The Skyline Newspaper

Cartoon: Created and Designed by Jonathan Smith, Sul Ross Senior

An Answer to a question You’re Sure to Be Asked This Semester

By Trey Darby
Skyline Editor

“What is critical thinking?”

You’ve probably been asked, or will be asked, this question in one, a few, or all of your classes this semester.  And you will definitely be expected to do it in every class, regardless of whether you know what it means or not. 

But don’t worry, even if you’re not quite sure what the term means, ideally, since you’ve come to college (and perhaps before that), you’ve already been doing it anyway.

When we attempt to answer “word problems” in a math class, discuss the pros and cons of a “majority” versus a “plurality” in political science, and read “Brave New World” from a feminist perspective (hey, why not!), we are looking for more than accepted or expected answers – we are thinking critically.

Yes, but what is it, exactly?

In a class last semester, we spent the majority of the period discussing what critical thinking was.  We defined and re-defined the term, argued our opinion of it, and (some) even changed our minds about it.  In all these forms, we were thinking critically.

So, the answer might be…

One of the first steps in knowing anything is to define it.  Having my own idea of what the words critical and thinking meant was a start.  However, a start is obviously not a solution.  So, being an English major, my own first step, regardless of the subject, is to always pick up a dictionary and find out what the words in question really mean. 

Critical.  Thinking.  Easy enough… 

To critique has negative connotations, but it shouldn’t.  According to Merriam-Webster, one definition of critical is “requiring careful judgment.”  The same reference defines think, as “[having] as an opinion, [reflecting] on.”

Therefore, critical thinking is simply the careful judgment of an opinion (one’s own or another’s), and it always deserves further reflection (ie: more time spent thinking about it).

David Johnson’s recent article on flags (believe me, I too am asking if this subject will ever disappear) and its published responses are an unintended, yet perfect example of critical thinking. 

Johnson expressed an opinion on a still touchy subject, and through their responses, other students expressed their own opinions on said subject.  Regardless of whether or not any opinions were strengthened, changed, or even influenced, all these students took part in a dialogue of sorts that hopefully educated us as readers, about, and opened our minds to, other ways of thinking, far beyond the issue of flags. 

The latest response (published in this issue) to Johnson’s “flag” article, from Caleb Waters, even provided this editor some unexpected luck:  “I suggest you read some history books, and use your critical thinking skills,” Waters, who has obviously already familiarized himself with the term, addressed other contributors.  Despite our own assumptions, a consideration of other opinions beyond our own will not hinder, but only enhance, our own understanding of any subject.

So now you have an answer and many examples to the question, “What is critical thinking?”  

But don’t assume that anything I’ve said – or Merriam Webster has said – to be the final word on critical thinking.  And, don’t assume anything anyone ever says about anything is the final word on any matter. 

Listen to them, reflect on what they’ve said, consider your own opinions, seek the thoughts and opinions of others, and study the actual facts on the issue (but even be wary of facts).  Simply think critically about, and even beyond, every topic.

In the process, your own opinion might become stronger.

Or it might even be changed.

In Response to “Flags” and the Responses to “Flags”

By Caleb Waters
Student

Miguel de Cervantes’s fictional character Don Quixote said, “Facts are the enemy of the truth.”  I believe this statement sums up well what Mr. Johnson and his unrivaled admirers all tried to say.

While Mr. Johnson obviously has a jaded view of the Confederacy and the Deep South, he neglected to point out how New York businessmen profited in the millions from the slave trade.  He also did not point out how white men in the North kidnapped free black Americans and sold them into slavery.  Not that I have anything against Mr. Johnson, but I would like to hear what he believes the true meaning behind the American flag is.

Some people may think it symbolizes freedom; I believe it symbolizes capitalism - freedom to make as much money as you can and then make people with less money do whatever you tell them to.  A great example of this is La Entrada.

I found the most interesting comment made against Mr. Johnson was by the writer who made sure to point out how slavery has existed since biblical times and during the 19th century it was completely legal.  Then he reaffirmed that slavery was legal, just in case we did not catch it the first time.

My interpretation of his statements was that the author was trying to tell me that the Holocaust was illegal, therefore worse then slavery, which was legal.  The Atlantic slave trade brought more then eleven million Africans to the Americas, most of them went to the sugar plantations of the Caribbean and Brazil, but not all of them.  Cramped into small confines, these Africans defecated and vomited on each other, because there was nowhere else to do it.

