Letters

Horrifying Consequences

My wife Marilee and I would like to thank the ALUMNI MAGAZINE for printing the text of George Kennan's talk, "The Naivete of Nuclear Rivalry," in the March issue.

Kennan articulates intelligently and eloquently what increasing numbers of people world-wide recognize: first, that the nuclear arms race actually threatens us with extinction, and, second, that to avert this imminent possi- bility we must adopt entirely new attitudes to govern our relations with other nations.

We urge everyone who might read this to consider that the danger of nuclear war is the most important issue "alive" today. What difference does it make if we achieve our personal goals, solve our social problems, and clean up our environment, only to incinerate ourselves in a nuclear war?

A Dartmouth education has fitted us to preserve and build our civilization. A nuclear war can only destroy. Would not our talents be used best, then, to work to defuse as quickly as possible the terrible destructive device in our midst? The answer seems obvious.

Palo Alto, Calif.

Thank you for printing George Kennan's recent article, which I found to be an articulate and convincing indictment of our government's nuclear arms policies.

As Professor Kennan points out, the nuclear disarmament movement (in this country and elsewhere) is not a radical political creation, but rather it has gained momentum because great numbers of people from the mainstream of life are finally acknowledging and understanding the horrifying consequences of the use of nuclear weapons.

The argument that augmentation of our nuclear arsenal serves as a deterrent to the Soviet Union has dubious merit as the proliferation of nuclear arms on both sides has already reached a point where neither we nor they can expect to "win" a nuclear war. If the Soviets do have an advantage (and an assessment of the combined N.A.T.O. nuclear capability suggests a contrary conclusion), it is one above and beyond our ability to annihilate them. Given the unavoidable and catastrophic consequences, it is difficult to imagine that either this country or the Soviet Union would intentionally initiate a nuclear attack.

A compelling reason for seeking bilateral nuclear disarmament without delay is the very real possibility that a full-scale nuclear war will be triggered by inadvertence, such as by human error, computer error, or the use of a single nuclear warhead by a political fanatic. Neither we nor the Soviets have the luxury of time to determine the source of a first strike or whether it is accidental. The likely response to such an accident would be a massive retaliation and the ultimate obliteration of the entire life machine So long as nuclear weapons remain in existence the human race faces the substantial likelihood (some say certainty) of self-destruction by mistake, a tragic mistake indeed.

Confronting the reality of the nuclear threat is a peculiarly painful process, and one which most of us have understandably avoided for the past 20 years. However, our very survival as a species requires that we overcome our psychological paralysis, that we educate ourselves about nuclear arms, and that we speak out for global nuclear disarmament.

Some may say that we as individuals are helpless to effect change in this country, let alone in the Soviet Union. Such naysayers should consider the answer to this question: What is the alternative?

Pittsfield, Mass.

Gaining Insights

Congratulations on the excellent article by Shelby Grantham on alcoholism ["Sherry for breakfast," March issue]. On April 19, the New York Times also featured the alcohol programs so wisely supported by the College.

The wide dissemination of the truth about this widespread disease may cause some of our young people who are deciding about personal drug and alcohol use to stop and weigh the possibility of tragic consequences in the long run.

Why are drugs and alcohol such a problem today?

Christopher Lasch, among others, has pointed out that our society suffers from narcissism. This is preoccupation with self to the exclusion of others. It promotes irresponsibility in relationships leading to the dissolution of the family. It promotes crime as fellow humans are viewed simply as prey. The narcissist lacks feelings of sympathy, compassion, and pity. Robbery, assault, and murder result from this widespread psychic illness.

Narcissism cannot satisfy man's deepest aspirations for peace and serenity. Because of spiritual emptiness, the narcissist turns to alcohol and drugs for relief of psychic pain. Destructive behavior, frank addiction, and serious physical illness may ensue. If the sufferer is fortunate, a crisis may occur somewhere along the way that can be used by altruists to bring that person to detoxification and rehabilitation.

The initial event in recovery must be the realization that life has become unmanageable and that there is no control over alcohol or drugs. It is at this point that reliance on the individual ego gives way to a "turning over of the responsibility for one's life to a power greater than the self. Many choose to call this higher power God as they understand God.

