Letters to the Editor
Chris Matthews: it could be worse
Dear Editor:
Let me start off by saying it could be worse. Yes, I already saw Chris Matthews on campus when I was a freshman, and yes, there is a strong chance I will fall asleep if I have to listen to one more political speaker at this school. I admittedly would rather hear someone like J.K. Rowling, Muhammed Yunus, or especially Stephen Colbert (who would be way too much fun for this school to consider anyway). But at least we don’t have the CEO of Bob Evans as our Commencement speaker (The Ohio State University), or the crossword editor of the New York Times (Indiana U.). Considering I have to take a huge breath before telling anyone the name of the university I attend, and then receive a blank stare after I do, Chris Matthews is a big name to have speak at a school whose publicity as a top-tier academic institution has been mild or nonexistent. At the very least, the current and past Commencement speakers have been famous enough to draw attention to our school, something I think it desperately needs.
-Justin Lawler
Class of 2008
Re: Papa Roach
Dear Editor:
Steve Hardy’s article provides a pathetic defense for the incredibly lackluster band Papa Roach. It shocks me that Hardy could call lead singer Jacoby Shaddix’s throwing feces on audience members “rock star” behavior. While much rock star behavior is immature and inane, this act was utterly subhuman. Such antics and the dreadful music that they surround merit criticism, not defense, in the pages of Student Life.
-Brent Rubin
Class of 2010
Political Involvement
Dear Editor:
I have had the opportunity to see what a lively and active place Wash. U. can be when we have events such as the 2004 Presidential Debates come to campus. I think that during these times we see that the Wash. U. student body absolutely has the potential to be a politically active and engaged campus. I think that the University, as a center for higher learning, has an obligation to facilitate student involvement in our democracy even between debates.
A great way to do so would be to amend the speakers policy to allow political candidates of all stripes come speak on campus. Furthermore, in order to increase civic involvement on campus the University must contribute to the voter education/protection process every election cycle and actively work to register students as articulated by the Student Civic Initiative. For this reason I very strongly support the work of the Initiative and encourage the administration to treat the students as empowered players in our education.
-Ben Kastan
Class of 2008
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