Spring Break
Letters to the Editor
Issue date: 3/7/08 Section: Forum
Response to '-ism' column
Alcoholism isn't a disease
In the Barometer's article on alcoholism in the media, it is stated that alcoholism is a disease. I know that the Barometer is just the messenger in this case, but saying that alcoholism is a disease is a slap in the face to everyone who has ever had a real disease like cancer. An alcoholic can choose to stop drinking, but a cancer patient can't choose to stop having cancer. Alcoholism may be quite a few things (lack of will power, lack of character, etc.) but it is no disease.
Will Rogers
senior in mechanical engineering, junior in electrical engineering
Response to Gwin column
A thank you
Thanks for your very moving column in the March 4, 2008 Barometer about standing up against homophobia after your friend, Melissa, committed suicide.
I also lost a very good friend to suicide (she made several attempts before she succeeded in her mid-20s), and because of her struggles with depression (not related to her gender identity), I have made an effort to "shine a light" on depression - what causes it, what friends and family can do to help, etc.
There has been an uncomfortably large number of suicides, both in our community and by individuals who recently lived in our community within the past few years. Understanding that friends or family are struggling with depression (for whatever reasons) and finding ways to help them cope can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Thanks for your courage to speak out.
Linda Hunn
office specialist, oceanic
and atmospheric science
Alcoholism isn't a disease
In the Barometer's article on alcoholism in the media, it is stated that alcoholism is a disease. I know that the Barometer is just the messenger in this case, but saying that alcoholism is a disease is a slap in the face to everyone who has ever had a real disease like cancer. An alcoholic can choose to stop drinking, but a cancer patient can't choose to stop having cancer. Alcoholism may be quite a few things (lack of will power, lack of character, etc.) but it is no disease.
Will Rogers
senior in mechanical engineering, junior in electrical engineering
Response to Gwin column
A thank you
Thanks for your very moving column in the March 4, 2008 Barometer about standing up against homophobia after your friend, Melissa, committed suicide.
I also lost a very good friend to suicide (she made several attempts before she succeeded in her mid-20s), and because of her struggles with depression (not related to her gender identity), I have made an effort to "shine a light" on depression - what causes it, what friends and family can do to help, etc.
There has been an uncomfortably large number of suicides, both in our community and by individuals who recently lived in our community within the past few years. Understanding that friends or family are struggling with depression (for whatever reasons) and finding ways to help them cope can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Thanks for your courage to speak out.
Linda Hunn
office specialist, oceanic
and atmospheric science
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