Holy war

'Holy War' or 'Jihad' refers to war against infidels, those who either have different or no religious beliefs, says Dr. Kevin Breault, professor, sociology & anthropology. The term does not describe the positions of Iraq or the U.S., he notes, although Hussein may want to use the term for political leverage in spite of the fact that Iraq has been "remarkably secular over the years. Our position is much more akin to a moral and ethical war than a holy war and as such is a watershed event in history. We are motivated to prevent Hussein from using weapons of mass destruction and committing genocide."

Contact Breault at 615-898-2696 or H: 615-292-1663.
kbreault@mtsu.edu

Justification

Some say there is a parallel between Hussein and Hitler--that had Uncle Sam and others intervened sooner against Hitler, much bloodshed may have been prevented. Dr. Lon Nuell, art professor, and commissioner, Tennessee Commission on Holocaust Education, says there is no parallel. Hitler wanted to take land--Hussein has not done that, except for Kuwait, which was stopped. "Basing a pre-emptive strike on the presumption of aggression is wrong. But then, that is not the basis for Bush's action. It is the presumed use of chemical agents in an aggressive way ... maybe."

Contact Nuell at 615-898-2505.
lrnuell@mtsu.edu

Tunnel of Love or Pain

The theme is "Don't Be Fooled: STDs/STIs Have Many Faces." On April 1, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Tunnel of Love or Pain, winding its way through Dance Studios A & B in Murphy Center, will educate all those who enter. As visitors walk through the passages, they will view graphic displays, and volunteers will answer questions about the ravages of Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections. A room will be set aside for testing and counseling. Those who are 17 and older may attend; younger people must have parental permission. Sponsors include MTSU HPERS, Student Health Services, Rutherford County Health Dept., June Anderson Women's Center, Nashville Cares, Metro Davidson Health Dept. and Meharry Medical College. Open and free to everyone. Media welcomed.

Contact organizer Dr. Dianne Bartley at 615-898-2890.
dbartley@mtsu.edu

NEW MTSU SOUND BITES ARE AVAILABLE AT: http://www.mtsu.edu/~proffice/audio/audio_clips.html 1st TOPIC: Home Front Readiness: Smallpox MTSU is helping to recruit and train volunteers to participate in smallpox inoculation clinics in the event a case of smallpox is confirmed anywhere in the U.S. Ellen Gray, acting director for the Rutherford County Health Department, says the volunteers could be asked to perform a number of duties.
2nd TOPIC: MTSU Tornado Warning System MTSU's weather alert system installed two years ago worked like a charm when severe weather struck last week. Interspersed with the sound of the siren was a voice advising people out in the open that a tornado warning was in effect and they should seek shelter immediately. Public Safety Director Jack Drugmand says the system will NOT be used for national security alerts.

TR EXTRA: TODAY--Research scientist Dr. Carole Baldwin will talk about her Galapagos Islands research at 10 a.m. in the Business and Aerospace Building, Room S102. This is free and open. Media welcomed. TODAY--Poet David Kirby will present a public reading at 3:30 p.m. in the MTSU Alumni Center. Media welcomed.
TONIGHT--A benefit concert, sponsored by MTSU's June Anderson Women's Center, will take place at 8 p.m. at the Red Rose Coffee House & Bistro (528 W. College) in Murfreesboro, the proceeds of which will go to Domestic Violence, Inc. Bands will include Carolina Avenue, Exit 81, and Soon. Cover charge is $5. For more information, call 615-898-2193.
MARCH 30-APRIL 1--Eighth Annual Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference, "The Challenge Continues." Call the NPA office at 615-898-2919 for details regarding times and locations. Media welcomed.