To the Editor:
There has been a great deal of discussion in the past two weeks concerning the letter which the Dartmouth Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Organization received in its Hinam Box. So far, almost all of it has been quite vitriolic, and a number of character assassinations have occurred. While it is far from me to further engage in this sort of rhetoric, I think it is important that a different voice be heard on this issue.
As an African-American, I have had plenty of opportunities to experience "hate." However, I have enough self-confidence to rise above any slander that is directed towards me. I can appreciate how there may be members of the Dartmouth community who cannot easily ignore comments by other people. However, that certainly gives neither them, nor any other person the right to special considerations. We live in an imperfect world where not everyone is enlightened about the need to respect others values. Unfortunately, all attempts at creating a utopia where everyone lives in harmony have created more anguish, hatred and fear than our current situation. Need I remind anyone of the attempts at utopianism fostered by Pol Pot in Cambodia, Vladimir Lenin in Russia or Jim Jones in Guyana? When an atmosphere is created that discourages differing views, even on controversial subjects, we all take one step towards the abyss. Granted there is no room at Dartmouth for sniveling cowards who write anonymous garbage, but neither is there for group thought.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army, I spent three years defending my, and everyone in this nation's right to enjoy the blessing of liberty. I've seen brave men and women die for what we at Dartmouth often take for granted. I've also seen cultures where intolerance is such that even the slightest dissent from official policy is not greeted with harsh words, but with prison and executions. While I cannot ever see a time when our nation would follow such a route, I can see the intellectual framework of such a system in the works here in Dartmouth.
As a Dartmouth student, and as an American, it is my right and my responsibility to speak-out against those who would deprive anyone of the rights that millions have struggled for. To simply go along with what someone wants to hear, would not only be a personal disgrace, but would mean I have learned nothing in my years at Dartmouth.
