Since the Daily’s opinion page does not pretend to represent the student body or provide a balanced viewpoint, it is ridiculous for a reader to complain if it does not reflect his opinion. Nonetheless, Daily staff and certain readers have been too quick to dismiss concerns of more conservative readers like Nate Headrick (Sick of Daily’s liberal bias”). The continued friction between “hawks” and “doves” in the letters section suggests that some people are not getting through to each other.

Headrick voiced concerns that mass-murderers do not get what they deserve. I agree.

Neither injection, chair or noose could have made McVeigh suffer as much as his victims. No earthly punishment can avenge those lost in Oklahoma City, nor can war ease the pain of those who lost family in the attacks. That is why leftists like me see justice not as punishment, but as fair courts and due process.

This does not address the other concern, which I paraphrase as “damn you liberals with your silly ideals.” Can’t you see that we’re at war?

If my countrymen are to fight and die, it had better accomplish worthwhile goals.

If our goal is “infinite justice,” then we must act justly, and that means rethinking our foreign policy and military tactics.

If our goal is “homeland defense,” then we must see to our long-term safety, and this means addressing the causes of terrorism, not making a martyr of bin Laden.

If our goal is “eliminating terror,” then we must oppose United States and Israeli terror too.

If our goal is “show them they can’t mess with the United States,” then Headrick should please explain what this will accomplish.

Daniel Haug

Sophomore

Biology