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Show Misunderstanding the Middle East •the idea of "Jihad," which Guest Op-Ed ... means "struggle." The news stations give little differenThe world we live in tiation between Islam and today. is torn by war, and Islamic Fundamentalists, rife with misunderstand- or extremists. The result is, ing. There is much^ hatred unfortunately, that the genand intolerance. In America erally peaceful and pleasant there is, an especially dark religion of Islam, and all of aura over a specific group of its followers, are incorrectly people — Arabs. As Ameri- labeled to be anti-American cans, it seems that we almost "Jihadists." There is a'simifear anyone from the Middle lar situation that has arisen East. At the very least, I feel locally, between Mormons it would be safe to say many and the Mormon Fundamenpeople here in America dis- talists that practice polygatrust them. But theirs is actu- my and dress like it is still ally a very rich and wonder- the 19th century. The result, ful culture, and the people of course, being that people are happy, energetic indi- in general, educated only by viduals with a love for God, what they see on the news, music and good food. think that all Mormons must Since 9/11, and from a have multiple wives. few similar incidents, the While living in Madaworld has seen the face of gascar, I came in contact Islamic terrorism. These acts with many members of the. are generally justified by Islamic faith who struck me Mike Samuels as the nicest and most so- of women's rights and en- Sinai is in Egypt, along with ciable people I had ever met. force heavily religious laws. the pyramids and all the anI have since met and devel- Egypt, on the other hand, cient Pharaohs;; and Jerusaoped deep friendships with tends to be more relaxed in lem is in Israel. These culits enforcement tures have been thriving for various Muslim mmmm^^^ mmmm±m of religious thousands of years, and as individuals. I standards in the a result, have very colorful have learned sevThe Middle East traditions, beautiful artwork secular realm. eral things about has some of the The Middle and wonderful cuisine. which I was preThe people are friendly East has some viously ignorant, richest culture of the rich- and inviting, and will go out but are neverthe- and history of est culture and of their way to help you with less important to anywhere on history of any- whatever you nee,d. In fact, if understand. earth. This could where on earth. you are visiting some houses • First, not all be because it This could be in Iraq and you compliment Arabs are Musbecause it in- something in the house, the lim. There are contains what is cludes the re- family will feel obligated many people often referred to gion that is of- to give it to you and will be from all over the as "the cradle of ten referred to insulted if you don't take it. Middle East that civilization." as "the cradle Dancing and laughing are are of Arab eth_ _ _ _ _ _ _ of civilization." encouraged, and Islam also nicity, but are _^ Many of the has many things in common Jewish and Christian as well. There are also historical sites and cities we with Mormonism, the domivarying degrees of strictness learn about in school and in nant religion in this area. in different countries. Some the Bible are located in the Neither religion is supposed countries, like Saudi Ara- Middle East. Babylon and to drink alcohol or engage in bia, are extremely restrictive Nineveh are in Iraq; Mount premarital sex, and smoking Letter to the Editor / am offended by something OK - so Poole asked a bunch of questions. Why Poole take the few minutes of Internet research that matters . . Johnny Pooledidnt to find the answers? Let me help him out! First ofall, Stem cell research reversal good news Outdated Bush-era limitations removed To the Editor: GreaWilcox this painting is poignant to anyone who has served in Opinions Writer the military or is sensitive to those who fight in war. In a recent article in the UVU Review, Johnny It does indeed show Christ wearing a symbolic robe, On Monday March 9th, Poole wrote a ridiculous editorial about Utah drivers walking through a battlefield surrounded by soldiers President Barack Obama reand Mormon art. As I read through the article I had from all eras of time. It includes a modern day 101st versed Bush-era restrictions on federal funding for ema bad taste in my mouth for Pooles sense of humor Airborne division soldier who is an actual Bronze bryonic stem cell research, and negativity for Utah and the people who live here. Medal of Valor recipient kneeling at the Saviors restoring, in his words, "sciIt was clearfrom his writing that he has a bone to entific integrity to governfeet. This painting represents the very moment in pick with Mormons and it expressed itselfthrough his time when these soldiersfinallyrealize that peace is ment decision-making." This move will free up federal disdain for Mormon art. coming. The smoldering ruins of a city in the distance funds for research on stem He starts his article by saying he has a personal list are actually the ruins of the World Trade Center after cell lines created after Aug. of "sociopathic-behavior-inducing grievances." His 9/11. The Savior moves forward and surely looks as 9,2001. This decision is a breath first grievance is Utah drivers. Sure, like any state, if he is in command. Poole says, "Do people actually of fresh air for many Ameriwe have rude people on the road and I don't like it look at this junk and confuse whatever it is they're cans (particularly in the field any better than the rest of you. Mr. Poole puts all of feelingfor spirituality? Isn't that both insulting and of science), for which the us in the category of "Utah Drivers" and says we are • brazenly condescending? Real art evokes realfeelings, restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research simply simply "stupid, not evil. "He then goes on to imply other than contempt by an artistfor their audience, didn't make a lot of sense. where real evil lies in his opinion. (By the way, I . that is." Who is Poole to tell anyone what spirituality Opponents of stem cell rehave lived in 6different states and find it is the same is? Is he the expert on "real art?"Does he think he search argue that