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(10/20/06 9:00am)
Arlen Specter
To the Editor:
Albert Sun's article on Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.)'s address at College Hall ("Pa. senator slams detainee bill," DP, 10/13/06) conspicuously omitted a key point: Sen. Specter ultimately voted for the bill he so harshly criticized.
As Dahlia Lithwick and Richard Schragger reported in The Washington Post, the senator justified this reversal by rationalizing that "the Court will clean it up," a particularly ironic excuse for a bill that specifically strips federal courts of authority over such cases.
Whether Specter acknowledged this in his talk or not, fair reporting demanded at least a mention of the contradiction in an article that focused on Specter's stance on the issue.
(10/13/06 9:00am)
Make a TV show
To the Editor:
As a producer on UTV, I strongly disagree with Ali Jackson's sentiments on the supposedly bland content of UTV ("After a show crossed the line, UTV lost its edge," DP, 10/9/06).
Penn's student-run television station simply provides an outlet for students to express their ideas. Jason Miller and the UTV board work extremely hard to provide this opportunity. But any fault with programming lies with students unwilling to express themselves, not with the station that gives them the opportunity to do so.
If Ali Jackson wants a racy show, I invite her to talk to the UTV board, which will provide the necessary training and equipment, at no charge, so that she can make her show a reality.
(10/12/06 9:00am)
Keep the rink
To the Editor:
I appreciate the awareness of Penn's hockey programs raised by the article ("A team on ice," DP, 10/3/06) on the Class of 1923 ice rink. But the author makes some naive assumptions. Granted, the potential tear-down of the rink will not affect any of the current Penn players, or even those for the next several years, but is that any reason to ignore the problem?
Those who are planning the eastward extensions of campus need to be approached now - rather than when it is too late - about changing their plans for the ice rink.
Penn is one of only two Ivies without a varsity program. Isn't that embarrassing enough? Why should Penn be the only Ivy without hockey at all? Let's not just leave the problem for someone else to deal with down the road. The Penn community wants to keep the ice rink, and we need to let it be known.
(10/09/06 9:00am)
A price too high
To the Editor:
I have been attending Penn Hillel High Holiday Services for 30 years. They have been my Jewish place of worship, my linkage to organized Jewish life, through school at Penn, family religious events and many a soulful search.
What a wonderful sight and sound to see more than a 1,000 Jews, from all ages and walks of life, singing in prayer.
The communal feeling was great and part of the inspiring awe. And it was free to worship. For years, I would host my family and friends, some Jewish, and many not. Yes, there was always the request for donation.
As my financial status improved, so did my contribution. So you can imagine my shock and outrage when the Web site for this year's High Holiday Service demanded a ticket price of $180 per individual and $360 per family!
Gone is the tradition and spirit of a donating Jewish community-friendly service that accepts all who want to worship. Thank you Penn Hillel for all the years of allowing me, my family and loved ones, to be closer to Hashem, from the spirit in our hearts. Too bad spending money breaks this tradition.
What one gains in exclusivity, one loses from the community of humankind.
(10/06/06 9:00am)
Real violations
To the Editor:
On behalf of Penn Faculty and Staff Against War on Iraq, I must challenge the accuracy and fairness of your coverage of our Teach-In ("An antiwar evening in Huntsman," DP, 9/21/06).
The opening line "Penn faculty revived a protest technique" carelessly omitted the staff who played a critical role in organizing this event. This is not a minor point: Too often, the vital contributions made by Penn staff go unnoted. Another inaccuracy followed: The Dreams of Sparrows is not a "fictionalized account of Iraq during the American invasion" but a gritty documentary.
We also question a number of disturbing editorial choices made. Why no quotes from enthusiastic student-attendees? Why a photograph that suggested no young people even attended?
And why put educate in inverted commas?
The U.S. government has lied repeatedly and, aided by a largely compliant media, has succeeded in keeping many Americans ignorant as to the true causes and costs of this war. We sought to replace fiction with fact, to explore the grim realities masked by "patriotic" rhetoric. If this is not education, we wonder what is. Finally, we reject your statement that our panelists discussed "perceived" human-rights violations in Iraq. This pre-emptive invasion violated international law.
It has killed as many as 100,000 Iraqi civilians and left countless more injured and homeless. Iraqi prisoners have been tortured and held without charge.
