Letters to the editor

ROTC misrepresented in letter

The behavior shown by Pitt students at the WVU game… ROTC misrepresented in letter

The behavior shown by Pitt students at the WVU game is embarrassing and damaging to the reputation of our school. However, Josh Ferris’ use of the ROTC program to attempt to illustrate a hostile environment is despicable.

In Ferris’ letter, the following sentence places ROTC in a deceptive light: “Students are threatened, some have even been attacked and organizations like ROTC are allowed to proselytize their anti-gay doctrine.”

First, this sentence places ROTC among people who physically intimidate and assault members of the GLBT community. A reader who quickly skims over this letter may infer that ROTC or cadets are taking an active part in criminal activities perpetrated against GLBT community.

Second, as for the so-called “Anti-Gay Doctrine,” rather than a lengthy letter regarding the complicated legalities of the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, I point to the author of this policy, former president Bill Clinton. He could have made an executive order ending the expulsion policy, but he didn’t. Therefore, if you have a problem with it, take it up with the people who are in charge of policy. Otherwise, stop beating up on the low men/women on the totem pole.

Cadets enrolled in the ROTC program keep a professional and silent presence on the campus. They wear nothing on their uniforms that could affiliate themselves with a political persuasion, and there is a reason for that. The military is under civilian control and as members of the military, cadets do not align themselves with a political party or agenda. So please do not use ROTC, the students who have dedicated themselves to it or the military personnel running it as a tool in your own political agenda.

Francis T. Hartnett IV

CAS sophomore

Earle’s coments discouraging

The Dec. 4 article, “Basketball tickets on sale once again,” highlighted many of the frustrations that Pitt students faced in buying – or attempting to buy – tickets to the nationally ranked Panthers. However, the comments of associate athletics director Jim Earle are of particular concern.

Mr. Earle’s comment that the athletics department “learned at the Duquesne game that there’s always going to be no-shows,” signifies a lack of leadership on the part of the athletics department rather than poor student participation. This goes beyond tickets not being transferable and not notifying the student government.

If the athletics department is serious about bringing Panther sports onto a national stage it needs to commit itself to working with the students. As a student, I couldn’t care less about a new facility. Instead, I want to see a quality team on the court – or field – that is fun to watch.

The athletics department needs student participation for sports to succeed here at Pitt. Expecting no-shows as a given is a horrible attitude, and certainly doesn’t inspire students to have faith in the athletics department. Keep students involved rather than playing the blame game and shrugging shoulders.

James Ricci

Master’s candidate GSPIA 2004

Open letter to Steve Pederson

Mr. Steve Pederson:

Refusing to comment on “speculations” is unacceptable. Tell the truth!

Either, “I love Pitt and have told the chancellor to inform Nebraska that I am not interested if they ask for permission to talk with me.”

Or “Nebraska is our home, my alma mater, and a special place for me. I would love to talk with them regarding their AD position.”

Or “Nebraska has not contacted me, but if they do I would talk with them because it is my alma mater and …”

Fans, season ticket holders, boosters and the public would rather have the truth than flim-flam Clintonese talk. I expected more from you.

Richard Pongratz

15-year season ticket holder