To the Editor:
It is hard to decide if Laura Israel's viewpoint ("Vote for Lieberman's Running Mate," 11/2) is more ignorant, idiotic, or racist - it's plenty of all three. Israel begins her litany of ridiculous bigotry by claiming some odd familial bond with Lieberman simply because she and the senator are both Jewish. This is as contemptible and utterly inaccurate as assuming all black people know Michael Jordan, or all Hispanics are friends with Ricky Martin.
Why is it that when a member of the majority espouses patently discriminatory beliefs, it is justly noted as discrimination? Yet, when a minority does the same thing, it is some positive form of empowerment? Voting for Lieberman (and it should be noted that voting more for a Vice President than his running mate is about as intelligent as, well, Israel herself) simply because he is Jewish is as morally bankrupt as voting for, oh, a white German Christian man simply because he is white, male, German, and Christian.
Israel implores the intelligentsia of Tufts to use their intellect in making their decision--and she's right about that. But anyone with properly functioning intellect should be able to spot the rest of Israel's argument for what it is: pure, brain-dead racism. If Gore/Lieberman appeals to you because of their stance on the issues and/or their abilities as leaders, then they are your obvious choice. But voting for the ticket because Lieberman is Jewish is as bad as not voting for them because he is Jewish.
Lewis Titterton, '01
Zachary Bromer, '01
