It seems The Daily Free Press has found another ill-informed ideologue to pontificate from the editorial page. Sufia Khalid has apparently filled the spot vacated by Tara Stroll, the former Campus Conservative, by writing opinions designed to fly in the face of conventional wisdom for the sole purpose of being contrary.

The only Western trait Khalid seems to accurately capture in her most recent diatribe is the stunning lack of knowledge about the real state of affairs in her part of the world (“Saudi Arabia: A world away — but not that far,” Feb. 28, p.7). Most Americans don’t know Saudi Arabia is on the list of seven nations that execute children. Even the United States removed itself from that distinctive group last year. Public executions and torture are accepted by one of the world’s last remaining absolute monarchies. The rights of women aren’t protected, either. At least in this country, when a “redneck” beat his wife, he goes to jail. As for the Saudi Arabian public’s support of these policies, it’s easy for Islam to become “a way of life” when religious police brutally enforce its dogma.

I can’t help but notice that despite the inspiring social environment and idyllic paradise present in Saudi Arabia, Khalid chooses to live in the United States. Perhaps she should purify her life and mind by moving back to where she can enjoy America’s corporate influence without being bothered by the rights and liberties granted in the Constitution.

Ben Kappelman CAS ’09