COLUMNIST IS WELCOMED TO ARGUE VIEW ON RADIO

D. S. Perez's April 30 column, "Marijuana is a poison, should not be
legalized," suggests he should really get out more. Perhaps research is not
a subject taught by the journalism department. Perhaps sources are no longer
needed. Perhaps Perez was born under the wrong sign, nevermind a bad one. As
the host of "Naked Radio" on KSJS, 90.5 FM, I read his piece and called your
paper. I was told that he was there, but was not interested in coming on my
talk program and debating his opinions, which he boldly and with some
measure of self-importance, states publicly. When I asked if he would at
least come to the phone, I was told he was too busy.

As a news analyst and commentator, I express my opinions in an open forum 
that is, the phone lines are open and live while I opine and pontificate.

If Perez wishes to opine publicly on social and political subjects, he
should be willing to back them up in public and subject his views to open
and public debate. What's the matter, D.S., afraid to back up your views? I
extend my open invitation to you or to anyone you wish to champion you and
your opinions to come in live to my show, any Thursday you want, 5 p.m. to 7
p.m.

Your readers have a right to know, Mr. Perez, whether you merely expound the
mainstream line in the hopes of establishing yourself someday with the
mainstream mediocre media. Too bad. You're missing a great opportunity. This
is college, your last chance at freedom of speech before you completely sell
out. But I fear that for you, Mr. Perez, it is too late.

A person who seeks public forum is and must be accountable for their
opinions and must be ready to debate them, if only for their own
intellectual curiosity. I'm waiting for you, Mr. Perez.

Arquimedes Garcia host/producer Naked Radio  KSJS