Home Run
Having been a two-time captain of Dartmouth baseball and a fellow teammate of Dave Wiser ’87, I found “Innocence Lost” [Mar/Apr] a compelling example of why injustices need to be addressed and the perpetrators stopped. I was disappointed when Dave hung up his spikes at Dartmouth and now understand some of the demons he was dealing with at the time. I grew up as the youngest in a family of four boys (including Peter ’83 and Pat ’84) and a sister, all of whom played baseball or softball for a father who was inducted into Massachusetts’ High School Baseball Hall of Fame as a coach. Youth sports and baseball were a cherished part of my youth.

Losing your innocence to a coach you trusted is criminal. Congrats to Wiser for hitting one of life’s ugly curveballs out of the park. I would have expected nothing less from a fellow catcher and Dartmouth person. Way to go, bud!

Jim Lavery ’86
Bedford, Massachusetts

A Matter of the Heart
Thank you for publishing “Valentine for Life” [Mar/Apr] by Steve Brosnihan ’83. Among the storm of issues plaguing the College, from sexual assault to underage drinking to hazing within the Greek system, it was a breath of fresh air to read such a heart-warming story about how thoughtful and caring Dartmouth students can be.

I faced my own share of heartbreak and disappointment—during my senior spring rather than freshman winter—and I was so thankful to have so many friends with me in my own time of need.

Now I am fortunate to be in the D.C. area where many of my sorority sisters live. They continue to be an incredible support system and bring so much joy to my life. That is what my Dartmouth is all about: amazing students who grow to become such considerate and sincere friends for one another far beyond graduation.

Kathryn E. Arion ’11
Chevy Chase, Maryland

What a beautiful story by Steve, which comes as no surprise to those of us blessed to have known him and his kind spirit. As someone who wasn’t yet on campus when he was having his crisis of confidence, I never knew about his experience, but I am a richer man for having met him in Little Hall so long ago.

Eric Schnell ’84
Green Brook, New Jersey

Photo Finish
That’s my late dad, Seymour S. Jacobson (later Seymour Rogers) ’32, on the winning horse in your 1931 skijoring “Big Picture” [Mar/Apr]!

My brother C. Stewart Rogers ’69, our sister Cathy and I were all delighted to see Dad featured.

Linda Rogers
Greensboro, North Carolina

Double Trouble
The proposal of Peter Bridges ’53 [“Letters,” Mar/Apr] that the United States impose mandatory national service on the nation’s youth is flawed on at least two counts. Congress has the authority to impose only military conscription. Moreover, the 13th Amendment forbids “involuntary servitude,” thus precluding a draft for any purpose other than military service.

The Supreme Court ruled in 1981 that women could not be subjected to a military draft, which would apply to conscription for national service. Second, drafting the 9.6 million men and women 20 to 24 years old—even cutting out the physically, morally or legally unfit—would not be cheap. They would require food, lodging and medical care plus training. Neither party in Congress is likely to look with favor on such a program.

Richard Halloran ’51
Honolulu