Is everybody an Indian?

I read the article on "Graduate leads ... Indian Culture" and I was very impressed by it. Truly, that life is educative and entertaining.

However, I have a question. I am an Indian (a country in Asia), and I want to know the meaning of "Indian." To me, it just means being my countrymen, but I have seen that the native Americans are called Indians and now I learn that the native tribes in South America are also called by the same name. Is there a particular reason to do so?

I would be very happy if the author of the article, Kimberly Wheatley, would help me with the answer to my query.

Anu Mysore

Wheatley responds:

The article refers to the Bora Indians in South America. Morgan Smith, the expedition project leader and a 1953 graduate of FSU, said the early Spanish explorers named the people of the Americas Indians because they believed they had reached India.

"The misnomer has stuck and is now accepted as OK," Smith said. "Personally, I prefer Nativ
e American or First American, also by chosen tribal name (i.e. Seminole, Miccosukee, etc.)."

You can write Smith at 298 Old Ware Road, Wetumpka, Ala. 36092 or phone him at 334-567-7827.

Critics might be Gator fans


Regarding W. Schave's and J. Engstrom's letters in the Vol. 1, No.5, edition, I'd like to know: Where do these people come from? Although they may be making valid points, I'd like to ask them, "Why the attitude?"

Both my husband and I are FSU grads (from different times) and both of us, independently, cherish our precious years at Florida State and have a real love for the university. I can't see where Mr. Schave and Mr. Engstrom are true and loyal fans. In fact, I haven't discounted the fact that they could be Gator fans in disguise.

I'm not saying that as fans, we must be blind. But, as a loving parent does with his/her child, if we feel our university is straying onto the wrong path, we don't condemn it and threaten to "cut it off." Although, it would be good riddance for FSU to part company with these two. Rather, we should suggest and initiate change in a supportive way.

I am concerned when I read articles concerning anything negative regarding FSU. One reason I chose to attend FSU rather than other universities is that I felt a warmth at FSU I didn't feel any other place. Even one of my cousins, who attended both FSU and UF (and is a Gator fan), admitted that, as far as the people she dealt with at both schools, the FSU administration, professors and other school officials, FSU exhibited more genuine care and compassion.

Also, after living several years in Miami, I was very much aware of how "non­p;collegiate" the program at the University of Miami was. Their big­p;business image and personality went against my values and everything I held in high regard with FSU. I was proud that my school was not like that.

Now that success has blessed our school, I hope that greed does not ruin my university for me. I hope that FSU can hold onto those decent and noble values that have embodied the university throughout its history.

Julie Ronci
Ormond Beach


Is FSTimes recyclable?


In the latest issue of the Florida State Times, I found these articles of greatest interest: Graduate Leads Expeditions to the Amazon (I've been there myself), Gamelan/Balinese Music at FSU (I love this music), and Weider figured out how Napoleon died (seems wise to study the forces that drive and infringe on history).

The rest of the material in the Florida State Times was "ho hum" for me, but I enjoy seeing the fine job of producing it, which you do.

A plea: put this on recycled paper and use soy-based inks in order to reduce damage to the environment!

F. Carroll English
Stelle, Ill.
Class of 1954

(Recyclable? see next letter)

Can't you use recyclable paper for your publication? It seems a terrible waste, when university policy currently stresses recycling, that I and every other staff and faculty member have to just throw the "Times" away after reading it. Is the "glossy" finish really necessary? I, for one, would rather have an effort made to reduce what seems like a considerable waste of FSU money and resources.

Please do not consider this letter a "put down" of the Florida State Times. It contains some very informative and important articles and stories, and I appreciate the opportunity to express my opinion to you.

Thank you, and I hope that the next issue and every other one after it will be a reusable resource.

Karen J. Wells
Sr. Word Processor
Department of Economics
Florida State University

Pam Morris, FSU publications director, responds:

This is recycled and recyclable paper, the most cost-effective paper stock for the four-color reproduction our advertisers need.


Bring back the magazine

I know I am not the only alumnus who is displeased with the decision to replace Florida State Magazine with Florida State Times.

The glitzy replacement ignores most alumni except those who are either astronauts or movie stars. Surely, you are aware that there are legions of alumni who have become successful in Academe, business, medicine, the arts, the armed forces, and many other fields. Your only concession to them are the all-too-brief and tardy "News Notes."

If you expand your coverage about alumni, you might be more successful in your fund­p;raising campaigns. I would think that would be sufficient motivation.

I used to look forward to the days when I received my copy of Florida State Magazine. It brought me closer to my alma mater. Now, when I receive Florida State Times, I read it in a few minutes and throw it away. It makes little impact on me.

Richard C. Lukas, Ph.D., L.H.D.
Punta Gorda


Reader likes FSTimes

Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading two of the articles in your recent issue of the Florida State Times. Mr. D'Alemberte's article was right on the money; we need more positive press like that for the university. The President and his wife stopped by a tailgate party we were having after a football game just long enough to answer a few questions, shake a few hands, and sign a media guide. He won several supporters in the span of just a few minutes.

The article by Charlie Barnes was delightful; we had the honor of meeting Charlie and his wife in an "elevator chat" at the Orange Bowl back in January, and he's as animated in person as he is in print. Charlie makes an excellent representative for our university.

Keep up the good work with the Florida State Times. We really enjoy reading it.

Sam Bennett
ccmail@orl.mmc.com


Letters to the editor will be published in full to the extent that space permits. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, grammar, relevance and taste, but not for content. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Address letters to: The Editor, Florida State Times, 121 Westcott, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-2034; or fax them to 904-644-6546; or e-mail to mleonard@westcott.wes.fsu.edu