In response to Adam Zmick’s “Four stages of recovery” (Nov. 11) and Kiyoshi Martinez’s “Moving On” (Nov. 9), you both make good points, but something is missing. You say accept it, keep working for the future, but what suggestions do you offer? I have a concrete answer to that question.

Join the Student American Civil Liberties Union (www.uiuc.edu/ro/aclu). Prior to the election, we sent out a mass e-mail, ran an ad in the DI (thanks DI), and put up fliers spreading the word about voter rights. I’m extremely proud of that campaign, and I’m also proud to say we have a post-election plan.

We are outraged that 11 states allowed the majority to restrict the rights of a minority through anti-gay marriage ballot initiatives. The ACLU will be challenging the constitutionality of these amendments. Locally, we will be lobbying our senators and representatives to oppose similar measures in Illinois or on the federal level.

The Bush administration wants to take away a woman’s right to choose. The pro-choice movement is a huge effort supported by the ACLU and our group will continue sponsoring and co-sponsoring events that promote a woman’s right to choose.

We refuse to let the Patriot Act spit on our Bill of Rights and yank away the checks and balances that the fairness of our government depends on. The ACLU has taken a strong stance for amending the act. In March, our student chapter is bringing Richard Clarke, a counter-terrorism insider, to campus for a lecture on maintaining safety and freedom.

We need the help of members of this campus to carry our message and take a stand for civil liberties. Forget Zmick’s fourth step of acceptance and do something.

Nellie Waddell

Junior in communication