Fortunately, however, the HRC took a difficult situation and turned it into a great success--something to be proud of. Even though our constitution allows any dues-paid member in good standing to vote, in a board meeting a week before the election, the candidates made a "gentlemen's agreement" to focus on expanding the base of the club by "recruiting" those who had interest in the club and its activities. Porter, whom Lewis singled out by name, went even further to suggest a higher standard, asking that only members who attended at least one club function be allowed to vote. Ultimately, however, it was determined by all in attendance that, in fairness to all candidates, such a change would have to be instituted next year, before the start of the election process. Judging on the basis of those who came and voted, this voluntary agreement was kept by all candidates. The election was unquestionably decided by those who had "investment or interest" in the HRC (Lewis' words) at heart.

Because no one can objectively answer the question "Who is most qualified?" voters in any election must consider other factors beyond sterile qualifications. They may consider personality and affability and often, heaven forbid, give more favorable consideration to their friends.

We felt the first article The Crimson ran was unfair in its representation of the club elections, but we respected the right of HRC members to critique our rules and of The Crimson to report those critiques. After Lewis' column describing the HRC as led by "lackluster leaders," however--an attack largely at the expense of a leader who does not meet even her own description of the term--we could not let the HRC, its officers or members stand as an ill-chosen example of something Lewis felt but could not accurately document on campus. It is unfortunate that Lewis would write disparagingly about an organization in which she had never participated and about which she knew relatively little.

Lewis was correct in her assertion that "Good Guys" do attend this school, "the gems that everyone takes for granted." Porter and the other 5 leaders elected to the Executive Board of the HRC on Wednesday, Dec. 6, however, stand at the head of the "Good Guy" pack.

The members of the 2001 board are among the finest and most upstanding students on this campus. They are the students who "refuse to compromise their principles" for any personal gain, certainly not to win a position in a college student organization. Perhaps all of us would see more of these "Good Guys" on campus if we, as Harvard students, were more reluctant to judge and blindly accept unsubstantiated rumors--and instead took a closer look at campus organizations.

Jason P. Brinton '00-'02 is president emeritus and Sterling P. A. Darling '01 is chair of the Election Commission of the Harvard Republican Club.