How many died, or were “jettisoned” will never be known.  Some estimate well into the millions.  If you are unfamiliar with the term “jettison,” this refers to throwing Africans overboard to ensure that there were enough supplies for the crew and whichever slaves would be worth the most money to survive.

Be sure not to forget that eleven million people were removed from a single continent.  What were the results of this?  Look at Africa today and see.

The fact that humans survived either the Holocaust or slavery is a remarkable testament to both groups of people that endured such destitution.  These are not the only times in history when a select group of humans have been put through unimaginable hardships by an oppressor, so try to keep in mind that humans have a record of being cruel to all kinds of people, not just Jews and Africans.

One of the writers who responded to Mr. Johnson claimed, “Never in American history have we committed genocide.” If you are not satisfied that our furthering of slavery aided in killing many, many Africans, or the Native American plight qualify as genocide, I am very sorry.

The same writer said Virginia native Thomas Jefferson freed his slaves. Jefferson did not free all his slaves, in fact he had children with his slaves and he did not even free all of his illegitimate children.

Also, the writer took great care in mentioning that the men who died at the Alamo were mostly Southern.  She did not bother to mention that the men at the Alamo, whether they knew it or not, were fighting for slavery.  In Mexico, slavery was illegal, but fear not because they defeated the evil slave-hating Mexicans and eventually fulfilled their dream of joining the slave-happy United States of America.  I suggest you read some history books, and use your critical thinking skills.

If you do not find it in your interest to listen to me, then maybe you should take up the great southern tradition of respecting your elders.  I am sure you would listen to the insight of Dr. Saka or Professor Johnson (not to be confused with Mr. Johnson), which I encourage you to do.

From Pitchers to Politicians: Views from a Left-Winger

Steve Lang
News And Publications

“I may be persuaded to run for the public office.”

“Oh, dear god!... I mean, you can be assured of my vote.”

-Dialogue between Chief Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers) and former Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) in “The Pink Panther Strikes Again”

Looking for polecats? Try the dictionary, between pitchers and politicians.

Nearly 30 years ago, I stepped down from public office, but kept pitching baseballs for another five or six years, and my viewpoints ever after.

Just last week, a former pitcher named Castro stepped down as President of Cuba and Commander-in-Chief of its military forces. How long he will continue to hurl his influence remains to be seen.

One can only speculate how Western Hemisphere - and global politics - may have been altered had the Washington Senators signed Fidel to a contract in the late 1940s.

Castro, at the time, was scouted by Washington in hopes of having him make mound appearances every four days. Back then, Washington was touted as “first in war, first in peace and last in the American League.”

Instead, lacking the Big League fastball, Castro grew a beard, over-ran a dictatorship, established his own Communist regime, and for almost 50 years, delivered speeches as long as the average Major League baseball game.

Castro’s reign spanned 10 U.S. Presidents and 19 different World Series champions, none of them from Washington.

I maintain the step from professional sports/entertainment to politics is at best lateral and often downward.

Lefthander Wilmer David “Vinegar Bend” Mizell, spent six years in the U.S. Congress after reaching the peak - a World Series championship with Pittsburgh in 1960 - and tumbling into the valley - ending his career with the first-year, last-place New York Mets in 1962.

Vinegar Bend, (nicknamed for his Alabama home town), compiled a 90-88 won-lost record over nine years in the Majors. He may be best known for an observation made when Neil Armstrong stepped on the Moon just six months into his first Congressional term.

“If he finds something round and white up there, it might be a home run ball I served up.”

Meanwhile, a Hall of Fame pitcher named Jim Bunning still labors in the U.S. Senate. Bunning won 224 games, over 100 in each league, struck out over 1,000 batters in both the American and National Leagues, and pitched no-hitters in each circuit. His durability and consistency earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

As a Congressman and Senator, he has been durable as well, but thankfully, not flamboyant. He appears to take public service seriously and focuses on Social Security issues. Unlike Castro, he doesn’t talk much.

I once believed I was destined for the “pooblic aahfis,” as Sellers/Clouseau so comically accented.

Be careful what you wish for, I learned.

