Native peoples need recognition
Arthur Lechtholz-Zey’s opinion in his letter to the editor, “Columbus Day merits celebration” (Viewpoint, Oct. 11), reflects society’s acceptance of trivializing and subordinating native peoples. We are here to say that this is not acceptable.
First, Indigenous Peoples Day is a celebration of life.
In the face of systematic efforts to eradicate all things indigenous, we are still here and we are very much alive.
Second, we are here to learn not only from our professors but also from each other.
With this premise in mind, our communities may disagree on the significance of Columbus Day.
Nonetheless, it is time to stop using seemingly moral, logical and natural reasons to justify this nation’s attempted extermination of native people.
Thankfully, UCLA is blessed with courses examining the historical and current social and political structures of native communities.
Instead of using these resources, Lechtholz-Zey assumed that indigenous peoples needed to be rescued from their own self-destruction.
Moreover, it is ignorant to refer to indigenous societies utilizing terms particular to a Western-world view.
Using Western standards denies value to the breadth of knowledge that indigenous communities have to offer.
We all have the right to express our views, no matter how offensive. But for all our sakes, please make sure your views are informed.
Otherwise, you not only do yourself a disservice but you also insult the entire academic community.
Native American Law Students Association at UCLA
American Indian Graduate Students Association
American Indian Students Association
La Raza
Asian Pacific Islander Law Students Association
Black Law Students Association
South Asian Law Students Association
No pity for Israeli soldiers’ pain
I understand that it must have been excruciatingly painful for Yoav Galai to document the suffering Israeli soldiers undoubtedly faced while at war with Lebanon last summer.
I also extend my sincere condolences to the families of all the innocent victims who were killed or injured in the war.
However, I strongly disagree with the portrayal of the Israeli soldiers in the exhibit (“Worth more than words,” News, Oct. 18).
I find it difficult to empathize with soldiers who deliberately fired up to 3 million cluster bombs into civilian areas, including homes, schools, churches and mosques, during the last three days of the war.
I also find it difficult to empathize with soldiers who destroyed entire villages and towns in Southern Lebanon and launched indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian areas.
They were also responsible for killing over 400 innocent Lebanese children and claiming the lives of another 1,000 innocent men and women.
And what about the thousands of other Lebanese children who were either injured, maimed or orphaned as a result of the conflict? What about the trauma they undoubtedly went through? Where are the pictures that show the pain and suffering of innocent Lebanese children who were and continue to be the main targets of the war?
While in office, Kofi Annan, former United Nations secretary general, repeatedly called upon Israel to disclose the strike data.
However, the Israeli government has, to this day, refused to show the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon the exact locations of where the cluster bombs were dropped.
Think about Rasha Zayoun, a 17-year-old Lebanese girl who never could have imagined that she was to be a casualty of a war that had been over for a year.
Just a few months ago, while sifting through a bag of leaves, her finger came into direct contact with a cluster bomb, instantly ripping off her finger and left leg.
And the tragedy is that she is not the only one whose life has been forever changed by the actions of these soldiers.
Combiz Richard Abdolrahimi
Fourth-year, political science, international economics, Arabic