Words.
Words can build up or destroy. Words are the tools by which the act of sharing is
carried out. Words might just be the most powerful weapon we have against each
other. But they can and should be used for good. We have the choice.
Mercy is just such a word. I almost never hear the term mercy employed today,
except in regard to someone's death--the "compassionate" termination of someone's life
in order to end suffering.
But "mercy killing," as some would define it, seems to involve more than the bed
ridden terminally ill.
Think of those Florida folks cheering a murderer's recent execution.
Other than these examples, though, we seem to use the word only when
convenient for our purposes.
The point behind the word mercy goes beyond merely keeping it tucked away inside
one's collection of vocabulary words, only to be pulled out on certain occassions when
its use works to our benefit.
Mercy is not just a word, it's not just a behavior, it's not just an attitude. It has
to be a lifestyle.
While mercy is too rarely used to describe day-to-day human relations, "damn" is
heard regularly.
When I say "damn," I intend to bring down the furious curse of heaven on
someone or something.
Imagine the arrogance involved in thinking we can actually damn someone: the
creator of the cosmos stops in his tracks, ceases his activity, and causes someone to
pop out of existence just because we think they're driving too slowly on the freeway.
And a damning spirit can become a lifestyle, too.
Groups of black students at University Park demonstrated against racism to remind
all of us how far we have to go before we collectively make mercy central to our way
of-li fe.
PCNNSTATE
®Harrisburg P:o',7"
Samuel C. Florman
THE INDIVIDUAL ETHICAL
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE
ENGINEER AND TECHNOLOGIST
March 13,1959
•
1 , 30 pm, Ca, Lounge. 01,aved Paaa •' - .
The GTE Lectureship Program at Samuel C. Outman is a practicing engineer
Penn State Harrisburg is designed and vice-president of Kreisler Borg Florrnan
to i nto ], future technol og i s t s i n Construction in Scarsdale, New York. He
discussions and situations that received both a B.A. and a Civil Engineering
show them the benefit of adopting degree from Darunouth and later obtained an
a moral and ethical philosophy M.A. in English literature from Columbia. The
b e f ore they ptt•icipate in th e t i e d. author of more than 100 articles, Floman is a
s t oo . ma gi ng tanks date proles- noted alaholity on the relationship between
sional world. technology and human values. A recur rent
theme in his list of balks, which includes
sat Engineering and the Liberal Arts, The Exisien•
vial Pleasures of Engineering, and The Civi.
limed Engineer, is Flonnan's belief that "those
who enjoy the benefits of technology must
•
•
accept responsibility for its consequences."
Supported in part by du
GTE Foundation lectureship Plovatat
lan)
. • ..
Capital T imes
.
Editor-in-chief David Blymire
Managing Editor Joe Kupec
News Editor Nathan Lee Gadsden
Business Manager Scot Levy
Advertising Manager Sherri Kohr
Copy Editor Judy L. Hricak
Adviser Dr. Peter Parisi
Staff: Andrea Abolins, Denina C. Benson, Amy Blinn, Victoria Cuscino, Lisa Cutler,
Kevin Facer, Tom Glazewski, Pat Haak, C.W. Heiser, Donna Holmes, Kim Herr, Sondra
Kinsey, Josette Kloker, Penny McDonald, Tara McKinstry, Leve,tte Parish, Karen Peiffer,
Joyce Povey, Jeff Quinn, Lisa Ridley, Todd Ross, Mary Lee Schnable, Leah Sendi, Teresa
Shultz, Maria S tahovec, Derrick Stokes, Andrea ; Willard, John Yag,ecic.
The Capital Times is published by the students of Penn State Harrisburg. Concerns about content of any issue
should be directed to the editor in room W-337, Olmsted or call 944-4970. Any opinions expressed are those of
the author and are not representative of the college administration, faculty or student body. The Capital Times
does not endorse its advertisers. The Capital Times welcomes signed letters from readers. Unsigned letters cannot
be printed; however, a writer's name may be withheld upon request.
Editorial Comment
David A. Blymire, Editor in chief
Waigren lecture
rescheduled
Congressman Doug Walgren will
speak on Governmental Responsibility
in the Technological Environment on
March 26, 1989 at 4:00 p.m. in the
Gallery Lounge.
He will focus on the importance of
adopting a moral and ethical philosophy
for future technologists before they
participate in the decision making
process in the professional world.
A respected national figure, he is one
of the most knowledgeable and
influential members of Congress in
matters of technology.
Walgren is a member of the House
Science, Space and Technology
Committee.
He chairs the Subcommittee on
Science, Research and Technology.
Letter's to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Over the past several years signs of racial and cultural intolerance have become a
growing issue on college campuses throughout our country. Last August the first
black fraternity house at the University of Mississippi was destroyed by arson. Closer
to home, several racial incidents in State College set off demonstrations by African-
American students at the Penn State University Park campus.
The Retention Committee of Penn State Harrisburg, founded to facilitate the
educational goals of students, feels that the Penn State community should be
commended for their support of the recent organized demonstrations in protest of racial
incidents. Penn State stands united against racism and bigotry.
The University seeks to address existing environmental problems at State College.
President Jordan has joined with community leaders in State College in issuing a letter
to the local community condemning "acts, which tarnish our community and frighten
those who are the targets of bigotry and racism." The University has committed to
implementing a required orientation program for all new freshmen at University Park
this fall which will deal with cultural diversity and the university environment. Soon
there will be a hot line set up for the parents of students who have concerns about
environmental issues. These are only several of the many actions being taken by the
University to increase the understanding of diversity.
The Committee feels that it is important to confirm to the Harrisburg community
that Penn State Harrisburg stands united against racism and bigotry. We are concerned
for our current and future minority students and also for the impact that these incidents
might have on our community. Penn State is committed to making quality education
an option for all Pennsylvanians. The University has an obligation to maintain an
environment conducive to fostering respect among various cultures represented in the
University community. The absence of diversity, whether it be cultural or racial, robs
us of a wealth of experience that broadens and strengthens our understanding. Penn
State Harrisburg genuinely seeks to embrace diversity. We realize that a community
narrowly defined will remain narrow-minded.
The Retention Committee at Penn State Harrisburg encourages students of all races
and cultures to join the Capital College community. To these students we pledge our
support.
Donald Holtsman, Chair
Capital College Retention Committee
„I<LyE.c_