For the first time in my life, I can finally say, now I’ve heard everything. After reading the Nov. 20 letter from Daniel J. Stratman, I know I can safely say that I’ll never hear anything so ridiculous.

There are two main points in the letter: One is that the STAR should not have printed anything so revealing about Tanya Smith since it would embarrass her.

The second point was that Lisa Ferro’s article would not have been written had Tanya been anything but black.

First of all, Tanya is an elected official and, as a result, is subject to public scrutiny.

The majority of voting students elected Tanya therefore we all have a right to know whether or not she is doing her job correctly. To deny us of that right would be to promote censorship.

Then Lisa is accused of racism for writing the news as it was presented to her. Need I remind you of John Fallon’s failed campaign for Student Association president?

John is white and yet the STAR pulled no punches in reporting about his arrest. Then there was the attempt to impeach former SA president, Huda Scheidelman.

Were you satisfied with the knowledge the STAR shared with us? I was.

Racism is described as discrimination based on the belief that one race is superior to another. Where do you see any bias shown by the Star Dan? The article merely informed us why the impeachment petition had been filed.

The letter was continued by saying Lisa Ferro’s article “is yet another step back in the reduction of racial tensions at NIU.”

I think you’ve got it backwards, Mr. Stratman. Increased racial tension at NIU is not due to articles like Lisa Ferro’s. Increased racial tension at NIU is due to people like you.

Jim Tubridy

Junior

English