Debate must be classy
Regarding 'Conservative conception of morality' (Wednesday, April 18, 2007):
It's good to know that we have someone holier than us to let us know that we're doing wrong. I would have never imagined that a "system of forced childbirth" would result from banning abortion. I was thinking that it would cause young people to take more responsibility for their own actions by practicing safe sex, etc. And it's a good thing Jason Sheltzer '08 lets us know that Republicans are hypocrites. I assume that means that all liberals are pillars of truth and morality. Please ask your columnists to get off their high horses and at least have some measure of respect for the people with whom they disagree. Debate is fine, but do it with some class. P.J. Miller '10
Cho '04 should be shown respect
Regarding 'Cho '04 calls campus friend' (Thursday, April 19, 2007):
I would like to express my disapproval of the way The Daily Princetonian has handled the Virginia Tech incident, especially regarding Sun-Kyung Cho '04. Calling, researching her whereabouts and reporting any piece of news about her response was very disrespectful to her and her family. I would have hoped that the 'Prince' writers would have been more sensitive to this issue. Erica Wojcik '09
Students consider Obama's agenda
Regarding 'Students start first campus group for a 2008 candidate' (Friday, April 20, 2007):
My classmates leading the Princeton Chapter of Students for Barack Obama seem to have the right idea, but may not have all the right reasons for supporting Sen. Obama (D-Ill.).
In molding an opinion of a political candidate, one should consider, among other things, the candidate's future ability and effectiveness at implementing his or her agenda — which may depend on charisma — and the candidate's actual agenda. When charisma supersedes substance and support for the candidate becomes "personal as well as political," one forfeits the opportunity for authentically evaluating the candidate.
Catherine Rampell '07 hit the nail on the head in her column when she said that [of President Bush's supporters] she had "found [the] same silly, ridiculous, meaningless motives perfectly reasonable bases for supporting a candidate." Let's avoid the same mistake.
We are voting for a leader and executive, not a friend. While Obama may have a strong background, we should still look beyond his rhetoric and personality and make sure we agree with what he is really all about. Darren Sri-Jayantha '10
Governor's past not fully divulged
Regarding 'Politicians: passion and values key' (Monday, April 23, 2007):
I find it all too ironic that The Daily Princetonian's article on the recent Eliot Spitzer '81/Bill Frist '74 discussion ended with Bob Taft GS '67 suggesting that those outside the political process do not appreciate the importance of public debate. Apparently, Taft — who was governor of Ohio from 1999 to 2007 — has very recently had a significant change of heart. In 2005, he didn't seem too concerned with engaging in public debate when he was convicted of accepting (and not disclosing) $5,800 in gifts from lobbyists. This is a man whose popularity rating once hit as low as 6.5 percent. It is imprudent of 'Prince' journalist to fail to mention his recent past in an article that quotes him on the virtues of public life. Will Wallace '09
Lack of storage attributed to attic dorms
Regarding 'University should improve storage' (Monday, April 23, 2007):
Well, I suppose it was going to happen. In the past, student items were stored in attics. As more and more attics are turned into (uncomfortable) dormitory rooms, the summer storage space disappeared.
Are there no mini-storage places along U.S. Route 1? Are there no beaners (as Mencia would call them) with trucks for rent in the area? Or does the Student Agency monopoly prevent such trucks from driving anywhere near campus? Jonathan Baker '87
Read More
$56,000 in debt at graduation is not the financial aid Princeton advertises
Avi CheslerTake my story as an example — despite repeated evidence, both before and after taking out loans, that I would be unable to pay what Princeton asked of me — the University never set a cost that I could truly meet loan-free.
In the Garden State’s service and the service of humanity
Olivia Ragan, Lauren Aung, and Madison LintonIt is important to cultivate in students interest in local and state level change, because it is the most direct way to give back to the New Jersey community that sustains the University.
Why do two-thirds of your summer research wages go to Princeton, anyway?
Isaac BarsoumThe income that students earn from employment is not “miscellaneous.” So Princeton must decide: Does it want its students — all of them, not only those who can afford it — to be able to work on the important research happening at Princeton, or be forced to go home?
The income that students earn from employment is not “miscellaneous.” So Princeton must decide: Does it want its students — all of them, not only those who can afford it — to be able to work on the important research happening at Princeton, or be forced to go home?