LETTER: Oppostion voices needed

To the editor:

    I am an avid reader of The Statesman. Recently, I’ve been drawn to the column written by Liz Emery in the “Opinions and Views” section. Her counter-culture articles have generated more controversy and dialogue than the rest of the headlines in The Statesman combined. Why is this? Because her column represents a minority view of controversial subjects that do not coincide with the mainstream.

    I’ve also read letters to the editor denouncing Ms. Emery. Some respondents say they will no longer read The Statesman, that Liz supports immorality, or that she is outright wrong.

    Forgive me if I’m mistaken, but I believe her column is in the opinon section of the newspaper. Yes, I’ve already mentioned that. One person said — in response to Ms. Emery’s article on the LDS church and it’s appearing to have many of the same trappings as a cult — that some opinions should not be expressed. To this I ask, why?

    We are in college; we are here to learn, to think critically and receive a broad, liberal education. That is why we have to take general education classes, to get a broad education. If you do not want a broad education, then maybe a technical or trade school is more appropriate.

    I believe that somewhere along the line, because of social pressure from the mainstream, The Statesman lost its journalistic integrity. I saw Liz’s articles go from edgy opinions about fraternities, the LDS Church, and pornography; to a weak article about hip-hop. I believe the backlash from the LDS-dominated culture that permeates USU put pressure on Liz to back off.

    Some readers in the mainstream of our very unique culture here may say, “Great, this is a victory for us, the majority!” You, my friends, have forgotten history. There was another group that was censured for its beliefs, the LDS Church; the only organization to leave the U.S. in search of religious freedom. The LDS church was chased from place to place until finally it settled in the wasteland of Utah, in hopes of being left alone.

    One reader demanded that if Ms. Emery didn’t like it in Utah, that she leave. Does this sound familiar? My hope is that those in the mainstream would consider these things when reading The Statesman. Is one column that challenges your view of right and wrong enough for you to hate the entire paper? Is it enough to stop you from reading it? Folks, let us be reasonable.

    By reading challenging articles that are removed from the mainstream, your own conviction can be strengthened. Also, there may be readers who are looking for new ideas. It does us all good to view perspectives other than our own; that way you can learn to communicate and live with others who do not share your beliefs.

To the editor: if backlash from readers, sponsors or administration have caused you to censor one of your writers in any way, then I loudly cry foul. Maintain some journalistic integrity, support and protect your staff and their freedom of speech. Once you make one concession, you will make more and more, until you have no integrity left.

Kevin Moultrie