A Letter to the Editor

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

It may be true that Winston Smith '67 has been out on the streets in past weeks, demonstrating against Big Daddy. And also it is true that Smith does not love Big Daddy.

Instead of being critical, we should be understanding. Winston Smith is unhappy because Oceania is at war with Eastasia.

Of course, the rest of us study international relations. We know that wars are never permanent, and neither are alliances. Both wars and alliances shift back and forth. Enemies become friends. Friends become enemies. Every two or three decades, Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia go through another cycle.

Thus Winston Smith '67 can feel reassured. Within nineteen years from now, let us say, the current cycle will end. Oceania and Eastasia will become friends. Together we will fight the new enemy, Eurasia.

When Winston Smith '67 learns to understand this, he will be a changed person. No more demonstrations. He will love Big Daddy.

from a minor official in the Ministry of Truth