The real barriers to peace
Regarding 'Barriers to peace' (Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007):
Sarah Dajani '09's defense of the Muslim Students' Association (MSA) and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is unconvincing— in large part because it's not a defense at all. She can't deny that four CAIR officials have been convicted of terrorism-related charges, including money-laundering and conspiracy. An ongoing federal case is demonstrating that the Holy Land Foundation, an Islamic charity for which CAIR solicited donations, funneled millions of dollars to Hamas, the terrorist organization that runs what is left of a Palestinian state. She can't deny that dozens of MSA members around the country have written and spoken publicly of their intentions to spread political Islam in the United States.
To the great credit of MSA and the Muslim student community at Princeton, there has never been even a hint of such odious behavior at Princeton. But when students such as Dajani jump to an admittedly coordinated defense of a terrorist-linked organization like CAIR, and the only counterargument they can offer is that the accuser was less than cordial, then perhaps Horowitz is onto something. One of his key arguments, after all, is that the people he has dubbed "Islamo-fascists" refuse to accept criticism of Islamic society or religion, act vigorously, often threatening violence, to stamp out any such criticism, and then hide under the banner of "diversity." Josh Waldman '05
Club troubles make Borough look desperate
What the recent allegations by the Borough against three eating clubs all boil down to is the word of one drunken, scared recruit, caught up for probably the first time in the whirlwind of a Princeton weekend. As a freshman, when I arrived on campus, I had a general idea of what was what. I had visited, I had heard names and stories, But when frosh week suns set, and I started out with my brand new "good friends" to the Street, I was damned if I really knew one mansion from the next. How many frantic phone calls were made that week by over a thousand people yelling, "You're WHERE? Which one is that? How many down? Wait, which side?"
Anyone who has been a freshman on the Street will vouch for the fact that, even a few weeks into the year, you probably still don't know which one is which. So, how does a recruit, with at most a day and a half of Princeton experience manage to authoritatively name the clubs where they were served enough to land them in a medical care facility? With names spinning, voices shouting, beer pouring, how does that prefrosh keep it all straight, and then manage to accurately recount it all when they can't walk a straight line? That the Borough wants to press charges is admirable, but that they would seize such a clearly bogus opportunity makes them look desperate. In the defense of the clubs, I would simply take a freshman who doesn't go out often, give them a cup or two of Beast, put them on the witness stand, and then ask them to identify three clubs. I am willing to bet they couldn't. Anneliese Mondschein '11
University workers need higher pay
Regarding '$10 an hour to do your homework' (Monday, Oct. 22, 2007):
Ben Chen '09 says that he hopes that campus workers get paid a lot more than the money he made at his relaxed job in Forbes. Unfortunately, they don't. Some full-time dining service workers get paid just $11.96 an hour and janitors start at $12.73. Those are low wages, especially for people who work as hard as the dining and custodial workers on this campus. According to 2005 data from the Economic Policy Institute, an adult living in Trenton with one dependent needs to earn at least $18.99 an hour just to make ends meet without relying on public assistance. How do workers close that gap? Few, if any, service workers on campus have just one job. In fact, among workers that I've talked to, it's not uncommon to work three jobs every week just to be able to support their family. Of course, with schedules like that, they never get to see their family anyway — a perverse sacrifice that no one should have to make.?? Chen asks the right question: are workers being treated like members of this community? Sadly, the answer right now appears to be "no." But it doesn't have to be this way. Princeton has enough resources to pay people decently and it certainly has enough resources to treat people with respect. The situation in Rocky-Mathey is regrettably symptomatic of a University-wide failure to recognize, respect, and reward the indispensable contributions of campus workers. I hope that the University appreciates that better pay and better treatment is the least we can give them. Benjamin McKean GS
Meal program benefits University community
Regarding 'Mixing at mealtime' (Monday, Oct. 22, 2007):
The policy you propose was in place when I was an undergraduate. Each Friday, economics majors invited a different professor or preceptor to lunch. In addition to accomplishing all that the editorial proposes, these lunches also served to foster community among the economics students. I hope that this program returns to campus soon. Nancy Fox '75
Government does not set version of history
Regarding 'Genocide by any other name' (Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007):
Martha Vega-Gonzalez '09 thinks that "the question of how the deaths of the Armenians and others will be remembered in the annals of history" is the business of the United States Congress. But Congress is not a historical body. It has the responsibility of acting for American political interests. Vega-Gonzalez should not be surprised that legislators consider the political repercussions of their votes. In the United States, unlike in Turkey, the government does not set its official version of history. That is up to historians such as Vega-Gonzalez. ? Leon Furchtgott '09
Passing Armenian genocide resolution would be a mistake
Regarding 'Genocide by any other name' (Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007):
Despite Martha Vega-Gonzalez '09's plea for Congress to pass a resolution condemning Turkey for the Armenian genocide, it would be a terrible blunder. Turkey considers this a matter of the utmost importance, and when the French condemned the genocide last year, the Turks cut off military ties. As Turkish politicians and military leaders have strongly implied, there is little reason to doubt that passing the resolution would lead to a similarly strong reaction against us. Turkey could easily deny us access to the Incirlik air base, which is an important supply hub for our forces in Iraq. Moreover, they could make withdrawal of troops from Iraq very difficult and time-consuming by denying us transport rights. Even worse, we'd sacrifice influence over one of our key secular allies. What would be gained by the resolution? Beyond the gratification of the wealthy Armenian political contributors who have financed its progress, absolutely nothing. The Armenian genocide is ancient history, and nothing we say or do now will help anyone. Indeed, it will only lessen our ability to restrain Turkey from violently suppressing Kurdish separatists as it has done before. Far from vindicating the principles of human rights, this resolution would be a victory for political lobbying over sensible policymaking.? Joshua Harris '11
A chance to submit nominations for Pyne Prize
I write to solicit nominations for the Pyne Prize, the highest general distinction the University confers upon an undergraduate, which will be awarded on Alumni Day, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008.
In thinking about nomination, I would ask that you consider the following description:
The M. Taylor Pyne Honor Prize is a prize awarded annually to the senior who has manifested in outstanding fashion the following qualifications: excellence in scholarship, character, and effective support of the best interests of Princeton University. Founded in 1921 in remembrance of the life and character of M. Taylor Pyne, Class of 1877, Trustee of Princeton 1885-1921, by his cousin, Mrs. May Taylor Moulton Hanrahan, the prize is the highest general distinction the University confers upon an undergraduate. The prize consists of the income from this fund up to the prevailing comprehensive fee for one academic year.
The prize winner will be selected by the President of the University, the Deans of the College and of Undergraduate Students, and the Secretary of the University. We are eager to receive nominations from members of the University community. Please direct such names and, preferably, letters of nomination to Kathleen Deignan at 313 West College, by Friday, Jan. 4, 2008. Kathleen Deignan Dean of Undergraduate Students
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