Editor,
After reading Maceo Carrillo Martinet's Feb. 1 column, I asked myself, "what do the issues of Western Civilization versus other cultures have to do with real life?"
What is it the American Council of Trustees and Alumni is trying to accomplish? Will strengthening courses in Western Civilization help Americans pay the bills? Will it give them a comparative advantage in the job market? It's possible, but is it probable?
Second, what is it that Mr. Martinet is attempting to achieve? He makes good points, but I felt his central point was vague. A key problem with traditional academia is that it is not very skill-oriented, with the exceptions of engineering and business management degrees, along with a few others. A stringent course in Western Civilization or courses in non-Western cultures bear scant relevance to the real scheme of things. A thorough knowledge of history and $1.50 will get one a cup of coffee.
This is why I have opted to pursue a real estate license and a career in real estate, rather than attempt to make a career off of my political science degree, because it is real estate - hopefully - that will keep food on my table.
Instead of posturing about Americanism on campuses, why don't Lynne Cheney and Joe Lieberman spend their time working on ways to make education in America practical and skill-oriented and stop wasting time and money on issues largely irrelevant to the average American?
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Brandon D. Curtis
Political science student