Five U.S. soldiers currently await trial for gang-raping a 14-year-old Iraqi girl and murdering her, her parents and her 5-year-old sister. For whom, we ask, are such violations merely "perceived?"
(09/29/06 9:00am)
Start small
To the Editor:
In your recent editorial ("Don't follow Harvard, yet," DP, 9/13/06), you glibly state that it is "simply not feasible" for Penn to dispense with its early-decision policy altogether.
Yes, Penn does not have the financial and administrative resources necessary to make such a move overnight, but perhaps we all need to think a little more creatively.
Companies often test the market before rolling out a product across the nation. Similarly, Penn should consider eliminating early decision on a test basis through the Management and Technology and Huntsman programs. With their relatively small applicant pools, removing early decision from the equation should not pose a huge strain on the administration while ensuring that we continue to attract the best and the brightest.
At the same time, Penn could use this initiative to justify a more intensive fundraising campaign. If the University moves toward this compromise, I will be the first to commit my annual bonus for the next two years to such a worthy endeavor.
(09/22/06 9:00am)
Too little outcry
To the Editor:
Afaf Meleis' recent column ("It's about home - not where you're from," DP, 9/10/06) sheds light on the unfortunate issue of discrimination toward Arabs and Muslims in post-9/11 America. What Meleis fails to note, however, is that Arabs and Muslims can do something about it.
There has been far too little public outcry by moderate Muslims against the perversion of Islam by al Qaeda and other terrorist groups. The numerous Arab American organizations that exist in the United States should hold rallies, press conferences and forums to call for an end to extremism and terrorism.
(09/15/06 9:00am)
Strikes do little
To the Editor:
Graduate Employees Together-University of Pennsylvania's Bill Herman suggests ("A Year Later, NYU TAs Back in Class," DP, 9/12/06) that the reason his group hasn't repeated strike action since the two-day protest in spring 2004 is because "things are pretty stable here right now."
It would be more honest to admit that the 2004 strike was an embarrassing flop - a vanity project with incoherent means and unclear goals.
Goodness knows there are genuine reasons for complaint about some graduate-student policies at Penn; but, as the fizzling out of the NYU strike suggests, radical pantomime, while no doubt exciting to the pulse, rarely gets us anywhere.
(09/12/06 9:00am)
Don't support China
To the Editor:
My son recently received advertising from the University of Pennsylvania Computer Connection. It promoted Dell, Apple and IBM ThinkPad laptops.
IBM recently sold its IBM ThinkPad laptop product line to a company called Lenovo. Lenovo is a company whose majority shareholder is the Chinese Communist government.
In an attempt to avoid purchasing products made by an oppressive communist regime, I looked at Dell laptops. Dell has a very interesting Web site, which prominently displays the American flag. Being suckered in by an example of corporate mendacity, I ordered from Dell. When the big day arrived and I began unpacking the newly shipped laptop, I was dismayed to discover that the computer had, in fact, been made in Malaysia. In addition, several peripherals had been made in China. As you know, there has recently been a huge Dell laptop battery recall. Having checked my Dell battery, I discovered that it was assembled in China.
Apple has recently announced a battery recall. I wonder where those batteries were made.
In any event, I strenuously object to the University of Pennsylvania colluding with the Communist Chinese government to sell it's products. Why not just donate money directly to the Communist Chinese military? The Communist Chinese government is a totalitarian dictatorship. It oppresses its people. It outlaws democracy. It disallows freedom of speech and religion.
Several years ago, college campuses and university policies were firmly directed against apartheid. There were demands for the University to terminate any investments directly or indirectly related to companies doing business with South Africa.
The same should be true of Communist China. Why are we doing business with an oppressive regime? Why is there not an outcry among the Penn Community to boycott Chinese products, including laptop computers, until the Chinese government frees its people?
Penn's Computer Connection should stop selling IBM ThinkPads and refuse to buy Dell components made in nondemocratic countries. It should also carefully investigate other computer companies to carefully select products that are not manufactured by the governments of oppressed peoples.
A school founded by Benjamin Franklin - one of the founders of modern democracy - and where the first electronic, digital computer was constructed should be at the forefront of this issue.
