To the Editor:
I am disappointed, but I can't say that I am surprised, at the overwhelmingly negative response to Noah Riner's recent Convocation address ("SA committee chair resigns after contentious speech," Sept. 23.) It is truly a shame when a Dartmouth student can no longer express his or her moral convictions without bringing down a sea of criticism and censure upon themselves. In a world where moral relativism has become the norm, even the expected attitude, it is very refreshing to see and hear a fellow student express their convictions in a forthright and uncompromising manner.
I appreciate that those who do not share Riner's religious beliefs may very well have been offended by his statements, but rather than retreating into outraged sensitivity, I hope that the Class of '09 and the rest of the Dartmouth community will instead see in his address an example of courage and conviction that they would do well to follow. Dartmouth is a great place because we are all able to speak about and act upon those convictions that give our lives meaning, whatever they may be. I hope Riner's address will inspire the entire Dartmouth community to enter into more open and passionate discussions of sensitive issues, rather than merely embracing the safety of silence or worse, indifference.
