The first story ("Blaze may hint of hate crime") discusses a fire, possibly arson, that destroyed a trailer used to teach foreign students at Hillcrest School. The second story, actually a letter to the editor ("SLT resolutions") by Gary Stussie, promises that the author will honk every time he drives by Haskell Indian Nations University, because HINU has failed to "support" their host community's efforts to build the South Lawrence Trafficway. Mr. Stussie did not explicitly encourage other SLT proponents to follow his lead, but many people undoubtedly read his letter as a call to honk. The two stories' common theme is the use of intimidation against those from different cultures.
Few in Lawrence endorse arson (if such the Hillcrest fire proves to be) as a means of personal expression. I hope that equally few would endorse Mr. Stussie's plan.
Even ignoring the fact that HINU's opposition to the SLT has been spottier than Mr. Stussie suggests, he is wrong to threaten HINU. First, the host community is split over the trafficway; many people in the community (including me) would rather preserve the Baker Wetlands than pave them. I think our Native American neighbors have much to teach us about the importance of nature: After nine years living in Lawrence, I still cannot fathom Kansans' inability to find value in those small parts of the state that agriculture and urban sprawl have not used up.
Second, Mr. Stussie and his fellow-honkers (if any) risk breaking the law: Making excessive or unreasonably loud noise, a city prosecutor told me, could result in charges for disturbing the peace, or, possibly, if HINU classes are disrupted, disorderly conduct.
Third, I consulted with two experts on acoustic intimidation (door-slamming, screaming, whining, etc.). Both disagree with Mr. Stussie's threatened actions. The 5-year-old expert commented, "It doesn't make any sense." The 8-year-old expert said, "Really dumb. Mean."
I agree.
T. John Rosen,
Lawrence
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