I am writing in regards to the topic of the North Poll in the Sept. 4 issue of the Northerner and how completely inappropriate it was as a choice for an open ended question.

The question is not one that can be answered in a mere sentence or two, and by asking it in this manner you managed to trivialize the very serious nature of the question.

Also, the responses given, with the exception of Mr. Ayanrinola, illustrate a complete lack of objectivity. If the answers to all of life’s questions could be answered so easily it would be quite doubtful that any of us would be here venturing to obtain a higher education.

Perhaps I have been deluded as to the purpose of my education, but I was under the assumption that it was to diversify my perspectives of the world. Yet, as of late I have seen the narrow mindedness of the general population, as well as the deficiency of human compassion, which should extend to all inhabitants of the earth regardless of race, religion, gender, or ethnicity. It is a quite simple task to apply our own values and moral judgments to others, but at what price? Where do we draw the line? What happens if our own individual liberties are sacrificed in the face of fear? Who will we blame then? I do not have the answers, but I will not simply digest the sound bytes and headlines of the news as the gospel of the day.

However, the images of the day will stay with me for the rest of my life, and I will mourn the lives of those who passed on the fateful day. I will also mourn the lives of those who were killed abroad. A human life is a human life.

Lastly, as a suggestion to the staff of The Northerner, it would have been nice to see an issue in which you engaged the readers in a well-balanced and thoughtful discussion of the broader implications of the events of Sept. 11.

Perhaps, a solicitation of opinion pieces, poems, or essays from some of the many distinguished professors and students would have been more reflective of the university and its diverse composition.

Therefore, if you do seek new and broader perspectives on the world I would encourage [you] to enroll in many of the classes that are offered in the departments of political science, sociology, history, etc. I am thankful that I have been fortunate enough to be exposed to the wisdom of the men and women who take the education process seriously and embrace humanity.