I wanted to thank the Tribune for covering the activist work of Phil Runkel, the Marquette archivist. I thought the story did a good job highlighting the story of a person who has lived his beliefs even when it required risking arrest and financial penalties.

Marquette has a strong history of activism and civil disobedience made up of courageous individuals who believe the life and dignity of all people is sacred and every individual, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, location or nationality, should be allowed to live and participate in their society without fear of state-sponsored or state-permitted discrimination or intimidation, like Father Groppi and Phil Runkel.

As the annual vigil at the gates of Ft. Benning approaches in November and people from around the world gather to say that they object and will not support teaching state-sponsored terrorism here in the United States, I urge the student body to analyze their role and participation in a society that uses the majority of its tax revenue to support the military, an institution that uses violence and intimidation to force the will of the United States on sovereign nations and people throughout the world.

If we hope to create a new just society we must not participate in or aid the military or any other organization that marginalizes people. If we hope to influence the world we first must transform our hearts and respect everyone. Then all we will be able to do is love, and as Gandhi so eloquently put it, "I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall – think of it, always."

Kennelly is a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences.