LETTERS: Balancing coverage of Marrow

To the Editor: Unfortunately, in the interim, the paper has served as a platform for the sensationalistic tactics of Marrow and his legal counsel. Understandably, Kuklick has hitherto chosen not to dignify Marrow's ad hominem attacks with a public debate. This presents DP reporters with the lamentable problem of navigating between an overbearing source and a silent one. Such accusations may demand media attention, but the reader would hope that the absence of a response would not preclude even-handed reporting. How long, for example, must it take the DP to discover that this supposedly "anti-athletic" professor's most recent publications included a book on major league baseball? Such pertinent background information-which five minutes on Franklin could have revealed-should not be emerging this late in your coverage. Christopher Klemek Kyle Farley SAS doctoral students u To the Editor: I wish I could be as sanguine about the Mitch Marrow situation as Eric Goldstein. If Marrow was sick with mononucleosis, then what business did he have taking up roster space on the football team? If he was ill enough to withdraw from class, why wasn't he sick enough not to play football? I find it hard to believe that Marrow "inadvertently" played in eight football games he shouldn't. I'm also embarrassed that Penn, which I thought was above such careless violation of rules, has now stooped to the level of the football factories that produce fine citizens such as Lawrence Phillips. The only solution to this matter is for Penn to forfeit the eight games in question, and fire the coaching and Athletic Department staff that allowed this debacle. Only by doing so can the University demonstrate its commitment to clean athletics. Adam Korengold College '94 Supporting Santa Claus To the Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank the DP for the article titled, "Penn teams up with Santa Claus to donate gifts to kids and elderly," (DP, 12/4/97). The article brought to light 10 years of Operation Santa Claus was brought to light for many employees who may not have otherwise known of its existence. It has helped us gain much needed support in the little time left for us to make this Christmas luncheon a complete success. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Faculty Club staff supervised by Ellen Iannarella who offer their time and service to prepare the lunch, but especially for the love they share with the elderly and children at the party. I would like to clarify, however, the following statement in the article: "The Faculty Club provides lunch for the guests while a Physical Plant worker dresses up as old St. Nick?." It is important to note that the meal is paid for with personal donations from staff all over campus -- not donated by the Faculty Club, which is how some have perceived it. The donations we receive, also allow for transportation and entertainment, as well as the many needed gifts. John De Long of Student Financial Services started Operation Santa Claus 10 years ago, along with myself and George Reale. It has managed to grow bigger and more rewarding every year. The event is personal, and it is only through the loving gifts and monetary donations that it has stayed personal. It's not supported by any University budgets or donations. Every dollar gift is a personal donation from a Penn employee. I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to participate in this project. For more information, please call 898-7239 or 898-4210 or contact George Reale in Physical Plant's locksmith shop by December 16. Yvonne Oronzio Student Financial Services