Illogical logic

I am appalled by the take presented of people with special needs in the “No ticket to ride” letter to the editor in The GW Hatchet Jan. 20 (p.4). In his letter, the writer readily exposed his ignorance by stating, “If Casey Martin really has what it takes to play professional golf, he would be physically capable of walking the course.” He continued to lash out at the handicapped golfer by blurting out that “since he is physically incapable to do so (walk the entire course), he does not have what it takes.”

His comparison of the necessity of physical contact to play golf with football leaves much to be desired. While he said walking a golf course “inevitably adds up and takes its toll on the participants over the course of a four-day event,” it cannot in any way be compared to the strenuous physical contact involved with football. As The Hatchet’s house editorial Jan. 15 stated, “Golf is a game of skill, not sheer athleticism,” (“Rules v. right,” p.4).

For the writer to quip that “perhaps we should start making concessions to handicapped people in other sports as well,” is purely unnecessary and hopefully a bad attempt at humor. The fact that Martin was allowed to use a golf cart to participate in the Nike Tour could not have had a single negative effect on the other golfers subjected to walking the course while someone else carried their clubs.

Following his line of logic, are we to assume the writer similarly is opposed to a GW student, confined to a wheelchair, getting to use a ramp or elevator to attend class on an upper level of a building while the majority of us take the stairs, which “inevitably adds up and takes its toll on” us?

The writer should be ashamed and maybe think before he writes another such public letter.

-Danny Freedmanfreshman

Bad image for GW

The recent op-ed titled “Asian crisis shows need for reforms” (The GW Hatchet, Jan. 26, p.4) was a sad display of the professionalism of the primary GW newspaper.

Even disregarding the writer’s opinions, a reader soon realizes he or she is reading an essay that’s grade in a freshman political science course would be the equivalent to a C- or less. It is written in a manner that brings a reader from topic to topic in accords only to the writer’s stream of consciousness.

Likewise, the article spoke of the ills of capitalism with a clear disregard of fact. His statements about the American reaction to the Asian crisis are blatantly incorrect as his primary sources are biased, labor-run policy institutes. The writer goes on to make obvious statements about the cyclic movements of corporate economies and with no support concludes capitalism is doomed to failure.

The writer’s opinions are of his own choosing and are of little consequence to myself. However, it is the carelessness of the editorial staff that allowed the op-ed to be printed on a public GW medium, making the University appear foolish, that is at issue. I feel I regularly try to improve upon the University’s image by conducting myself in a professional manner when in representing GW and think The GW Hatchet’s editorial staff should begin to act likewise.

-Doug Fleischerjunior

Homecoming 1998

On behalf of the Program Board and Student Association, the Homecoming planning committee would like to invite each of you to come out and catch the spirit of this year’s Homecoming events.

While we have many events on the agenda, Thursday’s comedy show featuring hit comedian David Spade at the Smith Center, Friday’s gala “Masquerade” and the step show Saturday at Lisner Auditorium are three of the biggest highlights of Homecoming ’98.

Going along with the Homecoming gala’s theme of masquerade, masks will be given out at the door. Tickets for the gala, to be held at the Washington Marriott, still can be purchased for $20 per person at the Program Board office (MC 429) until noon Friday.

The gala promises to be an evening to remember with dancing, good music, food and a cash bar. Mr. and Ms. GW, a new Homecoming tradition, also should bring out some school spirit, so come vote today! Elections began yesterday and will be held in J Street from noon until 6 today and also at the entrance to the David Spade comedy show. All nominees will be introduced at Friday’s gala and the winners will be announced Saturday during the game.

Don’t forget to come check out our events this weekend – Saturday morning will be a pre-game brunch, and later that afternoon a BBQ will take place on the Quad for grads and alumni. Concluding the week of events will be a pep rally and tailgate party followed by the women’s basketball game. Sunday’s game also will be aired on ESPN2.

The men’s and women’s basketball games are sure to bring out the true Colonial spirit in us all! We hope to see you there!

-Heather Roark SA director of Homecoming -Jill Hasegawa PB parties chair