I've rarely felt worse reading an opinion column in any publication than I did reading Jason Strasser's column Oct. 25 ("Randolph's departure won't affect Blue Devils"). Throwing a guy under the bus isn't a rarity in today's world of early draft entries, but the complete lack of class displayed in Strasser's column was a revelation.
Strasser depicts the motive behind Shavlik Randolph's declaration and subsequent stay in the draft as a unique result of Duke's 2009 recruiting class. Never mind the reports, from Shav and others, that many of the draft analysts and combine guys seemed to give him a lot of good feedback, enough so to sign an agent and not get back into the college game. If you had the chance to roll in cash and do what you love to do right now, I'm sure you'd have second thoughts about taking up such an opportunity.
"No one was upset [to see Shav leave]"? Shav gave it his all on the court and from the bench, celebrating with his teammates through all the victories last year and helping his brothers get through the losses. Did he play well? I'm not going to lie and say he was a stud. But he doesn't deserve to be the subject of a tirade.
I'm willing to wager there are more than a few male Blue Devil basketball players who were sad to see their teammate and friend leave. Strasser instead hoped he got injured in the NBA. That kind of classlessness belongs at Maryland, not Duke.
Is Duke poised to do great without Shav? Definitely. But to exploit these good forecasts as fodder for taking out adolescent anger against a former Duke student and now-professional athlete speaks volumes of the writer's character.
I've never met Coach K, but he is a man of character. And as such, I can't help but feel as though he'd have a word or two to say to Strasser about the contributions of Randolph to the team and the lack of class Strasser carried himself with, and how it reflects upon our school and athletic program.
Nader Mohyuddin
Trinity '08
Liberal bias needs opponents
Elizabeth Rudisill's column ("All becomes clear" Oct. 31, 2005) shows an impassioned but naive understanding of academia. It does not reflect what goes on in the real world. As a Duke student, I was discriminated against (derided by a professor in class and grades lowered in spite of what I was told was excellent work) for "conservative" views that differed considerably from the professor's "liberal" views.
Students for Academic Freedom is sorely needed to shine the light on the fact that many college professors believe in academic freedom only to the extent one's views conform to their own.
I encourage SAF to keep it up!
Harry Nolan
Trinity '64
ARAMARK's nutrition falls short
I returned to Duke University Medical Center from vacation recently and was dismayed to learn of a new flavoring for turnip greens: cockroach seasoning.
Alas, this isn't the only change since ARAMARK began management of DUMC cafeterias. Under the prior food management firm, patrons could expect an offering of nutrient-rich leafy greens almost daily.
The prior company also offered sweet potato casserole on a regular basis. Sweet potatoes brim with Vitamin A and antioxidants not found in regular potatoes. Check out last week's menu: 11 servings of potatoes. Mashed, whipped, boiled, escalloped, home-fried, au gratin and even with a dusting of Yukon Gold.
On four days last week, a plate could house potatoes with a multiple personality. But no sweet potatoes-a significant food crop in North Carolina.
Imagine this: Serving a nutritious vegetable to hospital patients/visitors/employees that is inexpensive, sells well, and also happens to benefit the local economy. Apparently it's too radical a notion for the powers-that-be. I would fill out an ARAMARK comment card, but the last card I left several weeks ago-which included e-mail address, phone number and request for a response-has yet to receive a response. This is yet another ARAMARK change. The prior company had a cafeteria bulletin board where replies were posted to questions/complaints/comments. ARAMARK removed this board.
ARAMARK: You offer Norwegian Baguettes, Leeks Provencale, Szechwan Shrimp Stir Fry and Chubby Chimichangas. Is there room on the menu for nutritious easy-to-prepare vegetables that Momma told you were good for you?
Andrew Shiloh
Research Analyst
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development
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