DuPraz tribute was well-deserved
Regarding 'He was the Prince' (Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007):
In reading the three-and-a-half pages dedicated to Larry DuPraz, I cannot help but think that some portion of The Daily Princetonian's readers, after glancing at the headlines and double-page spread, will wonder, "why all the fuss?" about someone they've never heard of.
They may even think that the 'Prince,' in memorializing one of its own, is being self-indulgent, sentimental and most of all, biased. All of those would be sins for journalists, the sort of thing that Larry combated for decades. But no sin has been committed.
Princeton can sometimes be a stilted, dishonest place that measures achievement and notoriety on the most distorted of scales. But if candor, dedication and at heart, good humor are any way to measure a man, then Larry ranks with any prizewinner, champion or genius that has ever graced Princeton's halls.
I only wish I had known him better, and I encourage everyone to make his acquaintance, even now, even if only in three-and-a-half pages.
Josh Stephens '97 Former 'Prince' editor
'Prince' should improve its arts section
Regarding ' 'A farewell from the 130th Board' (Monday, Jan. 22, 2007):
One thing the online version of The Daily Princetonian lacked a lot this year was articles about the arts — especially theater and dance groups. I'm not sure if the printed version had an arts section as in previous years, but it should be included and touted in the future. I believe it was one of the best, most interesting sections that displayed the campus's culture and diversity.
Benito San Miguel '03
Joining the military is not always a philosophical choice
Regarding 'Princeton, in the nation's service?' (Monday, Jan. 22, 2007):
I have a lot of admiration for those who join ROTC at Princeton; I also respect the basic issue this article was attempting to address — underrepresentation of the socioeconomic elite in the military. I would agree furthermore that campus political and civic engagement are distinctly lacking, and this depresses all forms of national service. I was offended by the conclusion that the low rate, however, of Princetonians joining ROTC or the military is primarily due to "shifting cultural expectations" about who joins the military.
I have no doubt that those who join the military from all walks of life are motivated by an intense love of this country and a desire to serve it proudly. But the reality of national policy (both aggressive recruiting policies in underprivileged neighborhoods, and the actual conduct of the war we're in) plays a huge role in determining whether there is broad-based participation or if war is conducted on the backs of the lower class. While half a century ago, joining the military would have been a completely different choice, to put it simply, I am not willing to kill or die in this directionless war in Iraq. I don't believe I am the only one to feel this way. Americans looking for a way to move out of poverty and into the middle class do not have the same leeway to make it a purely philosophical choice.
Rob Weiss '09
It is time for a change
Regarding 'Princeton stumbles to first ever 0-4 Ivy start' (Monday, Feb. 5, 2007):
As an avid basketball fan, perhaps I have been spoiled by Van Breda Kolff, Carril, Carmody and Thompson. To witness the abyss into which Princeton's basketball fortunes have sunk in only three years under Coach Joe Scott '87 is truly disheartening. Is it time for a coaching change? The answer is a "slam dunk" yes.
Michael Scharf '64
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Let’s Zohran our Princeton: the case for organizing that’s fun
Raf BasasMamdani's victory gives Princeton progressives a replicable model for winning, which they can adapt from New York to this University: a people-centered mass movement that builds real community and seeks to genuinely persuade and excite others.
Mamdani's victory gives Princeton progressives a replicable model for winning, which they can adapt from New York to this University: a people-centered mass movement that builds real community and seeks to genuinely persuade and excite others.
Princeton should put first-year family weekend back where it belongs
Ian RosenzweigBut rather than scheduling family weekend before our two fall recesses, the University seems to think that first-year students need to see their families the third Saturday after midterms. Much like the recent dining plan changes, this subpar scheduling is the University failing to coordinate its administrative planning with considerations for student well-being.
But rather than scheduling family weekend before our two fall recesses, the University seems to think that first-year students need to see their families the third Saturday after midterms. Much like the recent dining plan changes, this subpar scheduling is the University failing to coordinate its administrative planning with considerations for student well-being.
Vote, run, and challenge in USG’s upcoming elections
Oscar BarriosFor students to feel represented and for that representation to be genuine, elections must have large-scale, informed student participation. The student body must vote for candidates who reflect their views, hold these candidates accountable to the priorities on which they campaigned, and feel empowered enough to run for office themselves.
For students to feel represented and for that representation to be genuine, elections must have large-scale, informed student participation. The student body must vote for candidates who reflect their views, hold these candidates accountable to the priorities on which they campaigned, and feel empowered enough to run for office themselves.