Letters to the Editor

Monday, May 9, 2005

In Defense of the Speech Office

Sir—

So I'm reading your coverage of Prof. Kuypers' resignation [See TDR 4/22/05] and I'm curious: What will The Review or anyone be doing to organize a protest of the administration's actions regarding this? I think it is utterly ludicrous that Dartmouth College not have a department specifically assigned to rhetoric or speech.

Abe Clayman '07
Hanover, NH

Back to Journalism 101

Sir—

I hope that Thomas Monahan is not a journalism major. His article "Rugby Starts Spring with Win" [See TDR 4/8/05] is an embarrassment. First, DRFC played the Northeastern University Mad Dogs, not the Terriers of Boston University. More importantly, to call the opposing team and fans "Massholes" who are "poorly-mannered" and "ill-educated" is unbelievable. Resorting to insults does not a story make.

As far as "ill-educated" goes, perhaps Mr. Monahan should come down from his "ivy" tower to the real world to see how Northeastern graduates and "Massholes" alike are faring. In fact, research is key when writing news articles. Maybe Mr. Monahan should compare statistics of Boston graduates vs. Hanover graduates?

Lori A. Herbert
Boston, MA

The Editors respond: Unlike your plebeian vocational school, the liberal arts education offered by Dartmouth College does not include a journalism program. And despite your affinity for the fruit wine, Northeastern's mascot is the husky, not the mad dog.

Your Use of 'Facts' Offends Me

Sir—

I actually find myself reading The Dartmouth Review a lot. And I laud the writing at The Review. However, you could be the best writers in the world, but how you phrase something, is what counts. The ridicule and criticism of the Reform America Party [See TDR 4/22/05], and of many other groups and people is really getting old.

First of all, I defend The Review to the bitter end, I enjoy the conservative arguments you put forward, even if I don't always agree with them. You can disagree with what others have to say, and you can even be satirical in your criticisms, but not by verging on being libelous. You seem to criticize without truly giving that person a chance, instead you blatantly generalize what every person you don't agree with has to say. That is unprofessional—unprofessional journalism I might add.

Luis-Alejandro Dinella-Borrego '07
Hanover, NH

The Editors respond: We apologize for ruining the surprise of your planned invasion of Cuba, as Fidel Castro is known to be a devoted reader of The Dartmouth Review. Hopefully, the US government will still see fit to provide you with air cover.

Memories of Dean Seymour

Sir—

I am fascinated by your recent interview with ex-Dean T. Seymour [See TDR 4/22/05]. I was teaching at Dartmouth during the years of the ROTC debates, and it is entirely to his credit that Mr Seymour now says the protestors were right. He was involved in a particularly nasty incident involving his calling the New Hampshire riot police to the campus to stop a peaceful demonstration where the only acts were carrying signs and singing "We Shall Overcome." I'm sure he recalls this and I am glad to see his honest change of mind.

Prof. Jonathan Mirsky
London, England

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