Rebutting Williams
The usual arguments against capital punishment are familiar and wholly unconvincing. I feel compelled to remind us all why these arguments fall short:
Point #1: State-run execution is killing, and therefore hypocritical. Why is it hypocritical? Remember, there is nothing wrong with killing per se — abortion, eating red meat and even self-defense can constitute killing. The state kills people; murderers kill people unjustly. We have not yet seen a reason to think that state-run killing is unjustified.
Point #2: The death penalty doesn't support our values. This claim begs the question: Why wouldn't our values dictate that our justice system uphold the immeasurable value of innocent human life with all of its might?
Point #3: States without the death penalty have lower murder rates. Such a point has no relevance in this ethical debate. Would Williams support capital punishment if it did reduce murder rates? I think not.
Points #4-6: (4) Most murderers on death row experienced a terrible childhood, (5) our justice system often makes mistakes, and (6) there is a racial bias in sentencing. These are problems for our whole justice system, not just capital punishment. Why abolish just capital punishment on these grounds? Tom Pastorius '03
Golf cart woes
Princeton University is the only University in the country to offer golf carts to injured students in need of one to get to class. These golf carts provide a wonderful service to the student body, allowing some students who otherwise would have to take a semester off to stay. Accustomed to the privileges this service brings, students complained about the University's efforts in a recent 'Prince' article when they were placed on the wait list. The University is not the correct target for such complaintsit is fellow students. Students consistently vandalize, steal and recklessly drive the golf carts, sending them to the shop for repairs and putting students in danger of remaining on the wait list. Earlier this month, a student driving under the influence of alcohol crashed a golf cart on Washington Road. How can we expect the University to continue providing us privileges, privileges not offered by any other University, if we continue to abuse such services?
Other types of vandalism have also become widespread on this campus, costing the University thousands of dollars and forcing our staff to clean up the mess. An open letter will be coming out tomorrow from the Undergraduate Life Committee. The letter basically describes the problem of vandalism on this campus and asks students to take an active role in combating it. It is our responsibility to take ownership of our community and discourage students from destroying University property and thus disrespecting our maintenance and janitorial staff. William Robinson '04
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Princeton, let’s adopt a digital prox
Jorge ReyesTo prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
To prevent pointless replacement and lockout charges, maximize convenience, and create better access to meals and facilities, Princeton should follow the precedent set by some of its peers and adopt a digital prox system.
What is a Princeton degree really for?
Joel IbabaoSo what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.
So what, in the end, is a Princeton degree really for? I take a more moderate view: Students should prioritize earning potential — unless they feel irresistibly called to something else.
If there’s one survey you fill out this year, make it the Year End Assessment
Jerry ZhuThe University cares about collecting good data — but it needs to centralize its efforts.
The University cares about collecting good data — but it needs to centralize its efforts.