World unites after Columbia disaster

The word “tragedy” has unfortunately become common. It’s associated with grief, yet it holds meaning for every individual. In the last three years, the word has been repeatedly redefined.

But can tragedy become a unifying force through which peace is found?

Saturday, tragedy was again redefined. The flight of the shuttle Columbia went terribly wrong and shocked the United States and the world.

The unprejudiced work of science unites all races. Space travel has affected every nation, and through it every race has contributed to the advancement of mankind.

How I can say “every race” and “advancement of mankind” in the same sentence, especially during these unstable days?

Consider this: Advancement is not always the result of positive intentions and outcomes. A mistake can lead to grave circumstances, but it doesn’t necessarily lose its potential to teach.

Seven precious lives were lost. Now a grieving nation is joined by the rest of the world. At a time when attention is focused on resolving international arguments, it takes a tragedy to realize that we are vulnerable.

Much can be learned from Columbia’s diverse and courageous crew. Unimpeded by international borders, five men and two women defined unity.

It’s sad to think that all nations, not just the United States, can hold so much confusion. It’s sad to think that it takes a global tragedy to unite the world. And it’s sad to think — but encouraging to know — that mankind can unite when it desperately needs to.

Bethany Pastorial

Nashville freshman

Martinez deserved more credit

I enjoyed the Herald’s “Commemorative Championship Edition” that celebrated Western’s football championship.

In reviewing the game at Western Illinois, the Herald wrote:

“Two fourth-quarter touchdowns gave Peter Martinez a chance at redemption after missing two field goals earlier in the game. He connected on a 25-yarder with 40 seconds left to seal the win.”

This is the only mention of Martinez I found in your entire edition. If you review the Western Illinois and Georgia Southern games, you will see that Martinez’s “golden toe” made for more than the margin of victory.

At some point, someone will write a book about this championship season. I am certain that when he or she reviews the entire season, Martinez will be included on the short list of Most Valuable Players.

Charles D. Williams

Munfordville

Employees need parking spaces

Editor’s note: The following is in response to Brandi Banniza’s letter to the editor, “Parking rules should apply to everyone,” which appeared in the Jan. 30 edition of the Herald.

At least it was daylight when Brandi Banniza was looking for a parking space.

The BSA staff rises at 2:30 each work day in order to report to work at 4 a.m. We walk from the Diddle lot in the dark each morning. The faculty/staff parking spaces at Diddle cost $65 yearly. Our average salary is nearly $15,000 a year.

We have single parents and families on staff that can’t afford the required parking fee. These employees are forced to park as far away as Kentucky Street and walk in the dark, sometimes during rain, wind, snow and ice.

Our committee asked several months before school started that a level of the parking structure be reserved for staff coming to work at 4 a.m. We were told that there would be no problems with parking in the structure when school started.

Guess what? On the first day of school, no spaces were empty. None have been available, on any day, since school has been in session.

I’m sure Banniza’s age is around 20 years. We have several staff members who are at least 50 years her senior who walk the Hill and back again just to clock in and out at Facilities Management.

I know we are only the people who pick up the trash and clean the toilets, but we deserve respect, even if we don’t pay tuition. Also, there are several employees who attend classes in the afternoon and evenings who do pay tuition.

Margaret Lillard

BSA staff

Western Kentucky University