It is in such an act of surrender and submission that the healing process begins. It is paradoxical that in weakness there is found the strength to recover, and in dying to oneself, by reducing the ego, renewal occurs. The recovering addict or alcoholic gradually loses concern with self. With the re-establishment of mental health, that person becomes able to care for and reach out to others with joy and fulfillment.

It is tragic that many who gain this insight must pay for it through personal suffering. Those who find an easier path do so by the early development of spiritual belief. The prevention of alcohol and drug problems lies primarily in the spiritual realm. If we are to overcome this illness in our modern society we must become less egocentric and learn to Jove God and one another.

Danbury, Conn.

I thank Lisa Campney for her column expressing her view of the problem with alcohol and its abuse at Dartmouth ["Undergraduate Chair," April issue]. I only wish to add some information for the Dartmouth community in an attempt to help our general understanding of the serious medical and social problem.

New studies from Sweden using doubleblind twin studies show a definite inherited predisposition in children of alcoholics for acquiring this disease. The genetic dice are loaded more against males (father to son transmission shows a ninefold increased risk of alcoholism, mother to son threefold) than toward daughters (father to daughter threefold and mother to daughter twofold). Perhaps this added information will begin to change our understanding and shift our focus in our attempts to deal with this problem.

We do not necessarily "blame" someone for having heart disease or diabetes, two other diseases which show genetic transmission, yet our disdain toward alcoholics may hinder our efforts at rehabilitation and prevention.

New Orleans, La.

While unbiased comment is difficult because I was a participant, the article by Shelby Grantham on alcohol at Dartmouth was excellent. Drawing from various events, the story caught the kinds of experiences shared and concerns articulated by many members of the broad Dartmouth community.

One of the points made in that report was that the conference was planned to raise consciousness of the problem; that objective was promptly reflected in the beautiful "Undergraduate Chair" piece by Lisa Campney 'B2 in the April issue. She reports a change in attitudes at Dartmouth, and I am heartened to know that "the stigma attached to nondrinking at Dartmouth has begun to fade." Let us hope it disappears.

Finally, there has been much generous mention of a piece I did for the ALUMNI some six years ago. I appreciate that, but I think the same generous mention should be made of the decision by the editor of the magazine to print what I wrote. Expression of my own concerns was encouraged, and subsequent events relating to a serious issue have been thoughtfully reported.

Minneapolis, Minn.

[Several other writers who requested anonymity commented favorably on these articles. Ed.]

Financial Aid Some Choices

In all the letters-to-the-editor concerning the arguments for or against reinstatement of R.0.T.C., no one has discussed the scholarship programs offered by the military services. At a time when Dartmouth is losing federal money (Shelby Grantham's April article "End of a Golden Era"), why not consider the funds available to students who qualify for R.O.T.C. scholarships?

The Army is authorized to offer up to 12,000 four-, three-, two-, and one-year scholarships annually to students who participate in its R.O.T.C. program and who agree to serve four years of active duty following graduation and commissioning. The money is applied against tuition, books, lab fees, and other educational expenses, without limit. Additionally, the student receiving the scholarship receives $ 100 per month during the academic year. The programs of the Navy and Air Force are similar.

In the group of successful applicants for Dartmouth's class of 1986, there were candidates who also won four-year R.O.T.C. scholarships. Two such candidates (whom I know through the interviewing process) will not attend Dartmouth because they cannot use their R.O.T.C. scholarship at the College.

Isn't it time for the College to re-examine the reinstatement of R.0.T.C.? To continue to keep the program off the campus is to deny a source of outside scholarship assistance to outstanding men and women of future Dartmouth classes.

Fairfax. Va.

{James Weiskopf is a major in the U.S. Army. Ed.]

The excellent article by Shelby Grantham on the College's financial-aid problems, "End of a Golden Era," fails to provide information on a very significant program to help families finance the cost of a Dartmouth' education: the Dartmouth Parent Loan Plan, which I have administered in my retirement for the past four years.

This plan provides for loans to parents (with good credit ratings) that may cover the full cost of tuition, room, and board minus any financial aid the son or daughter may receive. Repayments are spread over 78 months. For parents who started on this program during 1981-82, the interest rate was 12 per cent per annum. One hundred and sixteen parents of freshmen participated and averaged more than $6,200 per year in loans.