embryonic no matter where you live - Utah is no different!) knows what the artist was feeling? Pooles arrogance stem cell technologies begin a slippery slope to reproducPoole talks about a recent trip to Deseret Book and is nauseating. This article was filled with ridiculous tive cloning and could evenhis disdain for all the "smarmy Mormon art" he had generalizations. I hope Poole is not a regular at UVU tually devalue human life. to look at. He states that this art is meant to be "the •Review. If so, they better review Poole! Obviously, Additionally, staunch oppocenterpiece of your living room." Then he goes on, his purpose was to be humorous and no doubt those nents of abortion argue that a human embryo is a human "If we continue to tolerate this hockey crap, its only , who sympathize with his feelings will crack a smile. life and is therefore entitled a matter of time before walls acrojs Utah are decked However, next time you write something like this, "to protection. with garish depictions of a giggling Christ in a Johnny Poole, try to do a little research first! But this slippery slope arHawaiian shirtjumping rope with a bunch of white gument, intended to remind of us the necessity for ethkids (and a token sprinkling of black and brown x —Diana Freeman - . ics in science, falls short in children) while giving the viewer a big cheesy thumbs several ways. One is that we up," have an excess of embryos Unprofessional Professors This wa} truly offensive to me because of the broad generalizations and obvious contempt To The Editor, , for the Mormon culture. Poole assumes that the hundreds of thousands of Mormons who purchase / would first of all like to thank UVU for some this art are idiots, and he is somehow a true art connoisseur. People buy art that reflects how they of the teachers on its stajfi I've had some amazing feel about themselves, and the world they live in. No teachers who have inspired me and helped me to Mormon I know would buy a pointing as the one he figure out what I want to'do with my education. describes. In fact, it is a very irreverent and offensive Unfortunately, not all of my teachers have had the same affect. I've haa one teacher in particular description of the Savior and clearly exposes Mr. this semester who, in my opinion, doesn't know Pooles contemptfor such things. how to teach. He knows the information but The last thing I must mention in Pooles review doesn't present it well to the class. He ridicules is the description of Jon McNaughtons painting, "Peace is Coming." If Poole had done five minutes of members of the class. The majority of the time,. research before he became the profound art critique he shoots aown answers my classmates give, even if they are correct butarent the exact answer he he thinks he is, *he would havefound that this painting is based on the scripture in Isaiah 2:4 which was thinking of. I think this is an unacceptable states "They shall turn their swords into plowshares, way to treat students and it has created a very neither shall they learn of war anymore." The , \ '. uncomfortable atmosphere in the classroom. / , painting doesn't even have any LDS references. Thenthink UVU should Be better than this now thai••Poole goes on to ask a series of negative questions: it has reached university status. We are students" "What the hell is McNaughton trying to say here?"; payingfor a better education. We deserve teachers who want their students to succeed and learn "Why are all these people fighting in the same war the material and who create a good learning ^ -. and whoson which side?"; "Ifthis is Heaven and environment., • ^ .. ; , W^'W^H^W'"•*#•&>'•' all the fighters are already dead, why are the cities burning in the' background?"; and "Maybe most ' ^ •! importantly, why does Jews look as though he is.not totally sure of where he is?" ^ - ^ - ^ '•* ^^H^. '^ •. ':Ashley Brown • ': '••^'•'JHI •'' ' • ' • £ * ' • and other activities are discouraged on the basis that "...he [the Prophet] commands them what is just, and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good, and prohibits them from what is bad..." There is so much more to the Middle East than war and Jihad, It is a fascinating culture and a different perspective. If you are from the Middle East or would like to leam more about the Middle East or Arabic, or Islam, or anything related, or just want to have some fun, come join us at the Middle Eastenj Cultural Studies Club. Contact us at (321) 506-0109, or email Mrsamuels5@hotmail.com. created for in vitro fertilization that could be donated with consent and used for research. Many times these embryos expire and end lip getting thrown away. Considering that stem cell research has led to new treatments for long-time unbeatable impairments such as blindness (leading many to travel to China, which doesn't have stem-cell research restrictions), the Bush era limitations on scientific research is clearly outdated. There is another important aspect to eliminating unreasonable limitations to stem cell research. Consider the drugs out there that have been found to cause birth defects to babies in the womb (Accutane, for example). How do you think doctors were able to know that such drugs caused birth defects? The answer, obviously, is by direct observation of a baby that had received the birth defects due to the mother's consumption of the harmful drug. Trial and error of a drug's toxicity on babies, though surely empirically sound, is hardly an efficacious way by which to know whether the drug will or will not cause birth defects. The removal of Bush's stem-cell research limitations gives scientists a platform to test how safe it is for mother's to take certain kinds of drugs during their pregnancy. Through expanded stem cell research, we will effectively prevent newborns from having to live out a life with defects that could have otherwise been prevented. It is the ethical imperative of seeking ways to treat the sick and afflicted that should allow science to expand stem cell research. Thankfully, Obama's decision will allow scientists to do so. your opinion Are you a member of a studerlt r r ' club or other organization; op • campus that addresses ii perlineritnto tftetiarcjet r*? cominiuiity^ Review about aiithoriii&aierm^ ••&<?'"!•'• • • J . o |