Letters to the editor: Dec. 4

A final salute

Chief Ken Krouse's retirement announcement, closing a 20-plus-year tenure as chief of the University Police has captured the attention of the university and its surrounding communities.

I came to know Krouse during my tenure as commander of District I for the Prince George's County Police Department. My very first impression of him remains a lasting one of professionalism, competence and pragmatism. Krouse displays a spirit of warm humanism toward his police officers and always makes decisions in the best interest of the university's most important asset: its students.

Already an experienced and accomplished law enforcement executive upon his appointment as University Police chief, Krouse skillfully applied his experiences as a retired major with the Baltimore County Police Department in his relationships with the PGPD and the 14 additional law enforcement agencies that operate within a 36-square-mile radius in northwestern Prince George's County. A constant presence at local law enforcement meetings and events, Krouse is universally respected by his peers for his talents, collaborative efforts and calm demeanor.

Krouse is a leader who does not flaunt his authority, but rather exercises his keen ability to positively influence others. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had leaders like Krouse in mind when she opined, "Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren't." He leaves behind a top-notch command staff and rank-and-file police officers who perform admirably on behalf of the university. I remain in debt to Krouse for fostering a relationship with me that has served to enhance my leadership capacity.

For those many students who were not yet born when Krouse began the second half of his distinguished law enforcement career at the university, please consider taking a moment to thank the chief for building a nationally recognized police agency. His efforts deserve a thoughtful pause and well-deserved recognition. 

Lt. Col. Kevin Davis | Deputy Chief of Police | Prince George's County Police Department

Over the (party) line

The College Republicans have formally requested the board of the College Democrats resign over an anti-Israel remark allegedly said during a formal debate. The remark in question was attributed to the campaign director of the College Democrats, Michael Besser: "Israel is oppressing the Palestinian people." The College Democrats, instead of saying the sentiment drawn by the College Republicans is preposterous and an utter waste of time, are now backed into a corner, apologizing and claiming they are, in fact, pro-Israel.

The Maryland Federation of College Republicans Chairman Evan Lazerowitz said, "The views of the College Park Democrats are far outside the mainstream of American Politics and should be condemned. We call upon the College Democrats' board to do the right thing and resign."

Really? What happened to "I disagree of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it?" What happened to freedom and difference of opinion? Forget that half of the post-modern world believes the alleged statement is indeed true — why is one allowed to criticize President Barack Obama and the American people but not criticize Israel?

The claim that the board of the College Democrats should resign because of a differing opinion is completely absurd, along with the fact that Besser is defending himself by saying he is pro-Israel. His stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict should not make things different, and he should not be under fire whatsoever. Would he be more likely to be forced to resign if he were pro-Palestine?

This isn't about being politically correct — this is about the freedom to air one's views. And if one cannot air one's views during a debate between two American political parties, Voltaire must be rolling around in his grave, right near the grave marking the casket carrying the Bill of Rights.

Laith Abu-Taleb | Sophomore | Bioengineering