I challenge the Penn community to do what is right.
(09/08/06 9:00am)
Barbaro coverage
(03/06/01 10:00am)
To the Editor:
I am writing to condemn the article in Thursday's 34th Street ("Spare change," 2/1/01) that tacitly condoned giving money to panhandlers and portrayed "James" in a sympathetic and favorable light.
While a large number of homeless are mentally ill and therefore not altogether responsible for their actions, James is just the type of person who is hurt most when people give money to panhandlers. This activity is illegal for a reason. It is not only bothersome, but it keeps panhandlers on the street instead of seeking support from social services and shelters.
As James says, "There's some help around, with the government... I just got to get to it."
He will never get to it if he continues to receive handouts on the street.
James did not move to Philadelphia eight months ago. I have been a student at Penn for four years, and he has been around since I got here. He likes to frequent the food trucks around Gimbel Gym where he earns a decent living from the generosity of the Penn community.
The fact that homelessness and poverty thrive in the world's wealthiest nation is abominable. And James is right that probably most people "have enough to spare a little change."
If this is the case, those people should make charitable contributions where they are most effective, to the types of institutions that combat homelessness and poverty, where people in James' situation can find a bed and a hot meal -- instead of directly into the hands of people who are often drug and alcohol abusers.
(03/01/01 10:00am)
To the Editor:
In George W. Bush'sÿfirst address to Congress last night, he outlined his proposed budget,ÿhighlighting the $1.6 trillion tax cut over ten years. In addition, the president spoke of increasing investment in education, law enforcement, Social Security, Medicare,ÿmilitary salaries, spending $2 trillion for debt reduction and leaving another $1 trillion aside as a contingency fund. It's interesting, our new President sounds like a Democratÿ-- tax and spend, spend and tax.
While some Americans want a tax cut, most want the money spent on other priorities. What Bush said in his address last night is that we can have it all. Unfortunately there just isn't enough money. Even with the most conservative budget surplus projections and a booming economy -- like that of the past six years -- it would still be difficult to even balance the budget over the next 10 years. We went down this road in 1981 with Ronald Reagan and fell into record deficits -- must we do it again?
The president says that everyone's priorities are his priorities, but it is now time to be fiscally responsible. So Bush must chose between his tax cut, which would add up to $2 trillion over 10 years once interest is calculated in, andÿpaying down the national debt coupled with increases inÿsocial programs such as education. Unfortunately, at the stroke of midnight, Bush will most likely choose his tax cut and turn back into a Republican.
(02/15/01 10:00am)
To the Editor:
I never made the statement attributed to me in Friday's Daily Pennsylvanian, ("University Responds to McPenntrification Claims," 2/9/01).
I have spoken to Rev. Falcon to tell him the truth. I did not say anything even approximating the quote in the article.
I told Rev. Falcon that I agree with his sentiment -- "it is an absolutely stupid statement" -- and that while there may be real areas of disagreement and issues to discuss, I never said, nor do I believe, that he has any "racial motives."
In fact, such a statement flies in the face of the many and varied efforts we have been involved in over the past several years; working with other institutions, neighborhood groups and community organizations in a broad-based partnership to stimulate neighborhood revitalization.
Our efforts have been dependent upon building strong and productive relationships, of listening to and learning from our neighbors. These collaborations have produced numerous programs of great benefit to the University and to our neighbors -- programs such as UC Brite, "lighting up" many University City neighborhoods, and UC Green, planting bulbs, trees and shrubs throughout the community.
In addition, we have been involved in an aggressive program to ensure that minority- and women-owned businesses were among those who benefited from major construction projects.
We have also been involved with programs to provide affordable housing choices for anyone who wants to live in this vibrant community, as well as partnerships with area schools and healthcare institutions to provide medical and dental screening to West Philadelphia schoolchildren.
These are just a handful of our community initiatives -- there are many, many more.
These efforts are all dependent on the quality of our relationships with our community, and we are committed to working very hard to keep those relationships strong and vital.
