Peace protest a demonstration of ignorance

The protest against the war on Iraq… Peace protest a demonstration of ignorance

The protest against the war on Iraq that took place last weekend (“Anti-war rally gathers on Soldiers’ and Sailors’ lawn,” Sept. 24) is an unfortunate demonstration of the ignorance of those who participated. The protesters at the demonstration not only wanted President Bush to avoid a justified and necessary war with Iraq, but also to lift sanctions against a country that has violated UN resolutions more than a dozen times, mass-murdered its own people with biological and chemical weapons, and threatened the international security of its Arab neighbors. What will it take to convince these people that war with Iraq is required not only for the security of the United States, but for the security of the world at large? Perhaps an Iraqi chemical attack on Israel would alert the protesters as to the graveness of the situation. Or even worse, an al Qaeda delivered and Iraqi sponsored nuclear attack on New York City that would immediately cost the lives of 5 million people and countless others in the near future. Nobody wants a war, but when the lives of millions of people hang in the balance, war is the only option.

David Shearouse

CAS Sophomore Female faculty less important than qualified faculty

I have several problems with the article titled “Female faculty at Pitt still few but growing” (Sept. 19, 2002). First was the comment made by a junior engineering major who said something to the effect of “I’m used to all my professors being white males.” I was an electrical engineering major for two years, and while all my professors were male they were definitely not all white. The engineering departments are very diverse. I had professors who were white, Indian, Asian and more. People need to realize that it’s going to take some time for there to be more women engineers. Engineering was a traditionally male-dominated field for decades. Just recently are we seeing more and more women choose engineering as a major. In fact I had several female TAs. When the students who are here now send their children to school I bet there will be many more women professors in traditionally male dominated fields.

Secondly, everyone is too concerned with a diverse faculty. Yes, I believe that some diversity is important. However, Pitt should concern itself with the best person to do the job. Whether these people are male, female, black, white, Asian, Hispanic, or Indian does not matter. All that matters is that they are the most qualified for the job.

Ian Ehrlich

CAS Senior