SMPA legacy
I was disappointed to see the following quote, attributed to Professor Steve Roberts, in Monday’s Hatchet: “(SMPA) has two important traditions, two important approaches: the practical world of Washington journalism and a fine academic tradition” (“SMPA shifts director search,” Dec. 5, pg. 1).
Professor Roberts has forgotten another SMPA tradition: sweeping the electronic media program under the rug. From the failure of honoring former EMDA Director David Liban with tenure to omitting a fair representation of EMDA voices in recent review processes, the School of Media & Public Affairs has forgotten, and continues to forget, the important contribution that electronic media majors, faculty and alumni make to the University.
This argument is nothing new, but I hate to see this omission made on the eve of the electronic media program’s demise, brought about by the above-mentioned review, as well as the retirement of its most famous face – and voice – Joan Thiel. Electronic media students and faculty, past and present, will gather this week to remember the force that is Dr. Thiel and the undeniable impact she has had on all of us. In her name, I add just one more tradition to Dr. Robert’s list: in the words of Dr. Thiel herself, “action and intimacy.”
-Devon Tutak, alumna/i>
Laughable logic
Tyler Hahn’s column, “Not afraid to say ‘Merry Christmas'” (Dec. 5, p. 4), had some pretty funny items in it. Calling the evangelically founded, very capitalistic Wal-Mart “communist” certainly was hysterical. But the column wasn’t all laughs. Mr. Hahn, your “godless secular left” jab and your admittedly shameless attacks on others’ beliefs, such as Kwanza, are hate-filled, inaccurate and sad. Your comments are un-Christian-like and go against everything Jesus was about.
Your predictable rant of an alleged “war on Christmas” is one that comes up every year and is just silly. No one is attacking Christmas. No one. Those who support a “Happy Holidays” mentality are merely making room for all of the festive, special things that occur this time of year, just one of which is the Christmas holiday.
While we’re on the subject of hijacking holidays, early Christians “stole” this late December season from those who celebrated the Winter Solstice. If you truly wanted to save Christmas, you’d start the movement to celebrate your savior’s birthday in the month he was actually born: April, not December.
For someone who is a Middle East studies major, I hope you at least try to be a little less egocentric and selfish. You’re one of 6 billion people on this Earth, with beliefs no more or less important, true, or right than the next person’s. Jesus would want you to be more open-minded, it would be the best Christmas present you could give him this holiday season.
And since it is important to you and because I respect your religion, let me now take a moment to wish you a “Merry Christmas.”
-Claire Duggan, alumnus, former Hatchet photo editor
