If The Northern Star is trying to reach a new low in poor editorials, I think that last week’s impotent attempt at political commentary was a step toward true badness. I am referring to the inept editorial concerning our nation’s current hostage crisis.

First, the editorial makes the assumption that nothing is being done Bush and his cronies shows a “guise” of concern and “hide behind closed doors” in order to “avoid” the issue. Either the author of these cliches is omniscient or is simply over presumptuous. How do we know that no covert military action and/or secret negotiations are taking place? Would Bush call a press conference and tell the world his plans.?

Secondly, even if nothing is being done, I would like to see the editorial’s author entertain a few solutions to this crisis instead of having a tirade about the fact that this crisis exists. Everyone was shocked by the videotape of Higgins’ (alleged) hanging. Now what do we do? All the editorial offers is an ambiguous call for “action.” Why not assess the options and analyze the volatile Middle East and them tell us what action should be taken.

Third, the author says that Israel should be condemned for capturing Obeid. This is misplaced anger. In fact, the Israelis are offering to exchange Obeid and 150 other Shiite Muslims for the release of all foreign (Israeli, American, Italian, German, English and Irish) hostages in Lebanon. Those hostages were taken for the fact that they are Westerners; they are used by the terrorists to get publicity and provide a tool for them in their war against Israel and the pro-West Arab regimes. Obeid’s capture was an excuse to (allegedly) execute Higgins and thereby drive a wedge between Israel and the United States.

I think this editorial hurt the credibility of The Northern Star. Perhaps the standard of quality in editorials ought to be reassessed.

Bryan Burgett

Junior

Political Science