Football team finally played like ‘Junkyard Dawgs’

Congratulations to the University of Georgia football TEAM for playing such a fine and complete game. When the chips are down, there are two choices-pack it in or circle the wagons and get tough.

For the first time this year, the whole team came out from the opening kickoff and played sixty minutes of Junkyard Dawg football. AND, against a number seven ranked opponent and the most hated rival, no less.

This is the result when excellent preparation, coaching, motivation, discipline, execution, and, most importantly, heart all come together in all aspects of the game. To put it all together, on one magical night, shows what can be accomplished.

Up in heaven the greatest defensive coach of all-time, Erk Russell, just lit up a big cigar to celebrate. With a smile on his face, he has three things to say: 1) TEAM me, 2) G.A.T.A (GOT After their Asses), and most importantly 3) THERE AIN’T NOTHING LIKE BEING A BULLDOG ON SATURDAY NIGHT-AFTER WINNING A FOOTBALL GAME!

Thomas Candeto
Junior, Buford
Business Management

Joe Cox’s character is worthy of fans’ respect

When I saw Joe Cox throw the second interception against Kentucky, I booed at the top of my lungs. After the game, I made fun of him by calling him Kentucky’s most valuable player. Numerous times during the season, I have jumped on the Blame-Joe-Cox Wagon.

So I want to apologize to Joe Cox for insulting his character week after week. Honestly, when I think about it, Joe Cox is the one player that Georgia fans, down on their luck, can relate to the most.

I admire Joe Cox’s character. For four years, he sat in another quarterback’s shadow even though he could’ve transferred and started at some other university. Why did he do it? He loved the University of Georgia. He loved the university so much that he sat around for four years until his school and his team needed him. I’m sure that no matter how disappointed the fans are in Joe Cox’s performances, no one feels the pain more than Joe Cox himself.

Even though I bleed red and black, I would never have the courage to continue playing with 92,746 of my own team’s fans booing at me, expecting me to fail week after week. I think Joe Cox, despite his flaws as a quarterback, has more courage than most players on the field.

It’s very easy to live the life of a Tim Tebow in an extremely disciplined and undefeated team, winning game after game, having your fans worship you. It’s not easy being a Joe Cox. It’s not easy to get back on that field after so many defeats and tough breaks. It’s not easy getting back on the field when the people you want to please, your friends, your classmates, and your fans have nothing nice to say about your performances.

That’s why Joe has more character than the stats will ever show. And that’s why I think he deserves the respect of Georgia fans everywhere.

And so when this season is over, no matter what the result of the Tech game is, and no matter what our final standing is, let’s take some pride in the character of Georgia’s fifth year quarterback from Charlotte, who despite his shortcomings, gave his all on the field, week after week, for the school he loved.

Muneeb Ahmed
Sophomore, Duluth
Economics

UGA should stop tradition of using live dog mascots

[Editor's note: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) submitted this letter to Georgia Athletics Director Damon Evans on Nov. 20, the day after the death of Uga VII]

Dear Mr. Evans:

As you know, PETA wrote to you last year about the death of Uga VI with a request that his successor, Uga VII, come from a local animal shelter or rescue and be neutered. We are sad to hear of Uga VII’s death.

In his memory, we are asking you today to honor Uga VII by choosing an animatronic or solely use a costumed mascot to represent the Georgia Bulldogs in the future. There is new information you may want to know:

Purebred dogs are prone to countless congenital ailments from years of inbreeding – every breeder perpetuates these genetic problems for future generations with each litter. Bulldogs are especially predisposed to breathing difficulties, hip dysplasia, and, as shown in the Uga lineage, heart disorders.

After learning about the debilitating heath problems that plague many purebred dogs, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) stopped televising the Kennel Club’s Crufts dog show.

The BBC said, “We need to be confident the measures being taken now and planned for the future are effective in addressing the issues raised about the health of some pedigree dogs before we return to broadcasting the event.” However, the Kennel Club insisted that it is “unable to agree to these demands.”

Like other dogs, bulldogs love to run and play, but their compromised respiratory system causes these playful animals to struggle for breath. Poor ventilation and hot or humid weather can be deadly for a purebred bulldog. This is made even more difficult for a bulldog who must travel frequently.

UGA can send a strong message to alumni, students, staff, and football fans that the safety and well-being of all team members is paramount. By choosing a humane alternative to live animals for a Georgia Bulldogs mascot, you can show that traditions can be modified and celebrated to reflect the sentiments of the present day.

Sincerely,

Desiree Acholla
Animals in Entertainment Specialist
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

Congressman ‘preys’ on senior citizens for money

My wife and I recently moved my mother-in-law out of her home and into assisted living. Suffering from dementia, it was no longer safe for her to live alone.

During the move, we were horrified to discover she was withdrawing $75 to $100 per day from her limited life’s savings and sending it to scores of fundraisers who prey on the fears of vulnerable senior citizens. We learned from the small town postmaster that she was receiving numerous solicitations every day.

We assumed her change of address would stop the problem – since third class mail is not forwarded. That didn’t stop Representative Paul Brown from preying on her fears. Last week, he sent her a first class fundraising letter with a stamped return envelope. He knew this $.88 was a solid investment. Representative Brown likely bought the mailing list from an organization that knew this woman would send you cash.

Ask yourself, why would a member of the House of Representatives from Georgia ask a resident of Morton, Minnesota for a contribution to his political campaign account? How many other vulnerable senior citizens around the nation are receiving the same letter?

Ironically, last year Representative Brown was one of only 59 House members who voted against the Medicare Improvements Act, a bill that provided more assistance for people with dementia – the same people he is now targeting for campaign contributions. Representative Brown, raise your money from people who can afford it – not from vulnerable senior citizens.

Jim Gelbmann
Alumni, Woodbury, Minn.,
Economics

Free Web site helps students with exams

I always hear stories about kids failing tests, failing classes, dropping classes, and generally suffering through the semester. I don’t think people realize there is help out there; but I don’t mean expensive tutors. Students need to know that there is a free study website called Koofers.com that has practice exams, notecards, and quizzes for just about every class at UGA.

John Ward
Freshman, Dalton
Business