Bruce Lee not a reason to call all white people racists

As I read the article about building a memorial to Bruce Lee on campus (“CHID seeks to honor Bruce Lee,” Nov. 26), I became more and more disgusted with those who are heading the effort.

They claim that “white supremacy is a mainstay of the structure of the UW.” They also claim that there is severe institutionalized racism on campus and attempt to prove this by saying that some professors do not know Bruce Lee attended the UW. Yet they do not cite a single professor. This is completely insane.

Since when is it considered a racist action to be unaware that a specific person graduated from the UW?This is the wrong way to memorialize any person. By calling everybody who does not blindly agree with themselves a racist, the memorial organizers create enemies where there used to be friends and use intimidation to stifle free speech.

I have never done anything to deserve being called a white supremacist and a racist, and I challenge the organizers and students in the CHID class to apologize for calling me a criminal.

I am not opposed to creating some kind of memorial commemorating Bruce Lee’s contributions, but so far, every reason I have heard is based on ignorance and hate.When the memorial organizers stop calling me a racist and a white supremacist, I will be more than happy to listen to rational ideas.They need to understand that the world does not revolve around them, and falsely accusing people of a horrible crime will only hurt their effort.

— Jeremy Sandler

Senior, biology

UW should take a stand on FCC issue

Earlier this month, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) held a formal hearing on media ownership at Town Hall in Seattle. Despite the short notice, more than 1,000 citizens overwhelmingly opposed a proposal that would permit a newspaper to own a radio or television station in the same market. Unfortunately, the FCC didn’t listen, and it is proceeding with its plan.

Media consolidation affects everybody — it transcends race, class, gender and political party lines and tramples local and diverse voices. As it stands, female and minority ownership shares are disgustingly low. It is hard to imagine, but the aforementioned FCC proposal would make that bleak situation even worse.

As such, I expected my UW colleagues to be out in full force. After all, we are a community with a vibrant passion for activism. Just one day prior, the ONE Campaign drew 500 students to its Vote Forum.

I would be surprised if there were 20 UW students at the FCC hearing.

Why the discrepancy? Are local issues too close to home? Are we unaware of our dire media landscape?Whatever the reason, it is our responsibility to speak truth to power. People keep calling us future leaders, right?

The good news is that it is not too late; file your comments online before Dec. 11 and tell the FCC that big media is big enough.

— Jacob Galfano

Graduate student, arts in policy studies

Meat alternatives don’t skimp on flavor

Thank you for Louise Foster’s Nov. 20 article about the growing number of people making compassion the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinner with a vegetarian feast (“Turkeyless Traditions”). It’s true that leaving turkeys — and other animals — off our plates doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. Instead, it simply means choosing the cruelty-free versions of our favorite foods.

Thanksgiving tradition is about celebrating life, and for millions of Americans, that means carving into a meatless Tofurky instead of a dead bird. For free animal-friendly recipes that everyone, including the turkeys, can be thankful for, visit VegRecipes.org.

— Erica Meier

Executive Director,

Compassion Over Killing