Letter from the Editor
The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University is, by definition, in both its membership and goals, a diverse representation of the beliefs, history and aspirations of the international community. Fletcher Perspectives celebrates this diversity through art, craft and photography exhibits as well as through this annual written publication on culture, gender and religion. Our goal is to share our diversity in a manner that not only enhances our understanding of historical and cultural differences and similarities, but also translates this knowledge into a more peaceful and unprejudiced world. We believe this creative outlet can also balance the intellectual gymnastics of our work and/or studies with creativity and celebration - essential components for imaginative and tolerant leaders in all fields relating to the global community.
We accept submissions from the entire Fletcher community (students, faculty, staff and fellows) in the form of poetry, short-stories, travelogues, inspirational quotes, op-eds, recipes, descriptions of religious or cultural traditions, photography, arts and crafts. A sampling of our exhibits is available on-line at http://fletcher.tufts.edu/perspectives. Our journals are available for purchase for $5 and select 8” x 10” prints of the photos exhibited can be purchased for $20. Please contact Itamara.Lochard@tufts.edu for questions and orders. Consistent with our goals as members of the Fletcher community, proceeds are donated to charity. Given the damage caused by last year's hurricanes, proceeds from Fall semester were sent to the American Red Cross for relief efforts. Proceeds from Spring semester will go to the UN Office of Children and Armed Conflict to assist in their rehabilitation efforts of child soldiers. We thank Professor Ian Johnstone for his guidance in locating this wonderful organization.
This fifth edition would not have been possible without the support and assistance of the following, to whom we are deeply grateful: Coordinator of Student Affairs Dianne Le, the Student Council Allocation Board, Web Designers Liz Hincks & Steven Derocher, Executive Associate Dean Gerard F. Sheehan, Budget and Fiscal Coordinator Fran Parisi, the staff at Ginn Library at Fletcher and James S. McDaniel. In addition, we would also like to thank the many students, faculty and staff who continue to inspire our efforts through their wonderful submissions and encouragement of our journal and exhibits.
Many thanks and enjoy!
Itamara V. Lochard - Editor-in-Chief
Cover photograph: "Moon over Bay" - Halong Bay, Vietnam, June 2005, Amanda Sim, MALD '07. "As if to fulfill my every fantasy, there was a full moon the night we docked in Halong Bay."