Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
‘Nuts’
The New York Sun’s “Nuts” editorial refers to “Panzer tanks” surrounding Bastogne [January 20, 2006].
Panzer is the German word for armor. In the Second World War, it was used to define a caterpillar-treaded armored vehicle with a high-velocity gun by the German army. Unless a particular vehicle is being referred to, the word is always lower case. The use of panzer as a modifier for tanks is redundant (e.g., rich millionaire).
The Allied appellation for such a vehicle is “tank.” It was devised by Winston Churchill during the First World War to conceal its military significance from German intelligence. In documents it was described as a vehicle designed to bring fresh water to the front for British troops.
FREDERICK A. LEE
Manhattan
‘Anger at Brandeis Growing’
Khalil Shikaki is an important voice in Palestinian society. He is also a serious scholar who has engaged with Israelis, Americans and Europeans {“Anger at Brandeis Is Growing Over a Palestinian Scholar,” Meghan Clyne, Page 1, February10, 2006].
His work provides an important link into the opinions and concerns of Palestinian people for scholars in Israel and throughout the world.
Mr. Shikaki himself, as well as Professor Shai Feldman and President Jehuda Reinharz, are scholars of the first order with an unblemished record of innovative and important work. That Brandeis University invited him is a testament to that university’s integrity and commitment to scholarship.
We must assume that the Zionist Organization of America’s attempt to silence that voice is driven by precisely these motives – to silence an important, moderate voice.
DANIEL LEVINE
Baltimore Md.
‘Shake Shack at Union Square’
Thank you for photographing the painted labyrinth at Union Square Park in your feature, “Shake Shack Fans Root for Second Outpost at Union Square” [David Lombino, New York, February 10, 2006].
Although a popular aspect of the North End, a labyrinth will not be transformed into pavement according to the new plan.
I enjoyed introducing labyrinths to public spaces at Union Square in 1999 and appreciate the thanks from the community that I’ve received while repainting them each year. I will miss the labyrinths being there and encourage everyone to walk them during this, their last year.
DIANA CARULLI
Labyrinth Maker
Manhattan
‘Ashen Cedars’
We read with interest the article “Ashen Cedars” by Nibras Kazimi, quoted by a Lebanese Web site (www.tayyar.org). Mr. Kazimi is to be congratulated on his thorough effort and stunning conclusions [Opinion, February 15, 2006].
One cannot promote democracy … it is a fleeting goddess. One can only instill, subscribe to, and encourage a democratic dynamic that will plant the seeds of a democratic process.
Education and expertise sharing in “the art and science” of institutions are probably more efficient and cheaper than smart-bombs. The Europeans know it; why can’t we?
CHRISTIAN EL AMM, M.D.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
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