Letters to the Editor

Article focused on volunteerism

To the Daily:

I applaud the Daily for the excellent article addressing the University's ranking for Peace Corps volunteers ("'U' ranks 5th for Peace Corps volunteers," 1/8/99). So many times the University is acclaimed for its academics and athletics, but this article reminds us that the University is also well-known for preparing qualified service volunteer leaders - graduates with an extreme passion and dedication to devote several years of their lives for the development of other nations.

The article raises awareness of the purpose and focus of the Peace Corps and reminisces upon the University's involvement when President John F. Kennedy announced the creation of the Peace Corps on the steps of the Michigan Union in 1960.

Reading this work instilled in me a great sense of pride for the University and should be an inspiration for all students. We should take from this article to not only consider an opportunity with the Peace Corps, but most important, to participate in activities and organizations dedicated to utilizing our skills for the development of the community around us.

Justina Cho

Engineering senior

Coach Guevara was not 'sobby'

To the Daily:

While I agree that the Michigan basketball team's performance in the Minnesota game was poor, I take issue with Josh Borkin's suggestion that Michigan Women's Basketball Coach Sue Guevara's post-game appearance was "unprofessional" and "sobby" ("Disappointment reigns for Blue," 1/11/99).

Guevara is doing a remarkable job turning this ball club around and deserves our full support and admiration. A setback like the Minnesota game is understandably distressing and worthy of a few tears.

I am confident that the team is working hard this week to make up for the loss and that we will see the Wolverines we have come to expect playing against Penn State.

David Crampton

School of Social Work

'Patch' review was on target

To the Daily:

After reading two letters of disagreement concerning Aaron Rich's scathing review of "Patch Adams" ("'Patch' can't find funny bone," 1/6/99), I find myself forced to write in defense of Rich's article and review. I agree that "Patch Adams" is a very poor movie. The entire film is structured to make Robin Williams as Adams seem saintly and extraordinary, but is he? No, he is obnoxious and irritating and excessively cloying. I wouldn't want Patch Adams anywhere near me were I in a hospital.

But perhaps more annoying than Williams's performance was the disrespect and destruction of the entire medical field in order to project Adams as superior. To suggest that the entire medical field is improperly treating everyone in their care is atrocious enough - but to imply that the better way to do it involves sneaking around in the middle of the night passing out cap guns and balloon animals is downright insulting.

David Garcia

School of Music

01-13-99