Letters to the Editor

Article Fails to Pursue Questionable Manhattanville Practices

To the Editor:
The article “Expansion Fight Gets Personal” (Sept. 5), regarding the development of an “alternative coalition” in support of Columbia’s expansion plans into Manhattanville, mentions the problematic nature of the membership of the new organization, but ultimately misrepresents the situation as it currently stands. While the Coalition to Preserve Community, the community group opposing the expansion, boasts a diverse and broad membership and is capable of turning out hundreds of community residents to the important events it sponsors, the Coalition for the Future of Manhattanville is a group of influential outsiders artificially created to maintain the illusion that there is a level of support for Columbia’s expansion plans in Harlem.
This Potemkin organization should not be presented as a legitimate representation of any particular constituency in West Harlem. As the article mentioned, many of those distributing pro-Columbia leaflets on behalf of the “coalition” had no idea what they were supporting and were members of the Addicts Rehabilitation Center, run by the Baptist minister Raymond Williams. If it is established that these people did not come from the strength of their convictions, it can also be assumed that they did not appear on a flight of fancy. It is very telling that Columbia has to resort to outright bribery to manifest any show of support in public.
But it is also sobering that Spectator has decided not to focus on these Tammany Hall tactics when they are so obviously opposed to the ideals of integrity and fair play that the University presents as its official face. Regardless of one’s opinion on the merits of the expansion plan, it is an obvious moral wrong to use blatantly duplicitous tactics to further those aims. It is our obligation to keep the administration accountable to a basic moral code of decency if it has chosen to forsake its own ideals.

Andrew Lyubarsky, CC ’09
Sept. 5, 2007

Robeson Is a Not a Misguided Alumnus, but a Columbia Hero

To the Editor:
I was looking desperately for some toilet paper on Tuesday, but I decided to use Chris Kulawik’s column (“From the Right,” Sept. 4). His article took a critical look at Paul Robeson, the great athlete, scholar, activist, and lawyer. Kulawik used Robeson to explain how “Columbia degrees and street smarts are no guarantee for sound judgment and common sense.” Why did Kulawik look back 30 years for an Ivy-League-educated scholar with misguided judgment when a look in the mirror would have sufficed?
Kulawik said that Robeson’s main problem was that “until his dying day in 1976, Robeson continued to defend the tyrannical institution [the U.S.S.R.] while railing against the supposed atrocities of American society.” I have no problem with Kulawik’s viewpoints. I disagree with them vehemently, but I respect the diversity of opinion he provides. But my question to him is simply: are you making the same mistakes of which you accuse Robeson?
Robeson rallied against Jim Crow, economic exploitation, and an unfair justice system. He did not have to fight for the civic freedom of his less educated brothers and sisters in the U.S. or defend what he felt was economic freedom for his brothers and sisters half-way across the world. But he sacrificed, enduring seizures of passports and court appearances, what could have been great a comfortable life as a performer-lawyer for the greater good of his fellow man.
On the other hand, we have Kulawik, who rallies against defenseless Mexicans crossing over into our borders. Personally, I believe that these Mexicans are looking for a more financially secure life for their families. They are looking for better educations for their children.
Many conservatives do not see the beauty in what is taking place. They are scared that the Mexicans are coming over here with the same ambition that our “forefathers” possessed. These men stopped at no expense in their quest for power; even if it meant putting a nation of Indians on life support and shipping 60 million Africans to America against their will. Once these radical forefathers got their power, land, and influence, their sons simply had to conserve. These conservatives yell “justice for all” after the bulk of their dirty work was finished.
We, at Columbia, choose to follow Robeson down the jubiliant, joyous road to bringing some content to the phrase “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all.” Robeson was one of the greatest patriots of all because he knew that this country could be better. If he detested this country, he would not have fought so hard for its improvement. We follow Robeson down the road to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” even though many of us still have turbulent lives, little liberty, and not the slightest clue of what collective civic happiness looks like.

D. Omavi Harshaw, CC ’09
Sept. 4, 2007

Columbia Athletics Appreciate Support and Recognition

To the Editor:
I am writing regarding David Sims’ article titled “Young Team Has Ambitious Goals for Ivy League Season,” which focused on the season outlook for the Columbia University field hockey team. As a member of the field hockey team, it was very refreshing to read such a positive, well-articulated article regarding our play this year. I wanted to thank you for your support. Such publicity for Columbia athletics is crucial and can only serve to better unify the student body.

Megan Davidson, CC ’09
Sept. 5, 2007