Letters to the Editor

 

Smart and Stylish
As a frequent traveler, I know in advance that one of the key travel tips is to travel for comfort. Therefore, a Xavier sweatshirt is often the apparel of choice for many trips. On one recent journey, this attire seemed to be an advertisement. In the Cincinnati airport, one of the courtesy cart drivers honked at me and shouted “Go Muskies.” Upon arrival in Atlanta, and heading toward my connecting flight, I was approached by a gentleman who was looking at me as if we were friends. Trying not to appear confused, I nodded to him, as he shouted “Nice shirt.” I looked to see that he was wearing a Musketeers shirt. Finally, upon my destination to Dallas, I was walking to retrieve my luggage, when I was stopped by an airport employee. To paraphrase, he inquired if the Xavier logo on my shirt was the same one from the “University that has a good program, and more importantly, graduates a high number of athletes.” After a short conversation confirming this, I was on my way. Then I thought about it. Three airports, three comments on my alma mater. Way cool.
Doug Subotnik
Class of 1982, 1986

Move the Manatees
I read with interest your article on saving the manatees with sound waves. I spend a lot of time in the Ft. Myers, Fla., area and am aware of the issues involved. I have met several people who are native to southwest Florida and there is another side to this issue. Manatees are not native to this area, but were imported many years ago. Their grazing habits of eating the grass and root system in the river beds is not good. This is destroying the natural areas that fish need to lay eggs and regenerate. An argument can be made that the best thing for the manatees and the whole ecosystem of the area, is that they be packed up and returned to their original environment away from Florida. Best of luck in your research.
Don Mattcheck
Class of 1964

Feature vs. Feature
As editor of this publication, I take a strong objection to the feature article “Branching Out” as the obvious ridicule by Mr. [John Bookser] Feister of the philosophy and theology departments from 1940 to 1960. That, my friends, produced the moral teaching and background for your other article on Simon Leis. He was an unfortunate student of that era, as was I. A few other people came to mind that have been great benefactors to Xavier also were in our era. To name a few: Leo Boeslin, Bob Conway, Charles Schott, Tom Balabou, James Ryan, Jerry Devitt. I could go on and on with names you seem to have forgotten and, not the least, such teachers as Fr. Hethenigton.

What has this “new era” generation done for Xavier? They invited Bill Clinton over to talk. Wake up and pray for guidance. Don’t invite such flaky authors again to publish what they have little or no background or history of. To quote a news anchorman, Tom Brokaw, who writes about our “Greatest Generation,” ‘Where did this group of people get their guts and character?’ We were all part of it and, thanks to my personal theology training at Xavier, I'm still practicing and teaching the faith as a retired physician who has been re-certified by the archdiocese as a substitute teacher in the parochial system for grades seven through 12. My personal opinion is that a return to tradition should be reevaluated, especially in light of John Paul II encyclical Ex Cordon Eulesia. Thank you for your consideration.
Paul J. Haas, M.D.
Class of 1951

Eye Catcher
As an alumnus, I receive Xavier Magazine. I want to commend you for the superb and attractive layout, the design, color and concise, tasteful eye-catching articles and the creative use of space. One is drawn into the articles by just browsing through the magazine. Congratulations. It’s a top-ranking piece of creativity. You have every right to be very proud.
Marian Oldiges, R.S.M.
Class of 1973

Disheartened
I hear there's a big stink on campus. "The Vagina Monologues" was booked by the student council, and [University President] Fr. Mike Graham has stepped in and cancelled the event, refusing to discuss the matter. While I am disheartened by this action at my much loved alma mater, it doesn't surprise me—typical. To me, it further solidifies why, as an adult, I now am against the Catholic church and their hypocritical and patriarchal teachings and actions. If he thinks this won't effect donations from my generation as we are on the brink of our earning potential, he is wrong. Such actions won't be forgotten.
Colleen (Hartman) Cassity
Class of 1993

Test of Time
By his self-righteous, prudish bullying, Simon Leis has inadvertently done more to champion the First Amendment than Larry Flynt. Leis wouldn't last more than 10 minutes in most places. Being "committed" and "unwaivering" and "strong" and "zealous" are virtues only if one is right. I hear Jerry Springer might run again.
Robert Brock

Embarrassed
I am writing to register my unhappiness that you chose to run an article on Simon Leis. It has never been the role of government to enforce morality. Si Leis has embarked on a career of censorship and paranoia cloaked in a sense of civic duty. I am embarrassed that Xavier would do anything to promote his legacy of small-minded provincialism.
Thomas Baker

Short Story
I was interested in your 2003 winter issue cover story: "Stretching the Limits." I have to say that I was very disappointed to read the "story," which was two sentences long. Am I missing something?
Sarah Woller