To the Editor:
While I agree with Mr. Rago that "The BlabberForce" is far from an ideal name, I must disagree strongly with the rest of his insulting and highly flawed letter. Perhaps he should recheck his arguments before labeling others clowns.
Mr. Rago is led astray by his belief that Dartmouth is universally recognized for its undergraduate experience. Perhaps this is true in the Northeast, but hardly true in the West. While Mr. Rago may be content in drawing future classes only from the East, I think most would agree that we want the best students from every part of this country and world considering Dartmouth as their college of choice.
Many of the detractors of The BlabberForce have the attitude of indie-rock snobs. They take pride in the underground status of their beloved and constantly rail against mass-marketing and commercialization. Those are lovely sentiments, but some of us would like to have prospective employers at least know how to pronounce Dartmouth.
The reason for being for The BlabberForce should be to spread the good word to future students and employers so that Dartmouth will continue to receive the highest caliber and most diverse applicant pool, and Dartmouth alumni will enjoy the respect their four years of study deserves.
By the way, Mr. Rago, I applied early decision and don't regret it. I just want to make sure my friends not from the East Coast with immigrant parents are aware of Dartmouth's qualities and reputation and not just its climate. When you ask Dean Furstenberg to admit more students like his Class of 1967, do you mean only rich white male legacy Easterners? Maybe I'm just a clown that slipped under the radar, but at least I'm living with an eye towards the future and not the past.