Like Bunning and Mizell, my political stature essentially paralleled my baseball skills: Hall of Famer/Senator; average Major Leaguer/Congressman; beer league southpaw/city councilman.

I briefly achieved mediocrity both on the playing field and in the political arena, before my abilities plummeted like Enron stock. Like Mizell, I served up home run balls that bounced into neighboring zip codes and if records could be checked, I probably won as many games as I lost playing teams from Urbank, Millerville, Cannon Falls, Milroy, Marshall, Morris, Glenwood, Kensington, Elk River, Wood Lake, Barrett and Ashby.

On the governmental side, I once received a letter calling for $50,000 in damages and the impeachment of the Mayor and city attorney on a charge of false accusation, harassment, and other infractions. All of these actions would commence as soon as the would-be plaintiff attended and received his law degree from a California university later found to be non-existent.

Compared to Castro, my tenure saw no Bay of Pigs, just a minor controversy over awarding a landfill contract. No Boat Lifts, just enactment of a public transit system. No World Series or Presidential handshakes, only a state tournament or two and an introduction to the former Mayor of St. Paul.

What do you expect for just two years’ service? It would have taken me that much time to grow a beard as long as Fidel’s.

Steve Lang throws left-handed while struggling to remain in his right mind.

Responsible Underage Drinking?

Nurse John Hughes
Guest Columnist

A letter
By Antonio Tovar

Being an under age student myself, at times I wonder, “Am I being irresponsible by drinking?”  Of course, every time I ask myself or someone else the question, the answer is no.  But then again, what exactly is “responsible underage drinking?” 

Previously, the answer to that question would have been rather simple for me to answer.  Even when a person is under age, there can be such a thing as being a responsible drinker.  Responsible in a manner of being safe, which would imply not driving, doing something stupid, or carrying on with behavior that may put you or others in danger.  Of course that sounds simple, and I’m sure that if asked, nearly all minors would agree with being responsible drinkers. 

After a few months of having several encounters with drinking and its consequences, I have come to question exactly how responsible a person can be while drinking.  After observing drinking trends and looking back on my own past experiences, another question arises, “Why do minors drink?”  As a minor myself, I know I drink to have fun.  Most of the time having fun means going to parties, hanging out with friends, dancing at local clubs etc.  So if you are doing all these things while drinking to have fun, how responsible are you being?  Ask yourself one question when you’re hanging out with your friends having a beer: “How many do you drink before you say you’ve had enough?”  Personally, I know whenever I am drinking with my friends it’s very rare for any of us to drink less than two beers each.  I know for a fact that whenever we buy beer we finish it the same night simply because we are minors and we can’t keep it.  So why do we as minors drink?  I’ve come to think the answer is to get buzzed or drunk. 

Of course, everyone has different opinions on the topic, especially older members of the community, but I don’t think there is such a thing as a straight right answer.  What a person has to wonder, mainly minors, is exactly how responsible are you being if you’re an underage drinker?

Health Services response
By John Hughes

Is underage drinking any different from overage drinking? Violation of state drinking law would not be the single answer to this question. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the brain continues to develop into the mid-twenties.

Alcohol consumption can negatively impact this growing mind resulting in potential life-long learning deficits. Another difference is that minors purposely drink in excess for the thrill of being drunk, as though somehow their overindulgence crowns them the life of the party. If the individual survives, they’ll quickly find that the least of their problems is a nasty hangover.

Aggressive behavior, life-altering accidents, suicide, rape, unplanned pregnancy, STDs and alcohol poisoning, are more prevalent among underage drinkers. For these reasons, Mr. Tovar’s question is well asked, “… how responsible are you being if you’re an under age drinker?”

Faculty response
By Michelle Lynn Selk

When I think about my upcoming Spring Break (yes, faculty enjoy this time as much as students) I think about everything that I need to accomplish: grading, unpacking, prepping, sleeping, hanging out with the dog, and so on.

What the Alcohol and Other Drug Coalition (AOD) has forced me to also think about is the safety of our Sul Ross students, especially when one looks at the statistics, the stories, and the Facebook pages and sees how dangerous Spring Break, or college life in general, can be. 

At a recent AOD meeting, we were presented with an article written by a student on her [his] perspective of alcohol consumption and the meaning of the word “responsible.”  In looking back at my own past behavior, I realize that I wasn’t taught what that word means in relation to certain social activities.  I never had a talk with my parents about responsible drinking, drug use, or the proverbial “birds and the bees.” 

