Dear Editor:
I recently picked up your December, 1998 issue. I have a real concern regarding throwing the word "cult" around when it was this accusation, spread by "The Cult Awareness Network (CAN)." that got the Branch Davidians attacked and immolated. "The Cult Awareness Network, which was headed by ex CIA operatives, still working hand in glove with federal police agencies, agitated for months behind the scenes for an attack on the Davidians. It was also the CAN that sicced the FBI on the leftist New Alliance Party, calling them "an armed and dangerous cult" while it turned out they were only running candidates for office.
Later, when "The Cult Awareness Network" took on the Church of Scientology, the CoS fought back, eventually bankrupting and acquiring "The Cult Awareness Network." Apparently all of the money they take in has been put to some good use.
I know Roahn Wynar. Like a cult leader himself he has "charm and presence" and has developed a following for his "disinformation" articles in the Daily Texan and in other forums. In his article on cults, he never says that there is no supernatural realm at all to which reference can be made. But if that is his position, then any person or group that believes there is a supernatural realm will be found wanting by him. Likewise, if there is a supernatural realm than it cannot be accessed or judged by the scientific method--because that is like trying to add up a column figures with a typewriter, you are using the wrong tool.
This article points out that the cost of becoming an "Avatar Wizard" is $20,000 and $100,000 to complete the CoS "Bridge to Total Freedom" course. And "Once you are a 'Wizard' you are licensed the right to teach Avatar courses. For money." No mention is made of how much it costs to complete a Ph.D. in physics or that afterward one will be "licensed" to work as a scientist, in physics, for money. The big difference is that the selling of New Age belief is free market. Mr. Wynar, on the other hand, will get an education at UT paid for by the taxpayer and mostly, for the rest of his life, if he works in physics, he will be paid by tax money either directly in government grants (most science is done for government, these days) or through the defense industry.
As for your publication itself, I see the "dissent." Where is the "constructive". Contumacy reminds me of what James Madison wrote, about a different book, "Men of learning find nothing new in it; men of taste many things to criticize."
Sincerely,
Gene Stevens


Dear Editor:
I just finished reading your latest issue and had to write and let you know how much I enjoy Contumacy. As chairman of Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) at UT a decade ago, I learned that effectiveness can often be measured by the volume and intensity of one’s adversaries. Judging from the reaction chronicled in your pages, you are doing a great job!
I can’t figure out what I enjoy more: the perpetual "Pete and Ben Watch" (some day they will surprise you and sign that pledge, I just know it), the humorous cartoons, Wes Wynne’s take-no-prisoners style, Roahn Wynar’s investigative journalism (and enjoyable writing style), the many humorous pieces, the book reviews, or your own hard-hitting, well written articles. I often laugh out loud at the antics employed in your paper. Bravo!
In addition to its ability to entertain, your publication serves a vital purpose -- providing provocative thought and commentary to thousands of students who would otherwise be in the dark. Your use of humor and biting wit keeps their attention long enough to drive home important points on today’s hot issues. I am sure a substantial part of the student body looks forward to each issue.
I hope you will continue writing about the important issues that face our country, especially the slaughter of the innocent through abortion. My conversations with the youth of today indicate that we are winning the battle in educating the next generation about this vital cause.
I wish you the best of luck and hope that Contumacy will continue for many years to come. Please do your best in welcoming additional great minds to write, edit, and publish this paper.
Paul S. Bartley MPA 1990