Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

48° Evanston, IL
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Letters to the Editor

U.S. has responsibility to get involved in the Middle East

In response to Matthew Carleson’s Tuesday letter: I concur. The United States, as the only remaining superpower (or more specifically, hyperpower), with its vast economic, military and political resources, should keep its nose out of the affairs of the Middle East and the rest of the world.

Only when the United States completely and fully recalls all troops from areas important for strategic interest and for world stability, only when American diplomats cease to advocate unfettered freedom for people everywhere, and only when the American people realize that isolationism is the only rational answer to the world’s problems will the Earth truly be at peace.

The United States has only served as an obstacle to peace and prosperity for the world. Its strong resistance to communism and tyranny in the 20th century has only created an atmosphere of security and stability.

What good is that? I mean, that’s the only way a liberal economy can function. The only good that could come is enormous wealth, innovation and the proliferation of ideas. What good are prosperity and free trade? I don’t need oil — my car runs on love.

Why should we continue to defend the only democracy in the Middle East? The United States is the mob boss of the region, Israel is Sammy The Bull and both should be in Sing Sing.

In fact, the United States should actively join in the dismantling of the State of Israel. Yes — that’s the only way to prove we are not puppets of Zionism.

We should join hands and sing while a slow boat from North Korea delivers a nuclear warhead to al-Qaeda operatives in Baghdad. And even if terrorists did have the will to detonate it in the continental United States, what’s Washington or New York among friends?

Finally, the United States should ignore the human rights violations executed by Saddam and his minions. Honestly, can anyone think of a compelling moral argument against the use of mustard gas on women and children? What Saddam does to Iraqis is his own business. Besides, he is so charming on al-Jazeera.

Carleson is asking the most powerful country in the world to step back from the podium while our enemies make plans for our demise and the demise of our allies. If I recall, many made a similar argument even as a man with a silly moustache goose-stepped his way across Europe. But unlike some, I won’t indulge in inflammatory comparisons, although it is tempting. War is a terrible thing, but sometimes it is the only thing that gets the job done. I hope that’s not the case now.

Travis C. Stalcup

Music junior

NU should consult students in race-based policy debate

I cannot believe that in this day and age, race is still a factor in college admissions. What happened to fairness with regard to test scores, grade point averages, clubs and organizations, leadership positions, interviews and letters of recommendation?

I’m sorry, but some of us, regardless of our race or economic background, worked our asses off in high school just so we could attend a prestigious university, and the fact that all of our efforts might be hindered because of the color of our skin is ridiculous.

The thought of using race as an admissions factor is unfair and unconstitutional. Speaking as an Asian-American student, using race as an admissions factor hurts the Asian-American community. I’m not sure how it is in the other communities, but our parents constantly push us to excel in academics and club activities, and if you don’t score better than a 1400 on your Scholastic Aptitude Test or find the cure for cancer, you can wave your chance to attend a top-notch school goodbye.

I know that admissions is a hard system to perfect because so many people apply, but applicants’ chances should not be affected by the color of their skin. Before Northwestern supports the race-based admissions policies of the University of Michigan and other schools, maybe it should poll the actual students who lived through this admissions process and find out what they think.

Raymond Lee

Communication junior

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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Letters to the Editor