(03/26/97 10:00am)
This article appeared in the joke issue. This article appeared in the joke issue.To the Editor: With your reporters checking in to my hotels before I do, I've enjoyed having something more than just the usual mint on my pillow waiting for me to arrive. And I would particularly like to thank Dina Bass for letting United Airlines know what hotel I was staying in in West Palm Beach, Fla., after they lost my luggage. I understand some former DP staffers do not yet have a full-time job lined up for after graduation. If any of them would like to handle my travel reservations, that would be fine with me. I need to book a trip soon to Providence, R.I., so get in touch ASAP. Stanley Chodorow Provost Won't you be my neighbor To the Editor: I'm just write-diddily-iting to let all you happy folks know that I'm beginning a new campus crusade next month! That's right: I've bought that Fels shack at 39th and Walnut, and I'll be living and operating my new, upscale Leftorium there! How do ya diddily do, neighbor Judy? My two boys, Rod and Todd, just can't wait to sing Bible songs with your son Alex! And I'm sure you and Maude will get along just swell (just don't underline passages in her Bible -- she can't stand that). I'm even renovating a part of the building into a bomb shelter -- just in case another comet comes. And since I was a frat boy myself in college, the guys across the street will be more than welcome in my humble abode! Just remember: The handle's Flanders, but the friends call me Ned! Until next time, have an absitively posolutely terrific day! Ned Flanders Judy Rodin's New Neighbor More Women's Track! To the Editor: I would like to thank The Daily Pennsylvanian's sports department for its consistent and fair coverage of the Penn women's track team this past winter. Although our meets are all unscored and take place in every city on the East Coast but Philadelphia, the DP has never failed to make space for the accomplishments of these wonderful athletes. Keep up the good work, DP! Tony Tenisci Penn Asst. Women's Track Coach P.S. Great job on the Mr. and Ms. Penn contests, too. 'Get thee behind me' To the Editor: Imagine my surprise when I picked up today's Daily Pennsylvanian and saw the hidden message contained on the front page. "Satan is the true God. Surrender to his awful power. You will all rot in hell for eternity." Now, many have accused your paper of biases -- the Greek system, anti-Greeks, conservatives, liberals, members of minority groups, white supremacists, etc. -- but this takes the cake. Little do your myriad critics know that every editor at the DP is secretly pledged to serve Lucifer. In researching your demonic connections a little further, I discovered something everyone should know: Managing Editor Mike Madden has horns, cloven hoofs and a big red tail. If that doesn't prove the DP's evil, I don't know what does. So next time true Christian students go to read the paper, I hope they say, "Get thee behind me, Satan," and leave it on the newsstand. Rabbi Jeremy Brochin The conservative side Dear Sirs: What a relief it was to discover your magnificent publication during my latest visit to the Penn campus. It is encouraging to find such an articulate, thoughtful group of young conservatives on Penn's otherwise liberal wasteland. I was particularly smitten by Marc Leader's piece, "Marge Schott: Not Such a Bad Broad." I agree with the assessment that Ms. Schott's pro-Hitler comments were taken completely out of context. It is such a travesty when the liberal media abuses its ill-gotten power. I have enclosed a $500 donation in the hopes that your fine publication can continue bringing the truth to light amid so much darkness. F. Maxwell Sterling College '44 P.S. This is The Red and Blue, isn't it? 27-across, 5-down To the Editor: I just wanted to tell the DP how much I appreciate the great service they provide to all students every day of their publication. That service is: the crossword puzzle. Just think about it. Where would we all be if we actually had to participate in class or take notes if we didn't have a crossword puzzle to do? We might all get As! I especially enjoy the challenging aspect of the puzzles as they get harder as the week progresses. And that satisfied feeling I get when I've completed all of Monday's crossword cannot be compared to anything. This is just my small way of saying how much I appreciate the DP offering this valuable product that adds tremendously to student life. Valerie Swain Cade McCollum Vice Provost for University Life TA defends language skills To the Editor: Me write letter to tell how I teach good. Why students not like how me speak, I try hard. I come not from U.A.S. but go far from there. It nice country where I born, here everyone not so nice. I think me talk in good, clear English, but class my half don't up show each day. Class I teach called "English as Second Language," I think I do real good job doing it as teacher, and I learn much good way you all here at school speak. I feel I understand lot more now that I been here for two month, and I think other TAs like I can speak good language too. You all give us all chance to prove wrong you. Next semester I teach lots more and then become professor in Economics department. John Smith SAS doctoral student
(10/13/95 9:00am)
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