To the Editor:
It has now been 10 months since this country was viciously attacked on September 11, 2001, resulting in the murder of thousands of U.S. citizens ("The Widow's Challenge, Part I"). Since then I have been to dozens of funerals, wakes, memorial services, fundraisers and charity events, all held because of that horrible day. This leads to my one question for the Dartmouth community: what exactly have you done? What have you done for those who lost their loved ones? What have you done to recognize and honor those that were slaughtered? What have you done to ensure that the thousands of people in your community never forget that day. The day more United States civilians were killed than any other day in the history of this great republic?
Dartmouth students, what have you done? Really, as a group, what have you done? Fraternities and Sororities, what have you done, but continue the parties? Affinity Houses, what have you done, but continue to exhaust your every resource dealing with issues of far less significance? Student newspapers, what have you done, but continue to keep the issue buried under the rug? Student Council, what have you done, but continue to be of little importance?
Dartmouth faculty, what have you done? For a bunch of people who love to take up various causes, why was this one never picked up at all? For a group of people who claim to be true intellectuals and mentors, your lack of action has exposed you for what you truly are.
Dartmouth administrators, what in the blue hell have you done? You are supposed to be leading this sorry show and the only thing I have heard from your majestic offices was the creation of a task force in March that was talking about "a number of things" in relation to 9/11. Over a month later and the only thing this task force has created is a big stink of silence. So it takes you geniuses seven friggin' months to create the damn task force, only to have it do or say nothing for an additional month (and counting). That is a disgrace, an out and out disgrace. How about setting up a college grant or some type of scholarship for the sons and daughters of those lost from the New York Fire Department on 9/11? Is that possible? And if not, why the hell not?
Dartmouth Alumni Council, what have you done? Why hasn't a fund or some type of charity been established? Why hasn't a physical memorial sponsored by the alumni been planned? What the hell do you people do exactly that is so important, you couldn't be bothered with any of this?
So here we are eight months later, and as far as I know, none of these groups have done one damn thing in relation to 9/11. Now, I am sure some people have contributed time and money individually, and for that they should be commended. But why the hell haven't any of these organizations and groups associated with Dartmouth done anything? Nothing. Zero. Maybe you have and we just haven't heard about it. If so, please let us know. It is comforting to many down here when various groups from around the country pay tribute to those lost. But I suspect nearly all of the groups mentioned above haven't lifted a finger, much less their wallet. Such privileged people, in such an esteemed institution, making such an utter disgrace of themselves. Wake up Dartmouth, you are an embarrassment!