The Mailbag

Readers take issue with letter about “Organic Foods” book
I am writing in response to Karen Stewart ’82, and her comments regarding the book “The Truth About Organic Foods” from the summer ’07 issue. Ms. Stewart’s letter was long on ideology and talking points but short on objective data challenging the “truth” the authors offer in their book.

She simply wrote on and on about the possible motives of the authors and their supposed dubious motives for writing the book. The entire letter was but a witless avoidance of honest debate. Ideology is faith, not science, and most importantly the content of the book remains unchallenged.

Personally, I have no opinion on organic foods, but I do appreciate good debate. Marginalizing your opponent or name-calling (“shill for a right-wing think tank”) is but the desperate act of someone who is short on the ammunition of facts and data. I’m not saying Ms. Stewart doesn’t possess valid knowledge to counter the authors of this particular book, but her letter certainly wouldn’t lead a reader to that conclusion.
– S. Dwight Parker (M.S.Ed. ’04)
Lignum, Va.

I was extremely disappointed by the publication of Karen Stewart’s letter in the summer 2007 issue. Her letter is not a thoughtful, reasoned rebuttal of Alex Avery’s book, but a vicious attack on the author. Is this the kind of discourse that is to be represented in Old Dominion University magazine?

If so, I am sure there are many who are just as eager to refute the left-wing books written by ODU alumni.

The purpose of the magazine – let’s be honest – is to promote the good things about ODU and its alumni and faculty. There are many, many other forums where Ms. Stewart can express her views on Mr. Avery’s book. Old Dominion University magazine is not one of them.
– Jay Smigielski ’83
Virginia Beach, Va.


Thanks for the story
Thank you for the great job on the article about my congressional diary [“Whitehurst donates congressional diary to library,” summer 2007]. I hope that it stirs some research among our alumni scholars.
– G. William Whitehurst
Norfolk, Va.

Proud of the progress
As a double alumna and a former faculty member in the Darden College of Education (1992-2000), I am so proud of the progress at ODU since 2001, when President Roseann Runte joined the university.

My husband (M.S.Ed. in ’95) and I took our son to the alumni event in January (when we beat GMU!), and we couldn’t believe the building development and campus spirit that we saw that day. My son decided to transfer to ODU and will begin classes there this fall. It makes me proud that he decided to choose such a great environment.

President Runte has really taken the university forward and I am excited about the future! I applaud her interest and support of modeling and simulation and other government issues facing us today. Her involvement, enthusiasm and expertise are much appreciated.
– K. Denise Threlfall (M.S. ’91, Ph.D. ’96)
Yorktown, Va.

Favorite ODU memory
“I remember some great times [at the Rathskeller] between and after classes. We spent lots of money there, and formed some good friendships. We went to the game room and played pool and Asteroids a lot, too. Mrs. Christ ran that room with an iron fist.”
– Bryan Pilati ’84
(Editor’s note: This item was posted June 27 on the Alumni Association’s Online Community message board. To share your favorite memory, go to www.odualumni.org and click on “Alumni Connection.”)

To send a letter to the editor, an update for the Class News section or a change-of-address notice, you may contact us via e-mail, sdaniel@odu.edu; fax, 757-683-5501; or by regular mail, Editor, Old Dominion University magazine, 100 Koch Hall, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529.

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