Letters

OUOTB/WNOUOTE "It is not always easy to relay to others why each us such an affinity for the College. I have now, however, round the words. Actually, I have found a name: Beth Robinson." JULIE A. DETKAGLIA '93

Civil Unrest?

I AM DISAPPOINTED AND SADDENED to know that a Dartmouth alumna was behind the drive for "civil unions" in Vermont ["A Civil Action," July/August], Hundreds of cultures across thousands of years of human history have honored and promoted the value of marriage between a man and woman and for good reasons. Putting gay relationships on the same footing runs counter to the collective wisdom of humanity since the dawn of creation.

Wellesley, Massachusetts

KUDOS TO YOU FORTHE INTERESTING, informative and sophisticated article regarding the role of so many Dartmouth graduates in Vermont's enactment of civil unions. Prior to reading the article, I had thought I was well-versed in the campaign and the controversy, but [Robert] Sullivan's article offered a variety of insights and perspectives that were new. Congratulations, also, on telling the interesting story without dwelling unnecessarily on the sexual orientation of the various actors in the drama. It was informative to learn about Beth Robinson '86 and the many others involved in the campaign, but it was refreshing for the information about their sexual orientation to be provided as contextually relevant, not as some "attention grabber." I grew up in the same Indiana town as Robinson and her family of Dartmouth graduates; it is nice to know there are other former Hoosiers who are both active in lesbian and gay politics and committed to the College.

Los Angeles, Californiarsaltzma@law.usc.edu

"A CIVIL ACTION" WAS TROUBLESOME to me. Although Robinson engineered the passage in Vermont of the nations only law granting civil unions to gay couples and wants gay marriage to be the law of the' land, there is absolutely no religious or moral basis for supporting such action. In my opinion, the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine should not have made this its cover story. This type of publicity should be reserved for alumni whose accomplishments reflect favorably on the College.

Whitesboro, New York

THE ARTICLE ON BETH ROBINSON and her fight for legal recognition of civil unions of same-sex couples seems likely to engender an outpouring of opinion. I feel I owe it to a couple of fine friends to say what I have learned in a lifetime of more than 80 years.

There was a time when the idea of homosexuality made my skin crawl—a visceral response, instinctive or learned, I don't know. I do know that experience in later years taught me to feel differently. I came to know and respect two decent men, each of whom lived in a committed relationship with another man. In the beginning this caused some initial awkwardness, but eventually in both cases each became friends not only with me but my wife as well. In both cases the union ended with the death of one partner. I remember them as good citizens. To me, to deny recognition of committed unions by those whose nature it is to unite with one of the same sex is irrational. I think we can learn to see this with a broader view.

White Plains, New York

As BROTHER ELEAZAR BROUGHTTHE words of John to the Indians in a glade in a New Hampshire wood, he said, "Repent, make straight the way of the Lord!" I wonder how he would view the mighty institution on the Connecticut today that tells of the civility of lesbian unions.

Peterborough, New Hampshire

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING TO PUT Beth Robinson on the cover of the Alumni Magazine. As a lesbian, I find it refreshing to see issues that directly impact my life reflected in those pages. I encourage you to continue to include articles that illustrate the diversity of the Dartmouth alumni community.

Hollis, Maineanna_s_jaegerw@keane-nne.com

UPON RECEIVING THE JULY/AUGUST Dartmouth Alumni Magazine covered with an avowed lesbian fighting to legalize gay marriage, I could only think of how reflective this was of Dartmouth College today.

Darien, Connecticutwillham.koslo@us.cibc.com

BY CHOOSING TO FAVORABLY PORTRAY an alum's crusade for gay marriage as a front-page feature and by lauding Ms. Robinsons efforts as a patriot in this "Civil War, the DAM leads one to assume that either Dartmouth alumni applaud her effort and support the issue of gay marriage or that the DAM is lobbying in support of it. The former assertion is quite presumptuous and the latter is outside the scope of the stated purpose of the DAM. While I do not object to covering this story, I do not agree with spotlighting on the DAM front cover one side of a highly controversial issue that raises strong ethical disagreement and stirs deep-seated emotions in both camps of this debate. Rather than the DAM raising my interest in this issue, my reaction is to question the DAM's political bias.

The simple fact is that you see the DAM logo next to a picture of an alum who is subtly yet steadily described as a type of heroine for our college and for society. I would question the assertion that most Dartmouth alumni join in lauding Ms. Robinson in this.endeavor and would ask you to consider very carefully which articles you decide to run (and how you portray them) as cover stories on our beloved Dartmouth Alumni Magazine.

