StudLife violates Greek rush rules
Dear Editor:
I would just like to say that Josh Hantz’s piece that appeared in the most recent Student Life, “Pi Beta Phi dealing with sanctions,” was completely inappropriate. Not only does it violate Greek Life’s terms of rush, it is also the most blatantly disrespectful piece I have ever seen printed in this newspaper. Issues such as these are internal and should be left to the organization to handle. I happen to be a member of the Missouri Beta chapter of Pi Beta Phi, and I am personally offended at the publishing of this piece. This article’s value is purely for drama’s sake and by no means can it be written off as an attempt to shed light on a serious issue or help a struggling organization. I plan to further contact the person responsible for this article. I am truly disappointed with Student Life, as I have felt in the past that it was a sound and respectable Wash. U. institution.
– Hannah Rosenfeld
Class of 2010
Petraeus cartoon not funny
Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to the political cartoon that was printed in your Sept. 12th edition. Just to refresh everyone’s memory, it portrayed General Petraeus as a grim reaper. My understanding of political cartoons is that they are supposed to be thought-provoking, mildly funny and at least partially true-this one was none of the above. Instead, it was a cheap, unoriginal attack that seemed to be making the point that General Petraeus enjoys killing people, and that this is the goal of the surge strategy in Iraq. It is one thing to disagree with the General’s strategy or the war in general; it is quite another to vehemently attack the character of one of America’s most decorated and respected military men. General Petraeus has dedicated his life to defending your right to print such inane material, and for that he deserves your respect. I also want to make it clear that I do not question your right to print the cartoon; what I do question is your discretion as a newspaper. I am aware that the cartoon is intended to be a joke, but let me reiterate: it’s not funny. And quite frankly, it’s pathetic. Is that really the best you could come up with? At least MoveOn.org’s ad in the New York Times had a clever rhyme. Next time you decide to print a cartoon attacking someone else in the Bush administration, at least give it some effort. I’d really appreciate having something more substantive to criticize.
-Charis Fischer
Class of 2007
Vice President of College Republicans