Jane Albritton (India) answers NY TIMES writer
Very funny, Jane John
On February 20, 2024 journalist and political commentator, Nicholas Donabet, published in the New York Times a column where he called on young people to
Study Spanish in Bolivia. Or teach English in South Korea. Or volunteer in Nepal.
Never once did he mention THE PEACE CORPS! What does he think we have been doing since 1961?
Well, today Jane Albritton (India 1967-69) in an “Op-Ed” letter, answers the New York Times commentator with
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone With Travel
Feb. 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. ET
To the Editor:
Re “The Isolationism Antidote,” by Nicholas Kristof (column, Feb. 11):
I was surprised that in his column addressing the need for Americans to spend time abroad Mr. Kristof failed to mention the fact that the Peace Corps has been doing exactly that since 1961.
In 2011, the Peace Corps celebrated its 50th anniversary, and for the occasion three other editors and I created four books of Peace Corps stories, now housed in the Library of Congress. This collection of more than 200 stories from the Americas, Africa, Eurasia and Asia/Pacific covers the range of joys, frustrations, surprises and sorrows that Peace Corps volunteers experience in the two years of service.
I heartily agree with Mr. Kristof and would add that the Peace Corps has made a good start doing what he suggests. Let’s do more.
Jane Albritton
Santa Fe, N.M.
The writer served in the Peace Corps in India from 1967 to 1969.
On February 20, 2024 journalist and political commentator, Nicholas Donabet, published in the New York Times a column where he called on young people to “Study Spanish in Bolivia. Or teach English in South Korea. Or volunteer in Nepal.”
Never Once Did He Mention The Peace Corps! What do you think we have been doing since 1961?
Well, today Jane Albritton (India 1967-69) in an Op-Ed letter answers New York Times commentator
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone With Travel
More from our inbox:
Re “The Isolationism Antidote,” by Nicholas Kristof (column, Feb. 11):
I was surprised that in his column addressing the need for Americans to spend time abroad Mr. Kristof failed to mention the fact that the Peace Corps has been doing exactly that since 1961.
In 2011, the Peace Corps celebrated its 50th anniversary, and for the occasion three other editors and I created four books of Peace Corps stories, now housed in the Library of Congress. This collection of more than 200 stories from the Americas, Africa, Eurasia and Asia/Pacific covers the range of joys, frustrations, surprises and sorrows that Peace Corps volunteers experience in the two years of service.
I heartily agree with Mr. Kristof and would add that the Peace Corps has made a good start doing what he suggests. Let’s do more.
Jane Albritton
Santa Fe, N.M.
The writer served in the Peace Corps in India from 1967 to 1969.
Well done Jane!!
Thank you. Kristof’s op ed was like an invitation. I was happy to respond.
Jane, it’s bad enough that many Americans ask whether the Peace Corps is still around.
But it’s truly pitiful and sad that someone as knowledgeable and world-traveled as Kristof is can show such ignorance as Kristof just did. —Tino, Peru, 1963-65
Tino: Right? That may be why The NY Times found my little letter useful. Maybe the omission is an opportunity.
Let me add to the comment I made when John sent out the article. I said that Mr Kristof’s article read like a combination of JFK’s Michigan address and the script to A Towering Task. While I think he was heartfelt and well intentioned, he missed the chance to provide the service to his intended audience. He could have ended the article by saying “Peace Corps has been doing this for 60+ years and is waiting for your application to make your contribution. Shorter term, check out organizations such as United Nations Volunteers. Other project-focused organizations such as the Pulitzer Center have opportunities to challenge the status quo. But get out there!”
Steve, what Mr. Kristof needed was an editor (like you, or someone else over 25) to catch such an obvious omission. Lucky for us to have Eagle Eye Coyne on the watch tower!
Jane, Great Letter. Thank you.
Very funny, Jane
John
This is a fabulous response! Well done, Jane!