Civilized man struggles in an uncivilized world

Civilized man strugglesin an uncivilized world
EDITOR:
It is difficult to be civilized in an uncivilized world. No amount of wishful thinking, liberal dogma or enlightened response will quell the hatred of those who would do us harm. It is only our Christian leanings and the luxury of our prosperity that leads us to such flights of fantasy.
As a Christian nation, we are at a disadvantage in the war on terrorism. Christianity is a civilized religion filled with understanding, tolerance and forgiveness. It is subtle and complex and inclusive. It was no accident that Christianity took root and flourished in the civilized regions of the Roman Empire rather than the less civilized expanse of the Arabian peninsula. Christianity speaks to the sensibilities of man, not necessarily his senses. The uncivilized world is less in tune with such subtleties.
Civilization, like liberalism, is a luxury that few men can afford. Today, as a nation, we have the luxury to selectively respond to the atrocities of terrorism. We have the wealth, the technology and the Christian conditioning to temper our early responses. President Clinton, both liberal and civilized, was extremely selective in his response -- choosing to target only the perpetrators. President Bush, conservative and civilized, broadened the target base to include their national sponsors. Both men were and are restrained by a civilized, Christian citizenry.
Muslims, like bin Laden, may interpret this as weakness. It may embolden them to new acts of aggression and terror against America and Americans. If they do, they do so at great risk. A terror campaign in America on the scale that is presently being experienced by Israel will be a luxury we can ill afford, emotionally or financially. The vast majority of Americans will not allow their children to be slaughtered with impunity. The gloves will come off, the smart bombs will be holstered and the target range will not only include the participants, but also their adoring fans. Palestinians will not be dancing in the streets when this tune is played.
Christian man is eternally at war with himself. The seeds of barbarism are forever sown in men, in communities and in nations. Nourished by rhetoric or events, these seeds can quickly sprout and grow uncontrollably. Muslim clerics and Muslim people would be wise not to unleash these forces in the western world. They might discover that side of America that is not civilized, not Christian and not pretty.
THOMAS MASKELL
Poland
Professor takes exception to column's low blow
EDITOR:
I have grown accustomed to being disappointed in Bertram de Souza's opinions about YSU, but one statement in a recent column is particularly regrettable: In reacting to the claim that university President David Sweet is the second-lowest paid president in the Ohio public universities, Mr. de Souza says, & quot;So what? Sweet is head of a university that is ranked almost as low. & quot;
As low in what regard?
As low in number of freshmen courses taught by full professors?
No. According to data from the Ohio Board of Regents, YSU's ranking is first among state university main campuses within Ohio.
As low in the number of main campus associate degree graduates who get jobs in Ohio? No. YSU was tied for first.
As low in the rate at which in-state, full time, degree-seeking, first-year students return the following year? No. YSU was tied for second among open-enrollment institutions.
However, if the university were to accede to Mr. de Souza's calls for salary and benefit give-backs, it would diminish whatever chance we now have of attracting the best and the brightest in new hires. In turn, that would endanger our chances of continuing to provide the type and quality of programs that the residents of our area need. Then, and only then, could it be fairly said that YSU is a low-ranked university.
BOB HOGUE
Youngstown