Open dialogue exists _ maybe we just don't see it

As an apathetic, uninvolved student at Tufts University, I found the editorial in Monday's paper ("Open Dialogue Necessary," 10/7/02) quite harsh. For some reason I was drawn to the protest against the war in Iraq, mostly as an outlet to explore a paper topic for a class. I stood in the back of the crowd, realizing I had forgotten my "No Attack on Iraq" sign, but mostly realizing that I was completely unaware of the importance of participation in the community around me, and how easy it is in fact to participate.

Last Monday's editorial states, the protest was "preaching to the choir," "appeared too liberal," and was generally close-minded. As one who has little experience with the mobilization of our campus, maybe I was mistaken when I heard more than just one point of view on the situation in Iraq. To my recollection there were four speakers, all with different subject matters relevant to discussion of the war with Iraq.

Granted some might see the chanting of "War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing" somewhat close minded, but the speech made by Rana Abdul-Aziz contained no such theme. In a well written speech she delivered her view of the possible attack on Iraq and what her family members still in Iraq feel about this imminent threat. In this speech I heard no preaching to the choir, but rather an individual's call to the people of this community to not forget the many aspects that the invasion of Iraq would involve. These aspects include an aftermath affecting not only the people of America, but Iraq as well. What Monday's editorial forgot to mention is the other aspects of the Tufts Coalition to Oppose the War in Iraq. Not only do they do a good job of marching and chanting, they have also been working to educate and involve the greater community of Tufts, not just those few individuals who are already activists on the Tufts Campus.

The editorial, "Open Dialogue Necessary," failed to mention the table tents in the dining halls, and the unbiased fact pamphlets scattered all over campus. The editorial also did not address the fact that at the protest, organizers announced the meeting times of the Coalition and they pleaded with all the attendees of the protest and members of Tufts community to attend.

Education and discussion of this subject matter is imperative if we are to call ourselves "educated" people, which most of us might tend to do now or upon our graduation. That is why our university is addressing the war on Iraq from all aspects. One must first research a subject matter before they can make a judgement on it or get involved. And research can be as easy as looking at the Tufts Life web page campus calendar, which is full of ways to learn and participate.

Last Monday's protest was not the only activity planned by the Coalition against the War in Iraq. With little trouble one can quite readily find an outlet for "further exploration of the Iraq issue," whether it be as simple as the "Wag the Dog" movie, debate and discussion, or as involved as starting your own war on Iraq related Coalition. This is still a democracy, and in a democracy it is up to the people to let those with decision making authority see what the people want. Maybe Tufts students cannot stop the invasion of Iraq, but at least we can be educated on the causes and their effects.

Margot Thistle has yet to declare a major.