Regarding ‘Pakistan's make or break moment,' (Monday, Feb. 25, 2008):
I would beg to differ from Mr. Amjad's rather dramatic titling of his op-ed. This is far from a "make-or-break" moment - it is a return to the worst of the past. The Pakistani public has very wisely elected two of the most corrupt men in the country to be their future leaders - and the most interesting part about all this is that it is a repeat performance of the past two decades. Asif Zardari still faces corruption (and possibly murder) charges, as does Nawaz Sharif.
The two other front-runners for prime minister are bastions of Pakistan's infamous feudal system, something that will indefinitely remain the country's greatest hurdle toward even the theory of democracy.
What's wrong with a General leading a civil society that wants to destroy itself?
Maryam Khan '08
Sarcastic kudos from a former USG pres.
Regarding ‘Classes? No go, I'd rather sleep,' (Friday, Feb. 22, 2008):
Finally! I was delighted to read Jack Ackerman's in-depth, investigative piece on why some students may miss class. Such hard-hitting, cutting-edge journalism is a rarity these days, and it is refreshing to see The Daily Princetonian recommit itself to journalistic ideals. I was especially impressed at the quantitative analysis and research employed in finding such insightful conclusions! Ackerman quotes freshmen confessing that they stayed up until 4 a.m. to "study."
Indeed, such revelations can only mean one thing: President Tilghman and her cabal in Nassau Hall are conspiring to deprive students of sleep, seminars and interesting classes so that grades might further be deflated. When will students stand up for their rights!?
It takes real courage and a staunch belief in First Amendment rights to print such uncompromising truth.
I can't wait for the next article on why some students might miss lunch. Possible reasons: Is it because they're not hungry? Is it because they're trying to lose weight? Or is it because they don't like the meatloaf? These questions must be answered, and I trust the ‘Prince' will get to the bottom of this.
Leslie-Bernard Joseph '06, former USG president
Posters for recent Colonial theme party sexist, offensive
Colonial Club's blatantly sexist posters advertising its "CEOs and Office Hos" party last weekend were deeply offensive to me as a woman and as a Princeton student. Though we have taken great strides over the last few decades to ensure that women can contribute to society in ways unrelated to their sexuality, we have by no means achieved gender equality. By depicting stereotypes of expected roles of men and women, Colonial Club unintentionally yet irresponsibly reinforces them. In light of Princeton's less-than-progressive history, I am shocked by the nonchalance with which Princeton students embrace the cultural undercurrents of sexism that still pervade American society.
Julia Solorzano '10
Keep it positive at games
When I attend Princeton athletic events, I am always pleased to see the large number of students who go to the games and cheer on their peers. I think it's wonderful that the community supports its teams with such zeal. Sometimes rather than cheering on the Princeton team, however, the fans spend their energy heckling the opponent. The heckling is occasionally amusing and good natured, but when it devolves into boorishness, it can be offensive.
At the men's volleyball game, a few fans were shouting racial slurs, overt sexual comments and cheering the injury of an opposing player. While it was only a small minority of the fans engaging in the offensive heckling, it prevented me from enjoying the game and put a damper on the Tigers' victory on the court. By all means, we should loudly cheer our teams but not in ways that demean other teams in the process. I take great pride in the in the athletic accomplishments of the students I teach. Poor sportsmanship lessens their achievements by reflecting poorly upon them and Princeton as a whole.
Danny Oppenheimer, assistant professor of psychology and public afairs
Read More
Women’s Basketball deserves an at-large bid to March Madness
Steve SilvermanSo that means the big three Ivy teams are likely competing against each other in a game of musical chairs. And when the music stops, if it comes down to Princeton versus Harvard, the Tigers should be the choice.
So that means the big three Ivy teams are likely competing against each other in a game of musical chairs. And when the music stops, if it comes down to Princeton versus Harvard, the Tigers should be the choice.
Keep Princeton in Estonia
Astor Lu and William AepliWe strongly disagree with Veronika Kitsul’s recent Opinion piece, in which she argues that the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures must end its Russian language program in Estonia and refrain from sponsoring programs in any post-Soviet states. In attempting to cancel Princeton in Estonia, we damage access to Baltic culture, Russian language study, and ultimately, the world’s chances for peace in the region.
We strongly disagree with Veronika Kitsul’s recent Opinion piece, in which she argues that the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures must end its Russian language program in Estonia and refrain from sponsoring programs in any post-Soviet states. In attempting to cancel Princeton in Estonia, we damage access to Baltic culture, Russian language study, and ultimately, the world’s chances for peace in the region.
Princeton’s role in combating the drug crisis must start on campus
Lizbeth ReyesTo maintain a healthy and safe community, Princeton must do more to inform students of the risks of substances and substance abuse. This includes making information about drug use and use prevention accessible to students—and not just through a website.
To maintain a healthy and safe community, Princeton must do more to inform students of the risks of substances and substance abuse. This includes making information about drug use and use prevention accessible to students—and not just through a website.
