Marwan Sidani wrote a very well-written article, more sympathetic to the Palestinians and gave facts concerning the Israeli-Palestinian political situation that should be openly debated. However, his statement regarding the sale of settlements to American Jews in Teaneck, NJ is incorrect. While the Amana settlement movement was indeed involved in providing information to those of Jewish descent who would like to purchase land in the West Bank, it is by no means at all supported by the Israeli Government. In fact, in a letter to prospective “clients,” the Amana movement stated that the Housing Ministry of the Israeli government ceased the discounting of infrastructure to building new settlements in the West Bank.
Incidentally, one of the reasons Amana came to the United States to find new, prospective settlers. The Amana settlement movement is not connected to the state of Israel; its funds come from the World Zionist Organization. To be sure, there are many problems with the distribution of land in Israel; however considering the above facts and the Israeli disengagement from Gaza, Israel is attempting to rectify the situation.
As most will argue, if we are judged by the extremist factions in society, we will never be able to compromise.

Yael Miller
Junior, International Affairs
Marietta

I’d like to commend John Knox for his informative and enlightening editorial in Tuesday’s paper. Recently, while participating in a class discussion, I asserted that professors are underpaid and underrecognized for their efforts. I was appalled to discover that many of my classmates vehemently disagreed with me. As I aspire to enter into a career in academia, I can only hope that this seemingly widespread perception of professors as “ivory-tower slackers” changes.
On top of Dr. Knox’s assertion that a professor’s workload is intimmidating, I hope students can conceptualize the work, dedication, passion, innovation, and stamina required to obtain a Ph.D. in the first place. Our professors provide excellent resources of knowledge and experience, and we should be honored to receive their instruction.

Chelsea Toledo
Senior, Linguistics
Boston

I present a challenge to Mr. Knox; write an informative article about a legitimate subject. My impression is that EVERY one of his articles is about how difficult it is to be a graduate student, how uninformed undergraduates are, the rigors of academia, etc. What impression do his students give him? That they are absolutely clueless about everything? Yes, this is true about some students, but not all, and Mr. Knox should come down from his perch now and then and realize students do actually know what is going on. Several of my friends have actually had a break-out class with Mr. Knox, and even though they never attended his break-out(attendence was optional), they ALL made an A. We all aren’t so clueless, are we Mr. Knox?

Jackson Keith
Junior, History and Religion