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Campus communicates through poetry Them Okie bumpkins shouldn't stereotype
F
eelings were aligned against the Muslim community in Oklahoma. After all, it had to be Middle East terrorists who wreaked such havoc into the peaceful lives of good Christian Oklahomans. One of the righteous took matters into his own hands as he fired into a Stillwater Mosque. Luckily, Roy John Henley, like every good Oklahoman in Stillwater, had a gun rack in his pick-up truck so he could show those for'ners that here in Oklahoma we believe in just retribution. ...Just another example of American stereotyping. That flame was fed as the media reported the suspects in Wednesday's bombing as Middle Eastern males. Now, however, it has become apparent that it was really those crazy Fascist Nazi Youth—those Militant Punks (or whatever, they're all just alike, y'know)—who murdered - .America's Kids." We, the good people of Oklahoma, should rise up and hunt down those Scum, those White Trash, Evil Nincompoops who spout their anarchist, liberation talk...00PS. Sorry, look at that. We're stereotyping again. Admittedly, the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City needs a response, especially here in Oklahoma, but it doesn't need to become an ill-focused hatred. The people in this city have come together in tragedy to help, but some have put down those efforts, claiming that Oklahomans couldn't possibly have the ability to deal with such a situation. Imagine that, despite the fact that Oklahoma City is in close proximity to a strategic military base and had plans to enact against terrorism, we're really just a bunch of country bumpkins running around lost. (Oh, yeah?) Anyway, back to those NRA Right-Wing Crazy Fascist Nazis (or whatever...). Just because some of them believe along the same lines as the suspects doesn't mean that they should all be lumped into one guilty party. Even more importantly, students should avoid putting blame on military organizations or personnel. "One thing to remember is that a great segment of the population has had military training and served in the American military, yet only a very few are involved in these types of incidents or belong to these organizations. Most of our older society fought in World War II, but you don't see them on top of towers shooting people or blowing up buildings," said Theodore Brogden, chairperson of Military Science at UCO. Oklahoma has fallen victim to terrorism. We all need to make sure it doesn't stumble over stereotypes as well. Where does blame end and healing begin?
The April 25. 1995 Vista Inside Today box and related story on the ROTC military maneuver practice was erroneous. It referred to rappelling as repelling several times. We apologize for the mistake. Also, the story on page 10 had a mistake. Construction for the Central Power Plant is scheduled to end by August 15, 1995. The entire construction process should he finished in August or September, 1997.
Vol. 95, No. 52 (USPS 661-700) Editor in Chief Jennifer R. Palmer Managing Editor David L. Hanigar Copy Editor Sheila Nunnelee Copy Editor Cynthia Chung Copy Editor Jason Webb Sports Editor Mike Erwin Sports Writer Scott Moore Sports Writer Rachel Schnitzer Advertising Mg-r. Wendy Williams Ad Sales Amelia Teoh Ad Sales Christy Strother Ad Sales Jerry Yeoh Writer John Clanton Writer Iris Knight Writer Paul Eddy
Writer Farzana Razak Writer Cynthia Chung Writer Nicolette Cormier Writer Elizabeth Hew Writer Marta McCloskey Photography Editor John R. Gilmore Photographer David McNeese Photographer Christopher P. Smith Cartoonist/Artist Sean Ashby Pub. Relations Director Liz Dorris Circulation Mgr. Marcus Kok Production Mgr. Anthony Tompkins Morgue Director Marcus Kok Adviser Mark Hanebutt
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by the students in the department if journalism on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the regular school term, except during exams and holidays, and on Thursdays only during the summer term at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034. Telephone number (405) 341-2980, Ext. 5549. One-year subscription rate $12. Second-class postage paid at Edmond, Okla. "POSTMASTER:" Send address changes to The Vista, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK 73034.
Letters
Letters to the editor are not only welcome, but encouraged. All letters must be signed. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters must also include author's address and phone number for verification purposes. The editor reserves the right to edit for space limitations and to comply with libel laws. Every effort will be made to preserve the integrity of the letter. Address letter to: Editor, The Vista, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK 73034 or deliver in person to the editor, Communications Building, Room 107. This publication, printed by the University of Central Oklahoma print shop, is issued by the University of Central Oklahoma as authorized by Title 70 OS 1981, Section 3903. 5,000 copies have been prepared at a cost of $300 (8pp), $40t) for 12pp.
