Writing as Therapy
I encourage my students
speak out responsibly, to write out their thoughts and feelings, to
share their perspective with the communities
on all topics that concern them. In the same vein, immediately
upon
experiencing the events of September 11, 2001, I began writing
down
my thoughts which often seemed to run counter to what was being
portrayed
in the media. Living in a pluralistic society, I felt an
obligation
to provide an alternate voice. I began submitting my writing to
Oregon
newspapers. I've been fortunate to have several editorials
published in in the Coos Bay World, the Southwester and the
Oregonian.
Response to my editorials
has been much greater than I anticipated. The vast majority of
calls,
e-mails and in person comments have been positive. Not everyone
agrees
with me, but almost everyone echoes the affirmation that all
of
us have a right to express our beliefs. Because I feel it is
vitally
important that no voice be silenced, I'm including on this site all of
the letters to the editor which have been printed in response to my
editorials.
But before you read the
editorials,
here's a cartoon that appeared in the December 6, 2001 issue of the
Phoenix New
Times. It's a little hard to read so I've copied the captions
below.
THIS WEEK: ACADEMIC SUBVERSIVES!
Reporter: Watch out, America-- They're everywhere!
Professor: Heh, heh, heh! How can I undermine our
national unity today?
IN CLASSROOMS FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA, THEY POISON THE MINDS OF OUR
YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THEIR TOXIC DRIVEL!
Professor: Repeat after me, class: "I hate
the U.S.A.!"
Class: We hate the U.S.A.!
AND SINCE NO ONE COMMANDS THE RESPECT OF YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE MIDDLE
AGED ACADEMICS, THE DAMAGE THEY CAN DO IS INCALCULABLE!
First Student: I was going to join ROTC-- but now I want
to overthrow capitalism!
Second Student: Let's go burn a flag-- like the professor
said we should!
SO BE ON GUARD AMERICA! THESE ACADEMIC FIFTH COLUMNISTS
MAY
WELL BE THE GREATEST DANGER FACING OUR NATION TODAY!
Woman: Except for the suicidal hijackers.
First man: And whatever right wing nutcase is mailing
the anthrax.
Second man: But the college professors are right up there!
World,
October 16, 2001
Letters
to the Editor responding to 10-16-2
Southwester
October 24, 2001
The
Oregonian, November 18, 2002
The World,
December 26, 2002
White
Collar War October 18, 2001
Capitalism
or Democracy?
An
American Burqa
Whose
Nation is This? September 11, 2003
With
Political Defeat Comes Empathy
Political
Parties are Disturbingly Similar
Bill
Buries Nader
An
Alternative For You (to military service)
Outing Another
Agent
Return to Go
(Do not collect $200) (Receive wisdom instead)