Letters to the Editor: 11.27.97
The Other Side
Australia
November 23, 1997
To The Editor:
Greetings from the other side of the world! Just to let you know your newspaper is available via the Internet for perusal, way over here in Australia. I found it via an Australian "search engine" called Web Wombat. What a wonderful service!
BRONWYN STURM
Give Thanks
Montauk
November 20, 1997
To The Editor:
The table is set, the sweet aroma fills the room, the golden colors recall the fallen leaves, and fresh baked yams glisten in the soft light. Outside the weather is crisp, inside the heart is warm . . . a celebration has begun.
As we delight our senses, as we rejoice, we can experience fully those heightened moments. The warmth of shared pleasures surrounds us, embraces, us, lifts our spirit, moving us toward lightness and a natural desire to give. This day, when we can freely remember the generosity of a bountiful land, does not end, though, with the long-lasting taste of pumpkin pie. This day can be an opening, an inspiration toward authentic health.
Often we think of health as a merely physical endeavor, exercising and counting calories. But health is much more than that, if that at all. It is also the inner feeling of enthusiasm, anticipation, interest, a continuous thanks-giving. It is about celebrating every moment. When the autumn light delicately touches a shiny leaf, or a ray of morning sun caresses our awakening faces, when a bird in the distance reminds us of a harmony of sounds, when the ocean's soothing drone quiets a worried thought, when we trust, when we allow the little things of life to touch us like dew, we enter the realm of joy, where laughter and meaningful words delight our ears and thrill our souls. The world is now making sense, because, as we celebrate these moments, we are not alone. In front of us appears a face, a smile, a hand, a touch taking us out of ourselves into a shining place. This is the place of well-being, where we feel surrounded, where we can give and praise. This is the home of joyful health.
So, as you read these lines, lift your eyes and take a look around you. Look at the ocean, the trees, your friends, and watch the little sparks of light. These sparks are everywhere, sparks in smiling eyes, sparks in a child's laugh, sparks in a caring voice. Listen to them, let them dance around you, and you will feel the warmth of your heart opening. This is your health. A celebration. Happy Thanksgiving.
MYRIAM BRAUNSCHVIG
Divisive Issue
East Hampton
November 17, 1997
Dear Helen,
Someone here asked me what my thoughts about "affirmative action" are - with particular reference to California Proposition 209, the anti-affirmative action initiative. It prohibits state institutions from giving any special consideration to blacks and other minorities. It's an issue that divides reasonable people.
Well, I think this. There will be a fall-off in minority enrollment at the universities.
It's happening already.
And that will serve to highlight the flaws in the education that many, many minority group members receive and their inadequate preparation for college.
For as long as these flaws exist, I'm for a strict form of affirmative action.
This relates to the Harbor [the Harbor for Girls and Boys] - for we, or "it," has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that, given proper respect, attention, and education, most members of minority groups (along with most members of "majority" groups) can and do qualify for college in equal numbers. I for one am totally convinced from experience that there are no barriers when it comes to intelligence between peoples, between the advantaged and/or disadvantaged.
It's a question of what individuals are exposed to and what sort of education they receive, and what sort of respect and regard they receive.
There is a current controversy over the imperiled nomination of Korean American Bill Lan Lee's nomination to be Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Now, he may or may not have benefited himself from affirmative action, but he's worked to promote it and defend it for others and I admire that. He has come out against Proposition 209.
I read recently what another Korean American wrote about Mr. Bill Lan Lee in The New York Times. I quote:
"Whether Mr. Lee is defeated or ultimately confirmed, his life exemplifies 'ren,' which Confucius describes as the highest virtue." He goes on to say, "A man of ren is one who, in seeking to establish himself, finds a foothold for others, and who, desiring attainment for himself, first helps others to attain."
I like that!
And, all things considered, I come down on the side of affirmative action when properly applied.
Always my best,
ANTHONY D. DUKE