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<B>Fill the Kernel column space with real issues</B><P>
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<FONT SIZE=4><B>Tom Williams</B><BR></FONT>Undeclared sophomore
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<i>To the editor:</i><P>
I am writing in response to two articles printed in the Kernel, both regarding Ben Rich (gee, what a surprise).First of all, the decision of UK Lambda to boycott the UK Speaks Out on sexuality. This is ridiculous.
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My question for Mr. Solberg is, How do you plan to improve homosexual status if you are not willing to hear the argument against it? The whole idea of a forum such as this one is to hear the arguments from all sides of an issue.
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Mr. Solberg explained the reason for the boycott was that he was unsure - no he doubted - whether Rich could maintain himself. This after Ben Rich dedicated his weekly column just to explain to everyone that he will respect the other speakers and not participate in any bashing. I think that Mr. Solberg is in fact afraid that Ben Rich actually possesses an intelligent mind and would speak knowledgeably on the subject. I agree with Ben Rich and believe you are "a bunch of gutless wonders" for not letting him speak.
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Before I go further, I would like to state for the record that I am not a Ben Rich "cronie," nor have I ever met him.
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This second article I am responding to is the letter to the editor written by Marissa A. Mayfield.
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Mayfield spent the better part of her letter responding to a Ben Rich article, which I don't have a problem with. But, her last line upset me. She said Ben should think about changing his major because journalism isn't cutting it for him.
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Ben Rich may be a lot of things, but one he is not is a bad journalist. Ben's weekly column, obviously the most-read Kernel segment, does not fail to stir up the campus. He never holds back what is on his mind.
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Also, his columns contain topics of substance and importance - not, for example, toilet etiquette or Hardee's meals.
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He is one of the most talented writers on the Kernel staff, and if Ben Rich wasn't a good journalist, then he would not receive half the hate mail he does.
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Criticize Ben for his opinions, not for his ability to write.
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