Letters to the editor

To the Editor: I am writing in response to Jonathan Margulies' column ("The theft that threatens our most basic right," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 3/21/01). I agree that the Brown students' decision to pilfer all available newspapers did deny the Brown community of one of its basic rights, that of free speech. In the same light, however, I feel that the DP denied the Penn community of this same right by not publishing David Horowitz's advertisement. One tenet of the press is that it serves as a forum for free dissemination of information. By precluding Horowitz of this right, the DP was practicing a form of censorship and insulting the Penn community. Horowitz submitted a paid advertisement -- similar to yesterday's supplement by the Queer Student Alliance. While both submissions addressed controversial issues -- one race relations, and the other homosexuality -- one was allowed publication, while the other was denied. As both were advertisements, it is generally understood that they do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the DP. But while I have reviewed Horowitz's advertisement, and do not in any way agree with his sentiments, I believe that the action in line with American values would have been to publish his thoughts, and allow the Penn community to chance to decide the merit of his arguments.

Matthew Glowasky College and Wharton '03

To the Editor: I would like to say how much I enjoyed the women's basketball game in Lubbock, Texas between Penn and Texas Tech. The Quakers put up a well fought battle and should be proud that they made the NCAA Tournament and that they never gave up. The score was lopsided, but consider this -- the Quakers have likely never played to such a large crowd as they saw in Lubbock. But in response to the article "First round heartbreak," DP, 3/20/01), Tech Coach Marsha Sharp never considers any team just a "tune-up" for something else. She knows better than most that that attitude loses games. She always has positive things to say about the other team, win or lose. Please give your players a pat on the back and let them know they had a season of which to be proud. They accomplished something many teams didn't -- they went to the NCAAs.

Donna Perry Lubbock, Texas

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