Western bias

After hearing about the protests related to Tibet, I felt it was time to say something. It's bothersome how people are so easily swayed by biased media. Everyone is talking about "Free Tibet." What I think most people don't know is that this sounds ridiculous to the Chinese. Western sources claim that China "invaded" Tibet in 1949, but the Chinese honestly view Tibet as an area that has been a part of their country since the Ming Dynasty. In 1951, Tibet and China signed an agreement that liberated Tibet from its then-feudalistic way of life and set up many autonomous Tibetan areas.

The lives of millions of Tibetans were improved. The rebels were rich people who didn't want to lose their privileges. Also, the Dalai Lama's Web site shows that he is not even seeking a separation from China. The images we've seen on the media (which are doctored or misinterpreted) are merely a response to radical Tibetan violence where innocent people were hurt or killed. Any responsible government would have reacted similarly.

Finally, when China is ready to change, it will do it in a Chinese way, not a Western way. Democracy will not solve all the world's problems. We cannot assume that our ways are best and try to force our views on China by pointing fingers and violent protesting, especially when we do not understand the situation, the people, the history or the culture. This is the least effective way to gain China's trust and respect.

SARAH MCBRIDE

Gaithersburg, Md.

Safer with wall

We were disappointed to read The Daily Universe's one-sided account of Israel's security wall. The barrier is overwhelmingly popular in Israel and is a considerable policy success for one simple reason: it has saved hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent lives. As the wall has gone up, deaths from terrorism - most of them women, children, students and other disinterested civilians - have gone down.

In 2002, 60 Palestinian terrorist attacks killed 451 Israelis and wounded 2,307. In 2003, as the barrier was being constructed, Israel suffered 26 attacks resulting in 210 deaths and 994 wounded. From 2004 until 2007, attacks fell yet more, from 15 to 7 to 1 in 2007. Concomitantly, deaths dropped from 117 to 30 to 3.

Instead of crediting this great success, however, the DU's report described the wall as "like the Berlin Wall." How myopic and distorted, to describe a measure that has prevented so much suffering as full of "hate and malice." While the wall - like all walls - is tall, grey and imposing, its intention is not to keep subjects in, like Berlin's, but enemies out. And it has done so, to the gratitude of its people.

Intimating that "trash-littered, crumbling" East Jerusalem is the wall's fault again shows a lack of understanding. The sad condition of many Palestinian communities lies solely at their own government's feet. First, successive Palestinian governments have alternately supported and turned a blind eye to terrorism, which was the impetus for the wall in the first place. Second, these regimes' corruption and mismanagement have led to the sorry state of the West Bank's economy. While we wish a better life for the Palestinian people, their plight is their own doing - not Israel's and certainly not Israel's wall.

TIM TAYLOR

Cardston, Alberta, Canada

THOMAS BLASUCCI

La Canada, Calif.

Non-LDS classes

This is in response to the letter published on April 4 titled "New convert class." I would like to add that it would be really beneficial if there would be a separate section of some religious classes specifically for non-LDS (especially non-Christian) students.

I have realized that taking classes such as Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, New Testament, etc., could be really intimidating when your classmates have been studying the same materials for years, and you are new to it. So I would like to suggest to the religious department to add or modify a section for Book of Mormon and (if possible)New Testament and D& C so that only non-members can take it. It would be really helpful to many non-LDS students.

SAMBRIDI GAUTAM

Kathmandu, Nepal

Get off phone

As a frequent jogger, I've had a few close calls where I was almost hit by inattentive motorists talking on their cell phones. One time I was hit. Usually it's something simple like driving through a stop sign, making a right turn at an idle intersection.

Jumping out of the way, I've glanced at the driver to give a look of annoyance, and I notice they never even saw me and have no idea they almost caused an accident. I'm willing to guess that these drivers are the same people who say, "Talking on my cell doesn't affect me while driving." To everyone who thinks that they are the exception to cell phone distraction, you're not!

Let me put this simply, if the phone rings, don't answer it. If it's really important, say what you have to say and hang up. If your wife is in labor or your grandparents are giving their final deathbed wishes, then don't hang up. If you ever feel justified in sending a text message while driving, do us all a favor by taking out your driver's license and putting it through a paper shredder. In this case, it may not be a bad idea to put the phone through the shredder as well.

BRIAN CASADAY

Sandy

New songs

I am calling out to the diverse students of Brigham Young University on a subject of great importance: the Bell Tower.

How many times have we all heard the first two lines of "Come, Come Ye Saints?" I think it is much higher than a healthy average. I don't think William Clayton meant, "We'll make the air with music ring, but only with two random lines from my song."

I lived in Deseret Towers before they were reduced to a pile of rubble, so I can personally attest to the monotony and boredom associated with those two overplayed lines. They get positively depressing. Someone should conduct a study on the suicide rate of people who live within hearing distance. Think about it. Not only is it monotonous, but one of the verses says "And should we die before our journey's through, Happy day! All is well!" Not the most encouraging thing to hear when contemplating your finals.

Secondly, think about the potential of those enormous bells. Picture the awesomeness of walking to class and hearing "Stairway to Heaven" or "Bohemian Rhapsody" announcing the hour. Admittedly, more people might be late to class, but I think it would bring the student body together in a new way (since the tower already holds the world title of most-DTR's-ever-committed-in-one-spot).

I don't anything against the hymns. I just think the Bell Tower should start pulling its own weight. It shouldn't hide its light under a bushel or its music under a, whatever.

TERI SNOW

Fountain Valley, Calif

Thanks for treats

As finals are quickly approaching, I would like to thank a select group of students who have made taking tests so much more enjoyable. I am speaking of the blessed individuals who leave treats on the ledge at the bottom of the stairs in the Testing Center. Items like homemade cupcakes and cookies show that you really care, while candy bars and other items bought from the nearby vending machines are good, but do not have the same personal touch. I apologize for the candid nature of this note, but I don't know of another way to thank all the "Your Lover's" and "You Know Who's" of BYU.

I would like to offer a few suggestions to those who leave treats in the Testing Center. First, label all homemade goods with allergens, as some people might have awful reactions to items containing tree nuts, which are sometimes hidden. Second, clean up the language in the accompanying notes, oft times the topics are racy at best. Third, try to leave more than one item, I hate looking greedy when I take the last one, which is almost always the case. And finally, let your imagination run wild with the food stuffs you leave, I personally wouldn't mind a nice baked potato or quesadilla.

RUSSELL STEVENS

Los Angeles, Calif.

Copyright Brigham Young University 10 Apr 2008