I am writing in response to the letter in the opinion section Wednesday.

Mr. Putrah seems to have a problem dealing with people who are dedicated to something beyond self-interest.

As an educator I read several online editions of college newspapers, including newspapers at the Universities of Iowa, Michigan and California.

Since Sept. 11, I have been keenly interested in the reactions of students towards the war and its impact on their generation. There are a lot of nervous people wondering if college students in 2001 are ready to assume leadership.

From reading, I’ve felt that the Daily’s editorial staff have struggled with these same issues since Sept. 11. I believe I have witnessed the Daily come of age in a professional sense.

The work done by these students goes a little further than self-promotion and must evolve as the world rotates. Several of the college papers I’ve been reading have failed, in my estimation, to report to its readers a balanced view of the new reality. Some are still clinging to the campus style that most things are, in the end, a joke. The Iowa State Daily has made that turn and the editorial staff seems to understand the responsibility.

I for one, like hearing how things are put together and reminded how much time is evolved for something most of us just give a glance to. Mr. Putrah needs to be reminded about sacrifices and I am sure whoever is putting him through school would agree.

Daniel Hagarty

Cedar Falls

Iowa