Virginia Beach, Virginialouistucker@yahoo.com

I THINK EVERY MEMBER OF THE Dartmouth community has, at some point, been faced with the task of defending the College against assertions that it is a sexist, racist, homophobic and/or anti-Semitic institution. The claims may not be entirely unfounded, given the incidents that have occurred there throughout the years. But these issues, at their core, are universal, and certainly not exclusive to Dartmouth. College campuses in general are volatile environments where controversy is bound to erupt. But it seems as though Dartmouth has received more than its fair share of criticism in the national press and has, in the process, obtained a reputation as a place where objectionable episodes regularly transpire. It is therefore not always easy to relay to others why we love the place so much, why each of us feels such an affinity for the College, for the lucky years we spent there, and, even if we're strangers, for each other. I have now, however, found the words. Actually, I have found a name: Beth Robinson.

I had followed the news in Vermont but was not aware, until receiving last month's Alumni Magazine, that one of the battles key players had attended Dartmouth. It is rare to encounter a person who has dedicated herself to changing the world. It is even more rare to discover a common bond with that person.

I am proud to count Ms. Robinson among my fellow alums. She is proof positive that there is more to Dartmouth than negative headlines—that it is a special place that breeds unique individuals.

New York, New Yorkjdetraglia@ctnmedia.com

How PROUD I AM OF BETH ROBINSON and of the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine for the cover and feature, "A Civil War." This continues the spirit and tradition of Lexington and Concord, William Lloyd Garrison and the Abolitionists and of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. Let us hope that New Hampshire and Florida—and many other states—will not forever remain far behind both politically and morally.

Boca Raton, Florida

IN ROBERT SULLIVAN'S OTHERWISE excellent article on Beth Robinsons campaign to enact Vermont's civil unions law, I find myself offended on two counts. First, that Mr. Sullivan chose to characterize [Alaskans] as "slumbering." The political scene here is an active and dynamic one, like that in any other state. And that brings me to my second—and more serious—complaint. While the mighty Yukon River does indeed run through the State of Alaska, people who could be properly called "Yukon citizenry" are residents of Canada. I expect a higher standard of accuracy from DAM.

Anchorage, Alaskachuck_diters@fws.gov

Wisdom of the Aged

JAY PARINI IS AN ASTUTE OBSERVER of our intellectual life. His reflections on the important role of the emeritus professor as the true established educator in our academies of higher learning were of great value ["The Meaning of Emeritus," July/August]. As an associate professor of medicine at the University of Vermont College of Medicine I have to balance the roles of educator and health-care provider.

Burton Tabakin, emeritus professor of medicine and cardiology at UVM, is soon to be 80 years of age. He was my inspiration before his retirement. Fortunately, he has continued to teach and participate for many years since. This participation is fueled solely by his dedication and interest. There is no method of institutional support for an emeritus s continued involvement. When a decision seems almost impossible to make or the data is entangled in paradox rather than expressing a clear scientific choice, I go and find Burt. To my unending joy he is not at all hard to find. Maybe some day if I can learn enough, teach enough and experience enough the academy will allow me (or even encourage me!) to follow his example.

Charlotte, Vermontrobert.battle@vtmednet.org

AFTER READING JAY PARINI'S SOME- what melancholy article on retired professors, I felt compelled to write a more cheerful note. As chairperson of the curriculum committee of a continuing education program at Rosemont College, I have found, in talking with emeritus professors who have kindly consented to lead courses for older adults, that they enjoy teaching seniors. Their lucky students heartily endorse this arrangement. The continuing education of senior citizens may not be as enthralling as teaching a lively group of 18- or 19-year-olds, but colleges are aware of the graying population and the potential to enhance their institutions. The ILEAD program at Dartmouth is a fine example of a college providing an excellent program for older adults and retired professors. With similar programs all over the United States, opportunities seem to be boundless for the emeritus professor.

Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Assessing Need

PRESIDENT WRIGHT'S FINANCIALAIL plans ["The President," July/August] can only be applauded, but I wonder if it is still true that a frugal family with some savings and a home is denied aid, while a spendthrift family with a huge mortgage, flashy possessions and nothing in the bank is classified as needy.

Wainscott, New Yorkgrenquist@aol.com

Down on the Farm

THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATIVE article about Dartmouth's organic farming ["Green Acres," July/August]. I assume that I am in the majority of alums who didn't even know the farm existed. Perhaps you could tell us where it is so we can visit it.

New York, New York

The farm is located three miles north of campus on Route 10. For more information, callOutdoor Programs at (603) 646-2428.

The Editors