Letter to Editor by Mark Rouse
There’s an elephant in the room that the university has failed to address in regards to the new Wildcat Lodge. Coal is an inanimate object. It doesn’t think or feel or voice its opinion on any matter. It’s coal.
The people who mine coal are a different story.
Historically, they’ve worked in dark cramped underground spaces to get this inanimate object out of the ground so we can burn it and have a cheap source of energy.
I understand why the “Craft Center†has such a name; it’s named in honor the individual who donated the most money for the facility to be built.
If the university truly wants to honor the coal miners who have made sacrifices to the Commonwealth then don’t name the building after an intimate object.
The Steelers are not called the Steel or the molten ore. Instead, the team is named in honor of those individuals who sacrificed their lives to work in the harsh conditions of the steel industry.
The Wildcats symbolize to the Commonwealth what the Steelers symbolize to Western Pennsylvania. Both teams are a source of inspiration and hope for their supporters who traditionally have not come from the most prosperous areas of the nation.
Though not everyone may respect coal, I think all respect the sacrifice coal miner’s have made to the Commonwealth. Instead of honoring an intimate object, honor the people themselves. Name the new lodge the “Coal Miner’s Wildcat Lodge.â€
Mark Rouse
Third Year Law Student, Student Government Senator
Mark Rouse,
I just read your “letter to editor”, above, for the first time after reading several others on this subject, and commenting on several. I can honestly say that I should have read your opinion first. It is the only one that takes a middle of the road approach that both the UK Board AND “Difference Makers” should read and act upon. The donation and building under consideration should be an event cheered by all. After all, the largest private gift in the history of UK should be an occasion to be remembered and welcomed with open arms by EVERYONE.
Naming it after the coal miners could be the middle of the road approach that should be cheered by all.
Stan B
Why should you name something after people who were too stupid to find good jobs? How about honoring people who accomplish something and contribute to society.