Letter to the Editor

Carvello an Exemplary HUPD Officer

To the editors:

I was extremely saddened to learn of the automobile accident of Officer Anthony Carvello (News, April 26), for he is one of the most amazing officers on our force. I have known very few who understand and treat students as flawlessly as he does. Because of this he is an amazing and effective officer.

Before joining Harvard, he worked at the Suffolk County House of Corrections, with near-universal praise from all. From my experience tutoring there and the difficulties we hear and sometimes witness about some inmate-officer relations and conflicts, I have learned how difficult it is to be an fine officer at the prison and still treat the inmates humanely. His accomplishments and legacy at the prison attest to how exemplary a person he is.

One incident at Harvard will always remain with me as a model for good policing: I remember he once diffused a very tense, emotional conflict in the Science Center between two very stubborn parties with reason and communication his only tool. Where other officers would have resorted to threats and intimidation, he understood that dialogue and understanding yield the only permanent solutions.

My best wishes to him and his family and to a speedy recovery.

Harpaul A. Kohli '02

May 23, 2000

Beantown's Rebuttal

To the editors:

As a lifelong Boston sports fan, I have a few comments regarding Martin S. Bell's recent column, "New York State of Mind" (Sports, May 19).

First, I live on the Orange Line. I'm afraid, if Bell keeps talking trash, he might find out how interesting it really is.

Second, I could spell "Kevin McHale" very easily in 1986. I could also spell "Robert Parish" and "Larry Bird." I could even count to 16. Problem is, Bell wasn't even alive the last time the Knicks won it all.

Third, I'm glad Bell is concerned that the Pats belong to Vermont as much as they do to Boston. Thing is, last time I checked, didn't both "New York" football teams actually play in New Jersey?

Fourth, I'll take watching Pedro pitch over watching a bunch of drunkards yell at John Rocker sitting in the dugout any day of the week.

Fifth, wake up. Any real New York sports fan knows the best way to stick it to Boston is to ignore our existence.

Robert B. Willison '03

Boston, Mass.

May 22, 2000

Oppenheim's Insights

To the editors:

You printed two letters by readers who disagreed with Noah Oppenheim's May 22 column, "Remembering Harvard" (Letters, May 24). The authors stated that they were disappointed by his "narrow and pessimistic stance toward Harvard." They criticized him for being overly negative and "too bitter" to see any thing of worth in his last four years. I disagree.

I feel that Oppenheim has a perfectly clear vision of what Harvard is, and it is an accurate vision. Rather then condemn him for focusing in on the "weakest link" of Harvard, let us remember that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Instead of complaining about his complaining, we should recognize the truth in his words and try to change it. Instead of accepting the worst of what exists here, we should be campaigning against it.

Isaac J. Weiler '02

May 25, 2000