In 1982—83, this plan will be coordinated with the new federal P.L.U.S. (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) program so that creditworthy parents may borrow up to $12,000 per year less financial aid at the interest rate of 14 per cent, which is prescribed for the federal program. While loans at this rate of interest are certainly not the answer to financial problems for every family with need, the Dartmouth Parent Loan Plan has demonstrated in the past that it meets a need, and is likely to be more important in the future.

Hanover, N.H

{Robert Hage was director of financial aid at Dartmouth for 22 years prior to bis retirement. Ed.]

"End of a Golden Era" told the story.

"The Man Behind the Green" {about Dartmouth's head fund-raiser, Addison Winship '42, same issue] describes an effort to recover. Alumni are appealed to as members of the Dartmouth family.

One son and one daughter were turned down during the Golden Era though no financial assistance was requested. This made two other sons refuse to consider Dartmouth. Some family. Nary a cent.

Brooklyn. Conn.

Against the Grain

Not from prejudice but with sorrow I write to express abhorrence that my college, in effect, bestows its blessing on homosexuals by giving C.0.5.0. funds to a "gay" rights group. The action goes against my belief in the necessary strength of the family concept as part of our social structure.

Does the C.0.5.0. action go against the grain of the alumni?

What can we do to encourage college authorities to swing a bit to the right?

Virginia Beach, Va.

{According to the administrative assistant ofC.0.5.0., the Cay Students Association one of40 member organizations was awarded $350this year. Ed.]

Ivy Cheer

After more than 50 years in the wide, wide world, this is my first letter. It is prompted by Cliffjordan's article on the Ivies in the January- February issue. This school, the University of Nevada, along with three from Idaho, two from Montana, one from Utah, and one from Ari- zona make up the Big Sky Conference, a minor league among the semi-pros. Nevertheless, the athletic budget holds its own when the aca- demic budget is severely cut. In addition, local boosters add about $200,000 per year. Only one local enterprise contributed scholarships to the university. Most of the football players are recruited from California and are referred to as Jucos (junior college transfers).

The Ivies are right and the rest are wrong. I don't know how to solve the financial problem, but 1 feel sure they will find a way to cope.

You don't need near perfection to have a good game. One of the most exciting games I saw was Dartmouth-Yale in 1931. The final score was 33-33, and something interesting was happening all the time. 1 am sure that they were both "bad" teams.

The local paper recently reported that a football player at one of the five local high schools with a 3.8 scholastic average had decided to attend Stanford. I don't blame him.

Reno, Nev.

{Edward Kennard is professor of anthropology at theUniversity of Nevada. Reno. Ed.]

Chubbers

The Friends of the Dartmouth Outing Club is a new organization that works to support activities of the D.O.C. This support includes solicitation of funds for endowment and special projects, donation of equipment or materials, and the sharing of alumni expertise where appropriate.

The Friends currently have two special projects that may be of interest to your readers. First, we are planning a get-together for chubbers of all ages and their families at the Moosilauke Ravine Lodge on August 6, 7, and 8 this summer. Hiking, reminiscing, relaxing, and traditional Lodge fun will be on tap.

Second, the Friends are working with the D.O.C. to update the club's history in time for its 75th anniversary in 1984. We would love to hear from former D.O.C. ers about the early days of the club, and we are specially interested in photographs and printed materials suitable for publication.

Anyone interested in the Friends of the D.O.C. or our activities should contact Earl Jette, D.O.C. executive director, or myself via the Dartmouth Outing Club, Box 9, Hanover, N.H. 03755.

Hanover, N.H.

Tears and Cheers

Just a brief note to let other alumni know how great the new Dartmouth Glee Club sounds! Like other grads of a formerly all-male institution (as well as ex-Glee Club members) who may recall fondly that outstanding blend of men's voices that Paul Zeller put together, I may have winced in anticipation of a "mixed chorus. "Not to worry! The inclusion of both sexes has added both eye and ear appeal. Under Louis Burkot's skillful direction, the results are truly outstanding. Tears (sentiment) and cheers (sense) greeted its recent concert in Durham. Other alumni clubs should sit up and take note: Plan ahead for next year if they are fortunate enough to be in the path of its itinerary!

The ALUMNI MAGAZINE welcomes comment from its readers. For publication, letters should be signed and specifically to the Magazine (not copies of communicationsother organizations or individuals). Letters exceeding 400words in length will be condensed by the editors.