Ryan ChartrandThanks for article on Ricky Henderson
I would like to thank Tim Dahlberg for a great commemoration to the terrific player that is Ricky Henderson. I remember Ricky Henderson getting on base all the time and I would say, “Ricky gets on.”
So it wasn’t much of a surprise when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He had over 3,000 hits and stole a lot of bases; Ricky was a fun player to watch. Thank you again for a very well- written article. Go Padres.
Evan Barrett
physics sophomore
Not all politicians are corrupt
Ms. Van Romburgh and Mr. Baldwin, I can’t disagree more with your beliefs and logic towards American politicians. This is a classic case of throwing the baby out with the bathwater: “a few politicians are corrupt so that must mean they all are.” True, I feel crimes such as the ones Gov. Blagojevich has been charged with should be prosecuted tirelessly because they shake the foundation of trust in our government, as we can see in both of your articles. But PACs and personality don’t make a politician corrupt. Everybody from the Sierra Club, to the National Organization for Women, and yes, even Extraterrestrial-Phenomenon have a PAC (look it up); they’re not all menacing.
Also, you need to have personality to get anywhere in this world. I’m guessing, Ms. Van Romburgh, that you didn’t become the editor in chief by being a recluse.
I ask, have you ever worked with or even met a politician? It’s a thankless job where you are continually told you aren’t doing it right. You’re ignoring people like our Congresswoman Lois Capps; I would retire from politics if she ever acted corrupt.
Your rationale to then resort to smaller government is particularly disturbing. Though both are unfavorable, I much rather have a Blagojevich run our country where we can vote him out instead of a Madoff or a Lay who gains power away from public scrutiny and control, assuredly using their own “mastery of persuasion.” Nobody is perfect, but at least politicians have a term limit.
Conner Johnston
industrial engineering senior
Israeli attacks are inconsiderate of human life
I am saddened by Israel’s lack of consideration for human life and international law. The people of Gaza should not be collectively punished for the actions of Hamas. There is absolutely no reason for more than 300 women and children to be killed.
Today the United Nations will not be distributing food or medical supplies due to the attacks made on its headquarters by the Israel Defense Forces. Last week, a U.N. truck was shelled, killing two U.N. employees. European governments and the U.N. have expressed outrage over both incidents. A third example of Israel’s belligerency is its naval attack on the Dignity, an international boat carrying medical supplies and 16 humanitarian activists, including former U.S. congresswoman Cynthia McKinney.
The U.N. Secretary General has recently accused Israel of cruelty for not letting the people of Gaza escape as refugees before the incursion was launched. They are trapped in a war zone where they are being bombed in their homes, mosques, schools and hospitals. Human Rights Watch recently alleged that Israel has attacked civilians with white phosphorus, a substance that many people consider an experimental chemical weapon.
By definition terrorism is “violent or destructive acts such as bombing committed by groups in order to intimidate a population into granting their demands.” It is my opinion that both Hamas and the IDF fit into this category due to the horrifying attacks that terrorize civilians in Gaza and Israel. How can Israel continue to call itself a democracy if it refuses to follow international law? It is my hope that both sides abide by the UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in order to keep future loss of human life to a minimum.
Grace Kirschner
history senior