I was both appalled and disheartened by the comments set forth by Jim Edwards against Professor Michael Dukakis in last week’s commentary (“Vigil no place for political grandstand,” Sept. 14). I did not attend last Sunday’s September 11 vigil so the purpose of this commentary is not to dispute the tenets of Michael Dukakis’ speech on that particular day. Rather, I am writing to present my own personal views on Mr. Edwards’ remarks.

In my opinion the events that occurred on September 11, 2001 were undoubtedly the most inhumane acts I could ever envision. I certainly realize the importance of remembering and celebrating the lives that were so brutally taken on that particular day.

However, I also believe whether right or wrong, the ramifications of these particular acts are inevitably going to be construed in some political context. Nevertheless, the notion of Professor Dukakis using the vigil to further his political agenda is both ill-conceived and outright absurd. Michael Dukakis is a professor, not a political candidate, and regardless he has every right as an American citizen to express his concern.

Moreover, if disagreeing with certain aspects of President George W. Bush’s policies and/or actions is considered to be unpatriotic, then the majority of the American public are guilty as charged.

I am going take a wild guess, Mr. Edwards, considering you are currently an electrical engineering major, you have not yet had the opportunity to have Professor Dukakis in an academic setting. I guarantee if you had, you would know Professor Dukakis’s primary goals are to inspire and educate future leaders and policy makers, not to inflict a particular political ideology on them. To further validate this point, the former Governor’s assistant recently said to me that people still call and write each day to both his home and office to thank him for his service to the Commonwealth. She stated further that people don’t realize the true impact he has made, both as a politician and as a professor.

It is well known around the university there is nothing he wouldn’t do for one of his students.

To reiterate, I absolutely agree a vigil is certainly not a place for advancing a political platform; however, I am certain this was not Professor Dukakis’s intent. I have been his student for the past three years and I would highly recommend anyone who believes Dukakis is a poor example of an American and a cold-hearted politician enroll in his course next year. I guarantee you will discover the exact opposite.

Mr. Edwards, I can’t help but wonder if any other professor had made this particular speech, would you still have felt so threatened?

— Danielle Chaplick is a senior political science major.