Column failed to mention U.S.’s foreign influence
In response to Travis Willse’s Oct. 10 column (“Recognizing Patriotism”), he ought to be commended for his fair-mindedness toward both sides. Flag-waving Bushites and flag-burning Zinnians both have committed heinous atrocities against academic decency.
Yet Mr. Willse obfuscated the full truth on at least one key issue. I am speaking of America’s human rights reputation abroad. Admittedly, U.S. military forces are much less cruel than most others in the realm of war. However, the federal government has encouraged and educated foreign militants about how to act in the wholly wrong and despicable ways that America would never allow her troops to.
Clear examples of the products of these various means include Pol Pot, Osama bin Laden, Augusto Pinochet and Saddam Hussein. These monsters may not be our agents, but they are our children. As such, we bear their moral burden.

Brandon Rhodes

sophomore

environmental studies, political science