Letters to the Editor Oct. 7

By Nick Irvin
sophomore business management/marketing major

While taking a study break, I walked outside Lee Wicker and all I saw from the moment I went out the door was Phelps all lit up.

I thought “It’s 3 a.m. Why are there lights on? There is no one in there.” I think it’s pointless to have all the lights on in Phelps because there is no reason for them to be on. Think of how much money Winthrop could save if they just turned one of those lights off. I would not be surprised if the air conditioning was running as well.

With the increase in tuition and the cutting of professors and staff, it makes you wonder if some of that could have been prevented just by flicking a light switch.  

Another thing I noticed while driving around campus earlier was that the sprinklers were on even though it has rained several inches recently.

In fact, it was raining when I drove past them, and they were still running. Not only is this a waste of money; it’s a waste of water. On the subject of pointless spending, the other day I noticed a sprinkler by Owens hitting more pavement and brick than grass. I guess they figure if they water it down, it can’t catch on fire again. In closing, with a simple walk around campus, you can see the numerous ways Winthrop can do things better with some of the money they are spending.

By Katlyn Oglesby
senior international business major

I am writing in response to the “Student Disagrees with Islam” article written by Jeremy Gatlin.

This article has been causing some buzz on campus lately, along with a healthy dose of controversy.

I am Christian and very much disagree with the statement “Islam is an evil religion.” Growing up in a diverse city and mingling with international students and foreigners, I have come into contact with various cultures and learned about many religions.

With that being said, I was pretty disappointed with the many messages Mr. Gatlin presented to us. When I read the author’s opinion, I was both shocked and humored in a “No, he did not just say that” way. I doubt Christ or any of his followers would burn the holy book of a religion or be in support of doing such an action. Could you imagine if a group of Muslims burned a bunch of Bibles, or better yet how Christians would react?

Whatever happened to treating others how you would want to be treated?  Christ’s love was shown through his love and interaction with the poor, sick and non-believers, whom he spent most of his time with. I appreciate people’s opinions as long as I have the opportunity to rebuttal with my own.

In regard to the situation of the Islamic cultural center, I can understand that Muslims are trying to show people they want to segregate themselves from those extremist crazies responsible for Sept. 11, and rightfully so. It’s not fair for people to believe Islam is evil because of the acts committed by a small percentage of people.

One thing I hope students do is take the time to learn about other religions. Even if you don’t believe them to be true, you can learn so much. After all, they’re all interconnected and based off each other.  Christianity, Islam and Judaism all teach on the principle of love - for God/Allah/Yahweh, for yourself and for your neighbors.