pay or decay” on page 11 of the January 24, 2004 issue of the Economist would be a terrific place to start.

I would like to thank Mr. Rae for not “making the case against” others, but rather trying to be positive and improve education. Thanks, Mr. Rae, for trying to make Canada a better place.

Michael Andreae

I voted for the Unity ticket in last year’s election in the hopes that they would be able to unify our campus. With the absurdities surrounding the disqualification of Calvin Yang for VP Equity, I wonder: did my vote for Unity only divide our campus even further?

Isaac Apter