It’s been pointed out that in last week’s column 2 Live Crew was misspelled. Deepest apologies to those who have nothing better to do than read the paper just to find mistakes.

Since we’re on the subject of proper grammar, here’s a quick lesson. Pronounce the following exactly as they appear: Tub, Rid, Ee. Now put them all together: Tubridee. You now know how to pronounce Tubridy. Anyone who has ever heard an instructor struggle to pronounce it should understand.

On a more serious note, there has been a lot of protest directed at protesters and, in turn, they’ve retaliated.

Recently peace activists have been catching a lot of flack for speaking out against the war in the Persian Gulf.

Some people call them cowards, others say they should be put in prison.

Why? What crime have they committed? What cowardice have they exhibited?

Think about some of the things peace activists have endured in order to get their point across. Students at Kent State University stood up to the Ohio National Guard. Many were beaten, four were shot and killed.

Where’s the cowardice?

Ever watch footage of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago? Protesters were beaten at random for standing up for their beliefs.

Once again, where’s the cowardice?

The Bill of Rights guarantees the right to free speech and the right to assemble.

Anyone entering the armed forces takes an oath which states, among other things, “that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…” (This columnist knows this because he is a veteran.)

Unfortunately many people who have taken that oath seem to have forgotten that every American citizen is protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Many of the people calling activists cowards and calling for their imprisonment are, in fact, in the military.

Don’t forget the oath folks. Whether you agree with them or not, they have the right to protest. That’s the very foundation on which this country was built.

On the other side of the coin, protesters have to remember their’s is not the definitive opinion.

Wednesday the NIU Community for Peace held a speak-out to discuss their views on the war. Member Tom Rainey said he wanted to encourage war supporters not to go to the meeting.

Sure he didn’t actually say, “Don’t come,” but it was implied.

Supporters of both viewpoints have to understand the other side has the same rights.

War supporters! Peace activists are no more cowards than you. Some of the bravest actions ever, were performed by peace activists. Don’t believe it? Watch Greenpeace in action sometime. Also, don’t forget they’re Americans and have the right to disagree with you.

Peace activists! You might not like it but war supporters also have the right to express their views.

There’s a war going on in the Gulf. Don’t start another one here at home.

Be good.