The Rocky Mountain Collegian

On the right to life

To the Editor:

Last week, in attempting to justify his newfound opposition to the March for Life, Tim Cosentino claimed, "Central to the pro-life cause is that all life is sacred, all life is important and that all life has the right to a certain quality of life." From this, he reasoned that those who go on the march need to also address and support several other life issues that Cosentino believes fall under the pro-life tent.

One need not be a philosopher to understand that certain human rights are contingent upon others. That is, if human right B follows from human right A, one must work to secure human right A before one will be able to defend the importance of human right B. For example, if one is concerned about the right of each person to adequate housing, a minimum wage, welfare, etc., one must first ensure that persons have a right to live. If a right to life is not secured by a government, there is no foundation upon which to argue a right to any of those aforementioned.

While the right to life is explicitly contained in the Declaration of Independence, the United States has refused to recognize this right for an entire class of human beings, namely the unborn, for the last 32 years.

Thus, in an effort to achieve judicial recognition of human personhood for the unborn, those who oppose abortion, infanticide, embryonic stem-cell research and embryonic human cloning have annually performed the aptly named March for Life.

To Cosentino's credit, if one doesn't see the link between the titles "right to life" and "March for Life" some confusion may persist. Perhaps the March for Life would be more appropriately named "The March for the Right to Life of the Unborn," but in my opinion that just doesn't have the same catchy ring to it that any good cause needs. I'm guessing that those who began the March for Life figured that holding the demonstration on the anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, which would lay the foundation for complete legalized abortion in the United States, would make the purpose clear.

Cosentino's concerns about the root causes of abortion are well-voiced, but he doesn't seem to understand that there does not exist in those causes as exists concerning the legality of abortion. While virtually everyone who "marches for life" believes that Roe v. Wade should be overturned, there exists a plethora of various opinions about how to ameliorate the condition of women so that they never feel the need for an abortion.

Nevertheless, Cosentino is incorrect to think that the pro-life movement is blind to this aspect, and he clearly needed to pay more attention while he was on the last six Marches for Life. In the last few years, there has been a great push to promote the idea that "Women Deserve Better than Abortion." This is the slogan of the Feminists for Life, and each year I've witnessed a significant increase in the number of pro-woman, pro-life signs. Furthermore, the economic, biological and psychological hardships of women who choose abortion has been a central theme of the educational Students for Life meeting that is held for each march.

So while Cosentino said, "In the six years I have attended the protest, I have not heard anyone mention what is causing women to have abortions..." I can comfortably say that if this is the case Cosentino wasn't paying attention.

Even more frustrating is the fact that this year we were able to attend a conference put on by the Georgetown Right to Life and Knights of Columbus chapters during which we heard speakers from Feminists for Life, Democrats for Life and several others. Not only did this resemble the "Jesuit school teach-in" that Cosentino proposed, as several Jesuit schools were present, but a few of the speakers emphasized the pertinence of the "quality of life" issues that Cosentino mistakenly believes to be primary in the pro-life movement.

The diversity of thought on eliminating the other problems Cosentino mentions, such as "suicides, genocides, wars, AIDS and hunger," is so great that his proposed demonstration addressing all these issues is simply an absurdity. The only unified message that could be produced by such a "pro-life" movement is that all these are undesirable evils to be ended. Any demonstration held in the hope of ending these as well as abortion and the economic woes of those who choose abortion would be entirely diluted and would leave no clear action for lawmakers to take. I'm sure Cosentino has thoughts on how to end all these evils, but so do many others who think differently.

Erik Lundgren

Senior, College of Arts & Sciences

SGA elections commence

To the Editor:

Gregory Muck had a great sentiment in the final paragraph of his editorial last week when he wrote "ask the questions!"Starting this Monday, the campus will be painted with election propaganda, and students will have the opportunity to get to know the many candidates who will be running for all facets of student government.

Over the past week, there has been a plethora of emotions running rampant throughout the SLU campus. This year, more than ever, it is imperative that each one of us invest in our future SGA leaders. The Commission has planned two debates and a Rock the Vote event. The presidential debate will be Tuesday, Feb. 8, and the executive board debate will be Tuesday, Feb. 15 in the Busch Student Center ballrooms. Everyone is welcome to come to these events or they can watch them live on SLU TV (Channel 18). Audience members will have the opportunity to ask a question, or you can IM your question to screen name "SGA Election."

On Thursday, Feb. 17, the Griesedieck Lobby will be filled with lights, decorations and free food. The candidates wait for your questions during this year's Rock the Vote event. Everyone has the opportunity to ask the hard questions, demand honest answers and invest themselves into their student representatives. Remember, SGA is your representation and your voice. I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming election events!

Mike Herman

SGA Election Commissioner

SAB deserves better

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the article, "Big Band pianists fizzle in acrid BSC performance." Now, I understand Mr. Marquard had to write a critique, and his opinions are qualified in that sort of article, but what touched my sore spot was his sweeping Student Activities Board criticism. Now, this isn't the first time this has happened. So, this letter is not so much about the event as it is about this ever-present criticism of SAB.

In fact, the event wasn't even put on by SAB (just a side note). Now, I'm open to criticism, but please take a moment to read my blurb in hopes that next time you complain, it will at least be in perspective. I am currently the internal vice president of the Student Activities Board so I feel I do have some authority to speak on behalf of this matter especially since I have truly seen the inner-workings of our club.

The SAB is one of the most unique clubs on campus in that its sole purpose is for the students. Even monetarily, every dime of the activities fee is for the service of the students aside from a miniscule amount set aside for internal activities-believe me. While this is true, it does not mean our budget is large. At almost every meeting, the budget comes into discussion and how we can best use the money to put on as many quality events as possible. With such a small budget compared to costs of these events, we are not left with a whole lot of options. All the baked goods on the entire campus couldn't bring some of the big names students idolize.

Not only are we faced with that, but also we are a group of 60 students trying to please thousands of students. We constantly question and second-guess ourselves just so we can rest assured that we are bringing events that will please the majority of students.

Between budget, availability and popularity we walk a fine line. To combat these obstacles we use our creativity, openness and strategy. We also open meetings (Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Busch Student Center 253) to any student so that anyone can come, feel welcome and give input.

I don't think most students understand the painstaking detail and effort that go into every event. This year has been a great year for SAB because of the dynamic leadership of this board and the increase in the Student Activities Fee.

Even then, we can't please everyone. So realize when I (and I don't think I stand alone) hear, "In another genuine attempt by SAB to bring entertainment and art to campus, the student body was unfortunately duped again," that that comment really hits hard-especially when I see the effort of so many people each and every day.

I am so proud of this group and so blessed to serve them. And, in regards to the line "dance like a white man," I am also proud to say I am white, and I can bust out a pretty mean groove if I don't say so myself. So, all I'm trying to say is that before we make generalizations, let's truly examine the situation.

Christina Gebel

Internal Vice President, Student Activities Board

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