Letters to the Editor

Who's out of touch? To the Editor:

I am thankful that Lauren Bialystok's column ("Wake up America -- things have changed," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 9/18/01) represents her own opinion and not the collective spirit of our nation, for as far as I can tell, she is the one who is "frighteningly out of touch."

I propose this only because her views on American foreign policy are nothing more than daydreams. She suggests a more diplomatic, less aggressive course of action that is just not feasible. I hate to be the one to tell her this, but there is no chance that peace can be reached with Osama bin Laden or his terrorist allies. The sole demand of this lunatic are the bodies of dead Americans.

So with no prospects for peace, we turn to war. However, unfortunately, some think that our old political doctrines and rules render our military useless. If I interpreted her correctly, Ms. Bialystok believes that we lack the agility of our terrorist foes, and therefore should forget the "archaic" rules of engagement. Doing so would render us as inhumane and uncivilized as the cowards themselves.

I must further confess my disgust with the suggestion that America's "capitalist crusades" have somehow led to "destructive economic imperialism." I know the socialist in all of us would like to see greater equality, but nevertheless, it is capitalism that has made this country great, and it is capitalism that will lead us through the 21st century.

The true test of America's strength won't lie in some epiphany as she suggests, but in our ability to preserve the culture of America. The terrorists tried to weaken us by attacking what we believe in: our freedoms, our values, our way of life. By resuming life as before, we aren't becoming apathetic, or callous; we are demonstrating to those that attacked that they have failed. Death nor destruction can not and will not break our spirit.

We are the most powerful nation in the world, we will remain the most powerful nation in the world and we will adamantly reject any notion pertaining to our imminent downfall. Such is an attitude of the defeated. At this time of crisis, America may be down, but we will never be out.

Win Lippincott

Wharton '03

Question authority To the Editor:

Alex Wong's column ("Tragedies not fodder for debate," DP, 9/17/01) equates criticism of U.S. foreign policy with communism and argues that, in light of the recent tragedy, criticism of U.S. policy is equivalent to police blaming the victim of an assault.

Contrary to Mr. Wong's assertion, it is reasonable to ask whether bombing innocent people is the best means to building an enduring coalition against terrorism. In a democratic society, there is nothing inherently unpatriotic or irrational about questioning the efficacy of a given military action. In suggesting otherwise, Mr. Wong's column degrades a discussion whose outcome will shape our world for generations.

Jonathan Williams

Fine Arts '03

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