A nuclear Iran poses many direct threats to the United States, and must be stopped.

A nuclear Iran would very easily tip the balance of power between anti-U.S. and pro-U.S. Middle Eastern nations completely against us, and America would have to do everything in its power to make up for this drastic power turn. In addition, nuclear capability gives Iran the ability to enhance and support terrorists that already have an eye on the U.S. troops. This instills a huge threat to the safety of both our troops abroad and America directly.

Should Iran get nuclear weapons, other countries including Saudi Arabia and Egypt have already expressed they would follow suit and develop such weapons. How does that affect the U.S. if all of these activities are happening thousands of miles away? The increase of even a single anti-American country developing nuclear weapons means that terrorists will likely be able to access these weapons. Furthermore, a multi-national arms race would become a reality, permanently increasing international instability.

Should Iran become nuclear, Middle Eastern countries will be pressured to succumb to Iranian influence. This means that any progress or relationships we have or could potentially have with Arab countries will deteriorate. America would be no longer viewed as the world’s superpower by preventing Iran from getting to such a dangerous point.

This is by no means an issue that we as Americans can afford to overlook. There is a complete consensus amongst international intelligence agencies that Iran is doing something they should not do — that will not only adversely affect America, but the rest of the world as well. It is essential that we be proactive about this incredibly pressing issue and use all of the power we have to prevent Iran from becoming nuclear.

— Rachel Mayer,
_freshman studying public management and policy _

In response to the April 26 column titled “Don’t trust study that finds people with tattoos drink more”:

I know a lot of people with tattoos who are “straight edge,” meaning they don’t drink, do drugs or engage in promiscuity. So there.

— Pati Urias

Tats are for sailors; otherwise don’t do it. Tatted girls especially are gross.
Get temporary tats, then you can change it up as your mood and intelligence increases. Or sell ads!

— James Gordon Patterson

In response to the April 26 column titled “Arizona athletes’ arrests show how college sports’ culture needs to change”:

Caution should be used when naming specific individuals.

Mr. Dean transferred to Kingsville with the understanding that his second chance came with a very short leash.

He was utilizing his opportunity very well, until he suffered a season ending injury midway through the season. He remained in school and a part of his new team, encouraging them on the sidelines while on crutches.

His offense at Arizona resulted in a $200 fine and a diversion course, which would result in charges being waived upon completion. (Let’s not lump all charges/accusations together, violent felony charges are a totally different matter).

Should all students be kicked out of school and lose their scholarships for misdemeanor offenses?
If so, college campuses across the nation will have plenty of open seats, including some in journalism classes.

— Curious George