LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: All's Fair in Love and War

To the Editor: To these whining vendors, I say "tough." Have you ever heard the sayings "all's fair in love and war" and "business is war", gentlemen? If the food trucks take away your business because their prices are lower or their food tastes better that's what's supposed to happen. If you get a ticket because your suppliers park illegally, that's what's supposed to happen, too. It is inexcusable to harass these people because you can't compete fairly with them. These street vendors obviously understand the concepts of supply and demand and free markets much better than any of you do, otherwise you'd be winning. As for the University strong arming these people, there are long-standing precedents that disaster inevitably occurs when a bureaucracy tries to interfere with the actions of the free market; anyone remember how well a communist economy worked in the U.S.S.R.? As for the food trucks taking away from campus, let's see exactly what they do. They provide variety and fast, cheap meals which often taste better and have as much or more nutritional value than anything from Burger King or Pizza Hut. Many students find their services of great value, especially since weekends are not included in Penn meal plans, which students living in certain dorms are forced to buy. In conclusion, if the vendors in Houston Hall can't hack it in fair competition with the food trucks, let's kick them out and get some that can. Who knows, Le Anh might be interested in setting up a franchise? Matthew Taff College '97 Lessons in Life To the Editor: Jeffrey Han's column, "Tenure: No Students Allowed" (DP 9/26/95) regarding student input on faculty tenure decisions is a disgrace to Penn. With a flick of his Penn, Han dismisses the value of a stimulating and inspiring intellectual environment of a University, all upon the premise of a greater importance: The reflection of a school's reputation on one's resume. Not only that, but he assigns his small-minded reason for being here, i.e., Penn's prestige, to the rest of us. If the name of your school overshadows your accomplishments and the sum of your education and experiences at that school, then Han, I'm sorry. I guess I need to spell out the value of a school's learning environment to you, Han. The teaching ability of a professor is hardly about "holding one's hand" in order to learn. Students look to professors for guidance and inspiration. You obviously have never walked away from a conversation with a professor with your head full of ideas, ideas which led you to rethink your thoughts, your opinions, your goals. The classes with the most interesting professors are not only the ones in which students learn the most, but they are entire learning experiences -- lessons in life. No one is suggesting that a teacher's communicative skills, engaging style and concern for student learning be sufficient for tenure; rather, most of us here would like them to be critical factors in the tenure decision-making process. To reduce the merit of professorship to image and reputation is indicative of the scope of your intellectual pursuits (at least you are honest about it). But don't try to convince the rest of us that we feel the same. "Got it?" MicheLle Brawer College '96 Sacrificing the Individual To the Editor: In reading Dan Debicella's letter ("Everyone Must Contribute" DP 9/25/95), I was shocked to see that Republicans are lobbying for sacrifice of the individual for the benefit of the whole. We have become accustomed to hearing their cries of mistreatment regarding uniform health care (Socialism!), welfare (Get a job!), and higher taxes for the rich (Unjust!). Debicella's letter is another example of bipartisan pandering that has become commonplace in the hallowed halls of the Capitol. I agree that everyone must contribute to decrease the deficit; however, altering the current system of student loans is not the best way to do it. Debicella states that no one who graduates from Penn is going to be poor, which may be true, but these widespread legislative changes will affect not only students at Penn but also students at Hometown U. who may not receive such well-paying jobs when they graduate. The new plan shortens the current grace period and includes additional interest -- the extra two months could make the difference between timely loan payments and a default, which would result in the entire sum being due immediately. This would surely ruin a new graduate with limited funds. Debicella also claims that the deficit can be attributed to liberal Democratic social programs, while it grew by leaps and bounds during the administrations of Reagan and Bush. Education is the most important factor in the advancement of our country -- it is a worthwhile investment for the government to pay interest on our loans for an extra two months and help soften the blow of exorbitantly high college costs today. Ryan Mann College '99 Kudos to 34th Street Writers To the Editor: I would like to take this time out to commend the authors of this Thursday's 34th Street feature article, "Tales from the Walk," Joe Mogavero Parisi and Anthony "Richard" Pryor. So often we take for granted the everyday faces we see on our spacious and lovely campus. Smiling faces I might add. Mr. Parisi made me realize that these people are in fact just that, people. They had a childhood. They at one time might have fretted over a first kiss, gone to a Led Zeppelin concert, borrowed Uncle Charlie's car so he could go the big dance at the school tonight with Chip, etc. However, at some point in their lives something went astray, seriously astray. Was it their fault? Perhaps, perhaps not. Let's not be so quick to point a finger and say whatever it is we say when we point a finger at somebody. Although Mr. Parisi's writing style is at times diffuse and variable, I nonetheless extracted a heart-warming feeling from his desired intentions. Tremendous. Now when do I get paid for this? Mike Thomas College '97 Unacceptable Racial Ignorance To the Editor: Upon reading "Penn Walk Plagued by Prejudice" (DP 9/28/95), we were outraged and disappointed by the racial ignorance displayed by certain members of the Penn community. As students living off campus we are grateful and indebted to the services provided by walking escort. Although the services of Penn Transit Services' escort vans are adequate, we have been pleased by the convenience and prompt personal service of the walking escorts. We do not understand how the race of the escorts could influence one's decisions to take use Penn walk. It is very upsetting to learn that fellow students can harbor such blind misconceptions. Clearly these students have not learned tolerance or acceptance from the diversity at Penn. Do these people think Penn walk is a drive through where they can order whatever race they prefer? And send it back if it's not made to order? These students should realize that they are lucky to have anyone at all willing to brave dark Philly streets, unpredictable weather and such appalling racist attitudes, so that they may reach their destinations safely. We suggest they reassess their beliefs or get used to staying at home. As for us, "we'll take two escorts, hold the racism." Sabre Kaszynski College '96 (3 signatures follow) Inappropriate Editorial To the Editor: I was slightly bemused by the unsigned editorial on Sept. 27th entitled "Banned Band." It seems that the editorial staff of The Daily Pennsylvanian is expanding its comic horizons. I found the excerpt "plus the oh-so-provocative Lafayette College Dancers" and the accompanying photo of a group of corpulent college students extremely entertaining. Perhaps next week, I will open up to a picture of homely student entertainers with the witty caption "oh-so-attractive." Maybe the following week, a picture of handicapped children with the words "oh-so-athletic" would be humorous. Your editorial reminds me of the days in elementary school when we used to make fun of the overweight boys at the pool when they took off their shirts. I would hope that after a semester of practice, the editorial staff might spew forth something a little more intelligent. Brian Niranjan Sheth Wharton '97