Letters

The ‘First’ Peru Trip—Really? 
After returning from a prolonged trip, I settled down to read the Chronicle, which I always enjoy. But I just about jumped out of my skin when I saw a reference on page 39 of the winter 2005 issue to Lewis & Clark’s “first overseas study program to Peru in 1973.” 

There were at least three Lewis & Clark overseas study programs that I know of prior to 1973. The first group was led by the late Clifford Hamar in 1961-62. I was in the second group in 1965-66 under the outstanding leadership of Lloyd Hulse, now retired professor of Spanish. And during 1966-67, another Peru group was led by Herbert Baird, who also taught Spanish. 

I’m amazed the author of this article did not have more complete information available. I’m sure other Peru veterans also noticed this error. 

John McClelland ’67 
Longview, Washington

Editor’s Note: As it turns out, there were no fewer than four overseas study programs to Peru prior to 1973. In addition to the three programs mentioned by McClelland, the College mounted a fourth trip to Peru in 1969-70 under the leadership of Dale O’Bannon. We regret the error, and we commend Mr. McClelland, a retired journalist, on his remarkable memory. 

RFK Description Biased 
In the winter 2005 issue of the Chronicle, there was a news item about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visiting campus. One of the sentences read: “Kennedy detailed the environmental and political implications of the Bush administration’s environmental rollbacks of laws that have protected the nation’s air, water, public lands, and wildlife for nearly 30 years.” 

Many people who have actually studied this issue don’t consider what the Bush administration has done under the Clear Skies Act to be rollbacks. In fact, the environment, as most people realize, is improving. That description is obviously biased in favor of the Kennedy viewpoint. It’s clearly not a nonpartisan view. 

Randy Miller JD ’74 
West Linn, Oregon

O Canada 
I was delighted to read in the winter 2005 issue of the Chronicle that Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire spoke on campus last fall, and I was especially moved to read that the College has established a humanitarian service award in Dallaire’s name. Congratulations to Michael Graham for organizing this remarkable event and for his receipt of the new award! One important detail was missing from the Chronicle’s report, however: while Dallaire’s title was correctly recorded, its context was not—there was no mention of Dallaire’s citizenship nor of his relationship to the Canadian military, in which he served for 35 years. 

Jill Teasley ’00 
Vancouver, British Columbia