I would like to thank Ms. Ryan for her letter, "A Lenten proposal," Feb. 22. She correctly points out meat is missing from Notre Dame's dining halls on Lenten Fridays, but remains available at other sites on campus. In addition, unhealthy foods many students gave up for Lent are still offered in the dining halls. How are students supposed to uphold their Lenten promises when bombarded by these temptations?
I, like the most disciplined Notre Dame students, have zero capacity to make good moral decisions on my own without the guidance of a higher institution. Instant gratification governs our choices, with little consideration of the consequences. I second Ms. Ryan's proposal for all unhealthy foods removed from campus for the duration of Lent, so that students may have a chance in upholding Lenten promises. It should be eliminated from campus year-round so that students might lead healthier lives.
That being said, it would be unfair to dwell exclusively on the University's shortcomings in supporting good choices. Fortunately, Notre Dame has been quite thorough in controlling key facets of dorm life that would otherwise present dangerous temptations. Without parietals, students would be overwhelmed by sexual temptation. That students of opposite sexes would want to do anything after 2 a.m. besides hook up is so remote, it's not even worth considering. If not for the bans on hard liquor and drinking games, students would be vomiting from overconsumption several times a week. Luckily, Notre Dame has our backs.
Some students bristle at all of the restrictions, but I feel nothing but gratitude. I am optimistic our University will reform its Lenten food policy to shield students from their own weakness.
Deferring my own moral decisions to a larger institution's wisdom has proven beneficial for me. For this reason, I am puzzled as to why Notre Dame is opposed to the regulations regarding contraceptive insurance coverage. Our University blesses us with its caring yet forceful guidance.
Why wouldn't it want to enjoy the same benefits thanks to the government?
Brad Wright
senior
St. Edward's Hall
March 4
