Letters to the Editor
July 16, 2003
In defense of activism
I was saddened but interested to read Zach Musgrave's editorial ("In defense of apathy," July 9). In a world that is changing as rapidly as any time in history, it seems remarkable that a college student (much less an editorial writer) would equate choosing toothpaste with examining various ideologies. I hope that Musgrave's career at the UW will serve to encourage him to reach beyond comparing drugstore shelves to actual ideas -- ideas that (one way or the other) will determine far more of his future than a sparkling smile. In response to his assertion that activism can be "blatantly disrespectful," I would suggest that he be wary of neat packaging in everything but the most basic hygienic needs. I hope Musgrave is not really serious in his implication that checking out at the cash register and checking out of citizenship is the same thing.
Mark Jenkins
associate professor,
School of Drama
In defense of The Daily
Jeff Hammond complains in a letter to the editor ("Linguistically challenged," July 9) that there must be no literate humans in The Daily's office this summer, because a recent story contained the phrase "When lighted, the mixture produced a huge flame." "If I'm not mistaken," he writes, "what was meant was 'When lit ...' or better yet, 'When ignited.'"
Hammond is indeed mistaken. While I will admit that The Daily often contains typos and inaccuracies, this is not one of those times. To begin with, "lit" and "lighted" are both acceptable past participles of "light." Doubters may check the latest edition of the American Heritage Dictionary if they need printed authority. In addition, "ignite" is no "better" than "light" in this context. Both mean, "to set on fire."
I believe Hammond's characterization of the author of "Little town, big boom" as "a total moron with no regard for basics of the English language" is unwarranted, especially considering his omission of "the" before "basics" in his insult.
Benjamin D. Lukoff
English alumnus,
copy editor, Amazon.com
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