Entitlement creates overprivilege

0 Comments | USA TODAY, April, 2006

Jon Saraceno's commentary about the Duke lacrosse team (Keeping score, "Alcohol turns tide of culture," April7) indicates alcohol is really just a symptom. The notion of entitlement he mentions -- including athletic-based -- is the root of the problem. The notion of the value to the greater good has been lost in many institutions, including one of the most important, education.

We have an educational system with athletic scholarships, college and high school coaches and athletics directors making much more than college presidents, professors and teachers. We have media and business advertising and hype celebrating athleticism and celebrity, rather than service to mankind through knowledge, integrity, leadership and community.

The situation runs amok with other...