In looking at the issue now, I believe that being responsible is being educated, aware, and accountable: educated in knowing the law; aware in knowing your limits; and accountable in knowing that your actions have consequences--if not for you then possibly for those around you.

Have I demonstrated responsibility with every choice I’ve ever made?

Absolutely not.  Do I still make mistakes?  Yes, but thankfully the frequency has greatly decreased as I understand education, awareness, and accountability--as I understand what it means to be responsible.  Even at my age I am still learning and growing, and I reserve the right to do so until the day I die. 

So please, be safe, know and respect your limits, and surround yourself with good people who have your best interests at heart.

Letter to Editor

Dear Editor,

This past weekend several of us from the ReViva Collective traveled from Alpine to San Antonio to attend a NO AL MURO/ NO WALL conference hosted by the Southwest Workers Union. It was an incredible experience.

People gathered from all over the country, including two from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Working together in an energetic environment and hearing so many new ideas and perspectives was enlightening and empowering. We met all day on Saturday and then in the morning on Sunday. On the last day we recorded resolutions that we as a group agreed on together. I would like to share some of the issues with the people of West Texas [Editor’s note: this list has been shortened due to lack of space]:

The border wall is an act of violence against human beings, our communities and the environment.

The border wall degrades international relations.

The border wall is a concentration of genocide against indigenous peoples and an act of apartheid.

The border wall is part of a strategy to oppress and exploit workers impoverished by neo-liberal free trade agreements.

Law enforcement policies are not resolutions to immigration policies including militarization raids and detention centers.

The border wall is a physical manifestation of a broader strategy to oppress people.

Walls are a concentration of failed immigrations policies.

We call for solidarity from people’s movements within the US and across Latin America.

We believe in cultural dignity.

We call for restoration of border rivers.

Effective economic policies do not require walls.

Demandamos justicia.

We are planning on hosting a Big Bend Border conference in April. Visit www.revivacollective.org for more information.

Sincerely, Johanna Nelson

Whee!, I Love Skipping

By David Johnson
Skyline Contributor

Not class, Dr. Lister. The other kind. The transportation kind.

Everyone must have skipped as a child. If you didn’t, you may as well have not had a childhood. I certainly skipped. Oh, I ran, too, I spun in circles, did handstands, cartwheels, hung upside-down, but really it’s skipping that still calls to me, skipping I never outgrew. I walk most places I go, you can do that here, but I’d rather be skipping instead.

I’d skip everywhere if I could, skip nowhere just to go. Make a point to travel on foot, schedule it if I had to.

It’s a very fine form of travel, skipping. It’s quite fast, good for exercise, and lifts the spirits as much as the legs. If I were in a hurry, I could skip there, smile in my eyes, whistle on my lips, and arms swinging in rhythm, and arrive on time, too, outpacing all worries. If I could I would, but I can’t and don’t.

No, when I’m in a hurry, I look at my watch, furrow my brow, and walk faster, frowning. Few things are more unpleasant than walking fast to get somewhere. It feels like a grumpy chore--in other words, “grown up.” So terribly, tragically grown up.

But I have to because to do otherwise would be queer.

Not in a gay way. I could kiss my homosexual lover in public and the response would be, “Oh, he is sexually attracted to other men,” but if I was caught giving my girlfriend an erotic massage with my tongue, pulled out an issue of “Hustler,” and skipped away, the most effeminate flamer would think, “What a queer.”

It just isn’t allowed in a grown up world. Too pointless, and more importantly, too joyful. There’s something in us that hates seeing someone else significantly happier than we are, some jealousy that turns our eyes green at the sight of too much fun.

It’s amazing, these mores. A liar, an adulterer, a thief--as long as he or she wasn’t harming us, we would have no problem being on friendly terms with the person. But a skipper (of the boat-less variety)? Who would be caught dead talking to him? Who would admit to sitting down to lunch with her?

Better to befriend a leper than a known skipper.

I’ll never skip again. Not at night, not in the wilderness, not at a playground surrounded by children doing it, not drunk with pants full of salty piss. It would be too embarrassing. But I hope I never stop wanting to, either.

In that case, I might as well be dead.