I am writing in response to "Cheating is an innate part of humanity" by Chris Mueller (Oct. 27).

The column suggests that due to the high number of students and others who cheat, preventive means are not deemed necessary. He argues that we should simply lie down and accept it as the "American way." Not only do I completely disagree with this position, but I am also actually quite disturbed by it.

We have no choice but to stress honesty and present strict consequences for cheaters. It is most certainly not the American way to ignore a problem because it is popular and will be difficult to correct.

Shall we allow murderers to roam the streets because they are unlikely to change their ways? I admit that this comparison is a little extreme, but I feel that it is important to realize that the way to solve an issue is not to allow it to continue without a fight.

The way of the people of this great nation, as I know it, is to do everything possible to battle evils and promote superior morals and actions. When this doesn't work, we try harder.