Student pays homage to loved one

Plenty of people have already spoken against the specific flaws in Mr. Denton’s article. I would like speak against the whole body of thought itself by telling a personal story about my Aunt Debbie.

Aunt Debbie was a wonderful woman that my family lost about 15 years ago. She was an artist, a special education teacher, my mom’s best friend (hence the term “aunt”) and an all-around wonderful woman. Unfortunately, to many people, these aren’t the terms that matter when describing her life. They would prefer to label her only as a lesbian. She lived during the days when a gay couple could go “up North,” get married and come back home where their marriage would still be upheld. Aunt Debbie and her wife Gwen lived a happy and fulfilling life together.

I was very close to both women and spent countless hours drawing, creating wax sun catchers and making dolls with Aunt Debbie. Shockingly, spending so much of my childhood with a married lesbian couple has left me unscathed. Aunt Debbie taught me about life, love and accepting anyone and everyone.

When a child is born, he/she is screened for several diseases. Aunt Debbie was found to have a rare and deadly blood disease that carried a life-expectancy of mere months at the time. As Debbie grew, doctors had no explanation for why she had not succumbed to her illness; it was a miracle that she lived to the age of 39. Why would God save the life of a child that He knew would grow up to be “evil?” Why would He bestow unto her such amazing artistic talents or the gift of being able to educate the severely handicapped? It seems He would not have “wasted” these gifts on her.

When my aunt was dying, it was Gwen that made the decision to take her off life support. It was Gwen that was able to make the funeral arrangements, give some of Debbie’s possessions to those she loved (I have one of my aunt’s favorite stuffed animals) and do anything else that was needed. Gwen was legally given these rights because they were married. Doesn’t it seem right that the woman Debbie chose to share her life with would be the one to take care of everything after her death? Fortunately, my aunt came from a loving and open family that would have given Gwen these rights anyway, but many other gay couples are not so lucky.

So you aren’t comfortable with giving gay couples the religious wedding, but why does it bother you that they have a legal union? Why should their lives and deaths be complicated because of what sex their spouse happens to be? My Aunt Debbie was a beautiful and wonderful woman that I miss dearly. Being a lesbian is just one part of a blessed life that ended too soon.

Janet LeingangJunior, education

Student remembers rap artist for accomplishments

This past Thursday marked an important day in history that was yet again overlooked. On Sept. 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur left a Mike Tyson fight where he was fatally shot. Six days later on Sept. 13, 1996, Shakur passed away. My only intention in writing this letter is for people to understand just how monumental of an individual Tupac was. I will never proclaim he was anywhere near a perfect person. He for sure had his faults, as most people do.

The point is, Tupac was an activist, a difference maker who tried to make the world a better place. He tried to change a society that, as odd as it may seem, still continues to overlook those living in rough conditions (poverty). I cannot explain why I am attracted to such explicit music such as Tupac’s – all I can tell you is that it is something that has touched millions of people. And like me, they too can not explain there great interest in his music. He was a one of a kind artist, a one of a kind person who is still truly missed.

And contrary to what many might think, race has nothing to do with liking Tupac. I am a Caucasian male, suburban-raised, who spent most of his life in Toledo, Ohio.

“My mama always used to tell me: ‘If you can’t find something to live for, you best find something to die for.'” -Tupac

Chris BallayJunior, journalism

Student gives respect to married professors

I was disappointed that Rachael Moreau’s article regarding married couples employed at the University failed to mention Robert and Susan Perlis, who are both seen by a large portion of the student body each week. The Perlis’ are very accomplished in their fields (Robert in mathematics, Susan in dance), show a genuine interest in their work, care for their students, maintain a lively sense of humor and offer valuable guidance. It was their example that demonstrated to me the quality of education that I could recieve at the University, and their influence that led me to becoming the college student I am today.

Travis H. WilliamsSophomore, general studies