Defending Aramark
To the Editor:
As director of the Penn Reading Project, it pains me to think that the choice of this year's book, The Omnivore's Dilemma, might have spurred extra criticism aimed at Penn Dining.
For the record, my experience with Aramark has been entirely positive. They have made extraordinary efforts to partner with us. They've launched special meals featuring local foods; they are helping to plan events for students, including bringing chefs to campus, and a trip to a local farm.
These people are seriously interested in customer satisfaction, nutrition, and issues of local buying and sustainability. Penn Dining has my admiration - and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work.
David Fox
The author is the director of the Penn Reading Project and New Student Orientation
Respect our servicemen
To the Editor:
Stephen Krewson's article, "Dispatches from a Divided Campus," highlights a disturbing trend in the national discourse regarding the war in Iraq and the state of the military in general.
Namely, it has become common for some in our society to portray men and women in uniform as suffering victims rather than brave citizens who have stepped forward to serve. When individuals such as Jeff Garris speak of an "economic draft," they insinuate that those who volunteer are unwittingly trapped against their will, led about like helpless sheep.
As a member of our nation's military, this characterization is extremely offensive. I would suggest that the majority of those in the Armed Forces have no illusions about the hardship and risk they face when they put on the uniform. They choose to do so despite the risk, knowing that their sacrifice is necessary.
No one can deny that our nation and the military are in a precarious spot. However, characterizing servicemen as victims, rather than the brave warriors they are, does nothing to address the issues at hand.
No matter what your political affiliation, opinion or stance on the war, show our servicemen the respect they deserve.
Michael Glynn
Engineering senior The author is a midshipman first class in the United States Naval Reserve
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