“None of the topics are laughing matters”

Courtney Milloy’s commentary (“How Bush Visit Became the Siege of Howard U,” Washington Post, Sunday, October 30, 2005) on the Helping America’s Youth Thursday conference at Howard University weaves a distorted and stereotypical tale about the parties involved.  Milloy attempts to illustrate a vote motivated First Lady and President, fried chicken deprived Howard students and first amendment challenged security guards.

This mischaracterization fails to tell the truth and substance of: the conference (which I fortunately was able to view via the internet with other organizations concerned about at risk youth); the Howard students’ rationale for a protest (which surely is much more serious than missing lunch); and the security guards reasoning for their protective actions.

Although, the article may have been humorous to some, none of these topics are laughing matters. 

Patricia H. Lee, Esq. (Hilltop, Thursday, November 3, 2005)

National Institute for Urban Entrepreneurship