In the last two days here at Norwich I have witnessed an unbelievable amount of racism, bigotry, and intolerance. I find it repellent that I hear "towel-head" as often as Arab, and "fag" as often as homosexual. Today while waiting for a class to begin, I heard several students making anti-Semitic remarks about a Jewish cadet. "That's what they get for killing Christ," was one comment I distinctly overheard, as well as derogatory statements about the curls worn by some orthodox Jews. I felt ashamed of the Norwich student body for harboring such blind intolerance, and I felt ashamed of myself for being too shocked to respond at the time.

When a refusal to question what one is told and conformity become qualities that one is praised for, the dictatorship of ignorance begins to prevail. The social philosopher John Stuart Mill asserted that if one knows one's beliefs to be correct, one should be able to tolerate and encourage contrasting viewpoints and be more and more in accordance with one's own. No one was ever praised for being exactly like everyone else. Let us not be afraid to welcome differences in each other, and let's be willing to discuss our beliefs so that we might better understand each other.

I have had several people come up to me lately and ask me if I was homosexual after having seen me in the Pegasus Players' recent production of "Twilight of the Golds" in which I played a gay character. When I told them that I was not actually gay they seemed relieved and the expressions of repulsion faded from their faces. This sickens me. What difference should it make? Am I any better for being heterosexual? I think not. I do not treat others any better because of it, and I do not feel any particular pride in the fact. Why should sexuality, or race, or religion reflect at all upon my worth as a person? The answer is: it doesn't. Shouldn't it be our actions that we are each judged by? Too many people here believe that being different or unusual is a flaw. To me, the worst insult I could imagine is to be called ordinary.

Here is my plea to the student body: Speak out. Voice your opinions, especially when they differ from the majority's. Do not be afraid to accept those around you, regardless of what they have to say, despite how frightening it may at first sound. Chances are, it sounds frightening because you do not understand them, so most of all, listen. Do not let the fear of this autocratic brand of conformity sway you away from what you know is right. We talk often here at Norwich about how the United States military gives us the luxury of many freedoms. Do not hesitate to guard your own freedom of speech by exercising it.

Gavin Crain

Dear President Schneider,

On behalf of the Haunted Hayride committee, I extend our appreciation for the outstanding participation from Norwich University during our Haunted Hayride this past October. Groups such as Semper Fidelis Society, Animation and Tactics Society, and various cadets and students from Dodge hall all went above and beyond to provide fun, entertainment and safety. Giff Slater, Tony Venti, Gabbie Potvin, Ara Banks, Nicole DeDimenico, as well as the staff from facilities and Sodexo were a great help in assisting us in our haunt. All of the combined assistance and that of the community of Northfield resulted in a safe and well executed event.

Planning for this event took months of meetings to coordinate all the different stations that we had on the ride. Some of the volunteers came from the Northfield school system, the community and Norwich University faculty staff and students. Those that participated were definitely challenged with our unpredictable weather and did so with determination, professionalism, commitment, unity, humor and lots of clothing. In addition to trying to make money for the Northfield Youth center, Project Graduation, and a Community Service scholarship to a Norwich student, the committee had other goals. It wanted to foster relations between the community of Northfield and Norwich and bringing people to this town and university. With your assistance, we raised $8500. Thank you again for your commitment to us, helping us on our way to another year of fun, while providing service to the community. See you next year.

Heidi Passalacqua

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