By Julia Matias
After reading John Leschak's viewpoint, "ONE should focus more on policy, less on puppies," I was struck by the nonchalant way he criticized ONE, an organization that brings together students who want to create awareness for and find means to end poverty and AIDS. His article focused more on policy disagreements with the nation, and I must admit, I do not understand why he felt compelled to intertwine this organization with his opinions about how our economy should be run.
Yes, capitalism has been this nation's excuse to exploit Third World countries just as long as money goes directly to the leading-men of corporations. Quite frankly, we are all spoiled rotten. People in the United States have become engrossed with this consumerism ideal that we constantly ignore just how easily we can secure comfortable lives and access commodities.
We allow sexual, emotional and physical harassment on young girls working in third world factories just so we can wear brand name jeans. We blame third world countries for their "irresponsibility" in accumulating billions and trillions of debt without realizing that policies of this country have developed a vicious cycle of dependence, one that makes it difficult for the Third World to help themselves.
As Americans let pass the billions of dollars going into the Iraqi war, some of us would rather sit back and take pictures of puppies. Oh no! We cannot all be the philosophers and policy makers that Leschak is; some of us, like members of ONE, would honestly rather take pictures of puppies than, say, pull people out of their ignorance of poverty.
I do not speak on behalf of ONE, but, as an active member, I do question Leschak's tactics in his viewpoint. ONE has had an amazing start this semester. I wonder whether the author knows what it is like to start a new chapter, device plans that may or may not work, and bring new members together. Yet, Hofstra's chapter of ONE has emerged as the leading school organization in this entire nation.
Hofstra's ONE has won two weekly challenges and garners massive points every week not because we take pictures of puppies, but because of the active participation of the members. ONE hosted a successful event for Global Day of Action against Poverty, recruited hundreds of people, sent in more than 100 letters to Congress, continues to effectively inform the campus of poverty statistics and more.
Currently, ONE is planning events for World AIDS Day. Dylan's puppy picture was a surprise win that we were lucky to have.
Winning challenges is exciting and seems irrelevant compared to fighting poverty, but it is a must to stimulate students. Who is to say that the Jubilee Act we fight for will work? But, then again, who is to say it will not? If members of ONE begin to take pessimistic views about what we can do, then we will never have a chance to eradicate poverty and fight AIDS. All we can do is stay positive and keep moving forward no matter where our actions take us.
I do not wish to criticize Leschak because I do believe that developed countries, especially ours, do not stand together enough to help those who truly need it. However, with opinions and policies aside, was it truly necessary to pick on a charitable organization such as ONE? Leschak may not have seen it as such, but ONE was singled out unfairly.
Before taking a backseat judgment on how ONE pursues its goals, why not come to one of the meetings or events? If Leschak is so concerned that ONE may be going on the wrong path in our own tactics, then come and help us. Actions speak louder than words. Leschak's words were unnecessary, but I bet that his drive to act-and anyone else's-will be greater fuel to end the unnecessary suffering.
To join or to just find out more, go to www.one.org. Instead of becoming the opponent of the only club on campus whose primary focus is on these issues, read, learn and take action.
Julia Matias is a junior psychology and speech communication student. You may e-mail her at jmatia1@pride.hofstra.edu.