Letters to the editor

Help is out there

To the Editor:

Upon reading Darcy Ritchie's column ("Calling for a new dialogue on rape," The Daily Pennsylvanian, 03/17/04), I must offer my support in her efforts to make an all-too-often undiscussed issue come to the forefront.

As a survivor of a sexual assault at a young age, I know only too well that the dangers of acquaintance rape are the true face of rape in America. While random acts of violence do occur, it is far too often that a rape or sexual assault is committed by a friend, family member, co-worker or a casual acquaintance.

I urge anyone who has had to cope with such an ordeal to seek help in dealing with a situation that often leads to depression and withdrawl. The Rape Abuse & Incest National Network offers 24-hour confidential counseling at 1-800-656-HOPE. My involvement with this organization has brought me to a place of healing, and I only hope that others can gain the same benefit.

Jamie York

To the Editor:

It was disappointing to read in your article ("Ex-library director to enter into probation," DP, 03/04/04) on the trial of Paul Mosher, former vice provost and director of libraries, that the University hasn't "really been following" the case. One would think that the fate of Paul Mosher, who gave such superb service to Penn for many years, would be of at least mild interest to the University community.

More importantly, one would hope that those who speak for the University might express some of the compassion many of us feel for the terribly unfortunate turn of events in his life. He is, after all, a distinguished librarian at the top of his field. We (the University) are much indebted to him and deeply saddened by this tragedy.

Professor Joan Goodman

Graduate School of Education

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