I am writing to offer my support to the "man on trial" Mike Ramsey, the infamous State News cartoonist.

I was appalled as I strolled down Grand River Avenue last week to see students gathered outside the State News building toting magic-marker-written signs stating "Fire Ramsey" and handing out yellow ribbons as well as copies of Ramsey's cartoon along with a statement declaring it as "anti-American" and asking for an apology.

I believe Ramsey to be right-on in acknowledging the abuse prisoners in Abu Ghraib face(d) and as clear evidence of the exploitive cruelties of some American soldiers we saw in the disgusting photographs shown on the CBS "60 Minutes" special.

And for those who didn't see the American soldiers walking prisoners on leashes, threatening them with vicious dogs, and standing behind naked, masked, bloody prisoners giving the thumbs up sign — wicked grins spread across their faces — I suggest you use your resources and seek out that information for it will disgust you and forever alter your idea of America's fair and humane facilities.

If that isn't enough evidence, the woman responsible for the military jails in Iraq has been suspended and at least six American soldiers face charges for their despicable actions.

This is not to say that all American soldiers participate in this evil behavior and I don't believe that Ramsey was trying to make a blanket statement covering all American servicemen and women. Also, I can see how some might be upset because the cartoon was published on Veterans Day — however the cartoon did not show veterans in any type of negative light.

Above all else, whether you agree or disagree with Ramsey, he holds the same right which we all do, and that is his freedom of speech.

As The State News says in "Your right" (SN 11/15), "Without it, our society lacks the means to discuss controversial issues and share opinions without being censored. This provides us with the opportunity to engage in debates that are critical to a democratic society."

So debate on, but I would encourage people to research what they are so adamantly against before insisting on apologies and threatening one's job.

And Mike, cartoon on.

Vanessa Lenae Notman
English sophomore