Olympics, Alaska-style

You know, every time I see the winter Olympics I think about what sports our university doesn't compete in. I would think it would be cool to add more sports that are in theme with our Alaskan lifestyle.

We supposedly added the swim team not because of an overly Alaskan theme, but because we could compete without leaving town (race takes place in two different pools). I've been wondering if we could do that as well, or just have conferences of closer competitors.

For example, it looks like a Division I curling team would have a Washington team to play which is closer.

Plus we have curling facilities in town. Or how about doing the swimming thing (multiple location race) via speed skating. Does speed skating allow teams to compete against each other in two different locations? As long as we created a regulation speed skating track (they usually place around a regular hockey rink for efficiency) it should work.

How about competitive snowshoeing? We could even do a deep snow version, with six-foot snowshoes like our bush pilots use?

Lastly, what about competing competitively against our neighbors Canada and Russia? Seems we only play the former as part of exhibition, and we have little contact with the latter. Why not, as part of a diplomatic openness campaign, help create a really North West division for a sport or two.

I think the CCHA is limiting themselves if they stick to USA only. You could create such a conference for UAF's new coed collegiate racing team, racing teams from Canada, Russia, and North West U.S. Well, we can dream can't we?

Michael Wilson

The Big Lie

In response to the letter by Deitrich Smith, a.k.a. "Michael" (Jan. 24, 2006), I applaud the criticism that swiftly countered his letter against women's right to an abortion, against the UAF Women's Center, and just plain against women and the many rights and freedoms they have had to fight so hard for (a fight which is obviously far from finished). I am glad to know that people, including men, have written in to help counter such blatant and unjustifiable male privilege and oppression of women.

But another criticism is warranted: of the lack of transparency and responsibility. If Deitrich really believes that women should not have control over their own bodies, then why the false name? Does not a sense of righteousness make one proud? Further, I understand not everyone feels comfortable putting their name on an editorial. But if you are going to choose a false name, do not pick one as generic as Michael Smith, a name at the very least shared by multiple UA affiliates who may not want to be mistakenly associated with your views. Make your pseudonym clear. Deitrich also signs his letter "Founder, UAF Students for Life." Although I would never associate myself with Deitrich's organization, I feel members of any organization deserve better than to have their founder represent them with a false name.

Having been well acquainted with Deitrich for a few years, we have had the pleasure of having many of the same friends. Few know his real name. Without the courage to represent himself honestly to others I fail to see how he can be a sound, trustworthy representative of anything, be it an organization or the perspective it upholds, let alone a notion of a universal morality. Perhaps next Deitrich will start a Men's Center to counter the Women's Center, since his ceaseless fear and hunger for power have always been much more consistent than his pretender-advocacy of social equality. Bigotry makes one successful only at hiding. But it appears he has decided to "come out."

Matthew Leonawicz