Regarding ‘How to beat "Weathervane McCain,"' (Monday, Feb. 20, 2008):
Jason Sheltzer '08's article begins, "The only road to a Democratic victory in 2008 leads straight through the mud." Regardless of which side of the political fence one falls on, one thing is clear: Resorting to ad hominem attacks rather than logical argument is problematic. Even in a field such as electoral politics, we elect candidates whose views are most aligned with the truth, and in any pursuit of truth, reasoned debate is extremely critical. The consequentialist suggestion of personal attacks over heated dialogue as the best strategy in the upcoming election is irrational and unwise.
Shivani Radhakrishnan '11
New gap-year plan solves problem
Regarding ‘University introduces gap-year plan for new admits,' (Tuesday, Feb. 19 2008):
One of the biggest stigmas to a year-abroad at Princeton was frequently getting to school and not wanting to leave your class and friends or lose on-campus opportunities. I think this is a fantastic solution to such a problem. It takes the old "prep school" model and turns it on its head. Great idea.
Ari Weinberg '99
Columnist wrong on facts again
Regarding ‘Double standards on a divided campus,' (Monday, Feb. 18, 2008):
In spite of already being called out once for factual inaccuracies by Jacob Denz '10 in his Feb. 13 column, Brandon McGinley '10 continues to make basic errors. McGinley makes reference to a panel called the "Joys and Toys of Gay Sex" sponsored by the LGBT Center. Such a panel never existed. This is the name given by the Tory to a presentation called, "From Top to Bottom: Everything you need to know about gay sex." In spite of its racy name, the presentation was part of "Let's Talk about Sex:" week, sponsored by Health Promotion Services (now University Health Services), the Women's Center, LGBT Student Services and SHARE. The presentation was given by a member of the New York Gay Men's Health Crisis, an organization committed to fighting the spread of AIDS.
Not having been on campus for the 2002 event and thus having no personal knowledge of it, McGinley should have taken the time to do some research if he was going to reference the event. Instead, he continues to use the label created by the Tory, though it has been pointed out several times that they created the title. Perhaps the religious right really is obsessed with gay sex since it seems to keep returning to, harping on and warping this safer sex education event.
Thomas Lipp '08, former Pride Alliance president
Facebook story was disappointing
Regarding ‘Facebook frustrates students' efforts to quit,' (Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2008):
I was disappointed to read a lazy rehash of The New York Times' Feb. 11 article, "How Sticky Is Membership on Facebook? Just Try Breaking Free." Not only did The Daily Princetonian's article blatantly lift facts from the Times' article, including a reference to the "How to permanently delete your Facebook account" group, it even mimicked the style of the original New York Times article. Furthermore, by the time the ‘Prince' article was printed on Feb. 13th, Facebook had already addressed the concerns brought up by the Times article.
Princeton is a university that rightly prides itself for an emphasis on independent work and a well-established honor code. The ‘Prince' needs to make the same commitment to journalistic ethics.
Deborah Chang '10
Read More
Why can’t lecturers win the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching?
Jerry ZhuLet’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Let’s acknowledge those who make “boutique teaching” possible, those who work tirelessly to make our rigorous curricula more accessible, and those who dedicate their time to advising and guiding us through all the challenges we face at this University. Lecturers should be eligible for the President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching.
Princeton’s administration of justice is Trumpian
Frances BroganThe disparity between the University’s approach to Giberson and its approach to pro-Palestinian protestors reflects a concerning trend of appeasing an increasingly emboldened right rather than resisting the threat it poses to academic freedom and the wellbeing of Princeton students.
Secular Opening Exercises? Don’t throw out the baby with the bath water
Frank StrasburgerThe secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
The secular makes no room for the spiritual. What Opening Exercises are meant to convey is the spirit of the institution so that it may be kept alive from generation to generation.
