CSUN Debate

Regarding the debate between Joe Hicks and David Duke at Cal State Northridge (“Police, Protesters Clash at Duke-Hicks Debate,” Sept. 26): Was the event a debate on the national impact of affirmative action, or was it a plot to undermine an initiative appearing before the people of the state of California? It depends on your perspective. To those inside the hall, the debate provided a stimulating exchange of ideas in a safe, nonviolent environment. To some outside the hall, it was a national platform conceived under the disguise of free speech and used to spread political propaganda. Which is correct, and more important, can both be correct?

A fundamental flaw exists in the current debate over the need for affirmative action. The problem is in how the individual defines affirmative action (which ultimately dictates their perspective). It is impossible to discuss an issue effectively unless everyone agrees on a definition.

For me, affirmative action is a policy designed to provide opportunity to individuals who would otherwise not have access to that opportunity. I also see the policy as an undefined mandate, and that this spirit is not reflected in the interpretation and implementation of some affirmative action programs. This distinction is crucial to advance rational debate.

In the wake of the Hicks / Duke debate, we all have the opportunity to advance positive discussion of the issue while still being open to everyone’s opinion. It truly is the right and responsibility of the individual to draw on personal experiences and make their own decision based on all available evidence, not just that which some bureaucracy deems appropriate.

TONY TERESI

Teresi is director of legislative affairs of Associated Students Inc. at Cal State Northridge

* What occurred on campus the other day more than ever convinces me of voting for the CCRI, Proposition 209. It is time for all to be individually responsible for their actions and not cry because one failed to achieve a goal, going to government to bail them out. As an employer I will choose the best qualified individual I feel can work with me and my business.

BOB MESSINA

Valencia

* It was an extreme pity for people to target their anger at David Duke during Wednesday’s affirmative action debate at CSUN. People should have known prior to the debate that he was going to attack the center of affirmative action’s premises, and how it discriminates against some Anglo Americans.

We should remember that if Ward Connerly or Gov. Pete Wilson had agreed to debate Joe Hicks, there would not have been such a show of unnecessary police officers out there. I know that many CSUN students never heard of Connerly, so he wouldn’t have needed an escort off campus.

In the end nothing was solved. By refusing to debate, Connerly and Wilson allowed Duke to expose their thoughts on affirmative action, and both men will need to hire good public relations people to undo their tarnished images. Connerly and Wilson surely have fallen out of favor with me.

They stuck their heads under bedsheets on this touchy subject. Now I’ll never listen to a word they will say.

TYRONE HARRIS

Reseda