Debating patriotism
To the Editor:
Wayman Newtonÿseems to assert that we can fight terrorism by endingÿ"racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia" ("Superficial patriotism," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 1/30/02). Can any person truly believe that the terrorists who struckÿon Sept. 11 did so because our foreign policy does not match theÿ"beliefs we espouse?"
Terrorists are not interested in correcting our moral contradictions. Terrorists do notÿdifferentiate between American ideals and policy. To them, both are evil.
Ironically, they would probably support America if we were more sexist and homophobic, not less so. Wayman, shame on you for trying toÿwarp the tragedy of Sept. 11 toÿfit your own personal political ideology.
Daniel Siegman
College '05
To the Editor:
In regard to Wayman Newton's column on Wednesday, nothing "advances the stereotype that Americans are shallow, self-centered and superficial" more than Newton's column itself.
His self-absolving comment about not attacking Wharton or its students with the content of his column is merely a ruse behind which he hides. The statements he makes about empty shows of patriotism could be directed toward any building, organization or student that displays a flag but fails to "demonstrate the things for which the flag stands."
His pedantic two-sentence "solution" to make Wharton truly patriotic by promoting social consciousness is good old Wharton-bashing at its best. His erroneous notion that such activities are not part of the Wharton curriculum leads the reader to believe that Wharton actively promotes the opposing view.
Newton's meandering column draws broad conclusions that could be aimed at any department, student or organization within the Penn community that does not promote the ideas he discusses in his column. Rather than offer constructive solutions, he chooses to single out one part of the Penn community as representing the worst of American society while providing no concrete evidence for his indictment. It is precisely this non-inclusive attitude that is responsible for furthering the social divides that exist in this country.
By the way, my invitation to the 2002 "How the Political Science Department Will Solve All of the World's Problems" Symposium must have been lost in the mail.
Brian Perman
Wharton '90
To the Editor:
I was extremely happy to have read Wayman Newton's article on the overwhelming display of superficial patriotism in America. While I take issue with some of his specific points on Wharton and racism, his message about the superficiality of the current surge in patriotism is very important.
How many of the people now proudly waving flags have voted? Statistically, around 30 percent of them. How many of these people have sacrificed time to better this country?
Being a good American is not about flying a flag. Even one who burns a flag in legitimate protest of our government's policies is being a better American than those who believe that they have done their duty simply by flying a flag.
Max Cantor
College and Engineering '03
Pedestrian safety
To the Editor:
On Jan. 22, I planned to meet my colleagues for lunch.
I never made it across Walnut Street. A car ran a red light, and the corner of the front bumper struck my leg.
I broke the two bones and had a permanent titanium rod inserted in my leg.
The driver of the car that struck me was apprehended and placed into custody. University Police is pursuing criminal prosecution.
Though I am happy that justice is being sought, I am more interested in working to prevent future pedestrian injuries at Penn. This is not the first such incident at this intersection on or near campus, nor was it the most serious.
It is time for the pedestrians in the area to stake their claim of partial ownership of the streets. Right now, drivers have few real restrictions on their movement. Even in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic like our campus the cars have sole ownership of the streets.
The police are well aware of the problems and, to their credit, have taken steps to improve pedestrian safety. Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush outlined a few of the many programs underway when she visited me in the hospital: increased enforcement, a speeding awareness trailer and the "Live-Stop Program," through which approximately 400 illegal motorists were stopped and had their vehicles confiscated.
Efforts to enforce traffic laws are not sufficient. We need to focus on prevention, and this will require environmental changes favoring pedestrians. Some traffic-calming efforts will take time and planning, but others, such as adding traffic lights and traffic light cycles that have pedestrian-only periods, can and should be implemented immediately.
To this end, and to pick up my life where it was so rudely interrupted, I plan to return to 34th and Walnut. I will go to the Magic Carpet truck to get a replacement for the lunch that I never ate. I will then, I hope, walk safely across Walnut Street. Show your support for improved pedestrian safety. Join me in crossing Walnut Street at 34th Street next Monday at noon.
Ira Winston
Information Technology
