LETTERS: Overly opinionated news

To the Editor: The piece editorialized without shame on many comments, particularly regarding the state of campus political activity. I personally take offense whenever the DP describes the "typically apathetic Penn audience." This attitude represents a self-fulfilling prophecy that the DP seems eager to reinforce in the minds of the student body. We will become apathetic politically if you remind us enough times. Additionally, I consider the frequent inclusion of profanity, however backed by the use of quotation marks, gratuitous. I enjoyed Bill Maher's free-flowing approach and spontaneity but you apparently felt the need to interject "shock value" with every quotation. Using questionable language at least four times in the piece seemed designed to surprise readers rather than accurately portray the evening's events. I take pride in attending an institution with a daily paper that students read religiously. Maybe it's just me, but when I look for risquZ journalism, 34th Street is where I hope to find it. Otherwise, I expect less sensationalism and editorializing from above the fold of The Daily Pennsylvanian. Alan Bell College/Wharton '02 Sweatshops revisited To the Editor: Three workers from Kathie Lee Gifford's clothing line who were fired for speaking about factory conditions recently came to the U.S. to ask for support and protection. Their horrible tale of poverty, abuse and unhealthy working conditions would be another example of an injustice that we feel little connection to, if it weren't for the fact that Penn is involved. Kathie Lee's clothing line and Penn are both members of the Fair Labor Association, a partnership established to monitor the factories of its corporate members. Since the FLA does not require companies to publicly disclose factory locations, Penn students have no way of knowing under what conditions Penn apparel is produced. Full public disclosure is the only way to ensure those companies treat their workers safely and fairly. Susan Casey CGS '02 Laurie Eichenbaum SAS '00