Our Tragedy Twisted wire and broken cement; Absent walls and crumpled floors. The roof is gone and ceilings missing As are all the doors. A toy fire truck and plastic block; A tricycle, wagon and car; Toys so important for children's play Now buried or scattered afar. Happy children once at play Are now quiet and still. A silence now imposed; But only against their will. A daughter; a mother; A father; a son; A friend; a co-worker; Unable to run. Business transactions To take care of that day; Brought innocent bystanders; Such prices to pay.
Federal Buildin ont tng, We don't always know The people exceptional; What threatens our land. Without needing fame. Each goal of these terrorists We may never know. To kill and destroy; Their acts certainly show.
Oh where are the children; When will they be found? Life is so precious But death's all around.
Anger rips at our soul; Frustration tears at our heart. Who could do this terrible thing? A tragedy from the very start.
We must watch from a distance Wait for rescuer's sounds. A signal, word or message; Showing one more person found.
Oh help us dear Lord To understand why This had to happen As we all cry.
The American flags At the disaster site; Some dirty and tattered From the explosion's might.
We feel so empty, So hopeless and scared. We felt safe and immune; But were so unprepared. But everyone gave; Both stranger and friend. Their time, skills and lives To help us to mend.
Who could do such a very sick thing? Silence small voices; ignore the pain. Life that was taken without any choice; What did they think they might have to gain?
We cannot let evil control Our actions and our life. We must make a conscious choice To grow amid the strife.
To divide America; Its foundation to weaken? To separate people? Instead bonds are strengthened. We'll often ask why And try to understand.
To Loved Ones Lost Homes are silent, where once little feet tread. High chairs are vacant where sweet mouths once fed Tricycles and wagons sit empty in the grass. No longer do they laugh and play in their day-care class. Sweet little headbands and baseball caps
Found in the offices Each out of place. Flags flown at half staff Cause pride on each face. Strength comes from prayer For facing tomorrow. With family and friends To help with the sorrow.
Blue for our statehood And the pride that we share. Yellow for hope For those not yet found. Purple for children As courage abounds. White for the innocence That each victim bears. Green for each prayer Because we know that God cares. Red, white and blue; These colors display. Unlimited support In hundreds of ways. We all will go forward; We've a future to plan. They won't break our spirit Throughout this great land. Our people are strong Very giving and kind. We've bonded together; A closeness hard to find. We'll gather together For prayer and song. The purpose is healing From this terrible wrong Let's pray that we grow From the good that is done. And release all our anger To God where forgiveness comes.
We know there are miracles That God can provide. Pray without ceasing; He stays by our side.
We'll ask God for comfort For He understands. He has such compassion With His outstretched hands.
Where is this heartland That people call home. It's so very special With a strength all its own.
The symbols we use To help us express; Our concern and support On dress or on vest.
Oh Lord, give us peace And help us proceed. Put our grief behind us Let healing succeed.
It's in the midwest; Oklahoma's its name
Whatever their color The ribbons we wear;
no longer sit on their curly heads. No tiny body to cuddle and tuck safely into bed.
own special way. They won't be there to take you to the zoo or on special trips far away.
No mother at the kitchen cooking up a scrumptious meal. No mother there to kiss a scrape or to doctor a knee to heal. There will be no daddy coming home tonight to give you a great big kiss. No great big arms to hold you tight, yes, he you will certainly miss. No grandparents will be there to spoil you rotten in their
Yes, on April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City a terrible bomb snuffed out these precious lives. It affected everyone around us, like children grandparents, brothers, sisters, husbands and wives. It was done by some inhuman persons who must have forgotten how to love. It certainly did not come from our loving God who dwells so high above.
—Nelsa Fister UCO assistant professor
No, these people come from the devil whose hate grows stronger with each passing day. In an instant, these radicals, turned a bright sky of blue into one of ashen gray. My heart goes out to the loved ones lost, whose lives were senselessly taken, unaware. To the families go the hope of the resurrection and the comfort that will come through heartfelt prayer.
—Sherry Flemming UCO Staff
