Collegian Page 4 Editorial Observations by James Martin Collegian Editor In this, my final editorial of the semester, I am allowing myself a luxury: The following is a collection of /'editorial " comments and observations, made without the burden of fully developing any one of them into a full length editorial. Forgive me! - A recent tour of the new Behrend Bookstore , (or the Behrend Bookstore Metroplex Center as some prefer to call it), proved interested. There has been an incredible • amount of moaning and complaining from students, indignant that the school would build such an immense facility when Behrend is in such desperate need of a new library. The actual truth is that the new bookstore is absurdly huge. Granted, there was a need for a larger bookstore, but the new bookstore is big enough to double as a truck and tractor pulling arena on weekends.' All kidding aside, the new structure is interesting, but a monument to wasted space. I have less of a problem with the size of the bookstore than I do with all of the space and money that is wasted on atriums, entryways, wintergardens and other nicities. This is space and money that could have been devoted to much needed classroms. These areas are nice, but Behrend has a much greater need for classrooms than for lounges. -Erie was recently the subject of national attention as both Jesse Jackson and Michael Dukakis found their way to town as they vied for the democratic presidential nomination. After attending their respective rallies I have several observations. I have long suspected that the Rev. Jackson had a lot of good ideas along with wonderfully pure and altruistic intentions. I’m beginning to wonder about the ideas. All I heard was rhymes, i.e.("down with dope up with hope and Jackson Action") His rally in Perry Square was more exciting than the best high school football rally ever, and almost as intellectual. I just wonder how impressed Secretary Gorbachev and for that matter, Congress will be with endless streams of cliches and rhyming couplets. Jackson likened himself to President Roosevelt saying, "I'd rather have Roosevelt in a wheelchair than Reagan on a horse." Though it was perhaps the sth time I'd heard him say it , it still sounded good. Jackson is nothing if not quoteable. -The Dukakis rally was not totally devoid of the pomp and hype that characterized the Reverend Jackson's appearance but Dukakis, however lacked much of Jackson’s energy and vitality. To Dukakis’s credit he does have a track record on which to run. He-was quick to point to Massachusetts'' legislation which he recently signed into law that gurrantees a minimum basic health care for everyone. Massachusetts impressive (less than 3%) unemployment rate was also a point of contention. While Dukakis oppenents question his contribution to that low rate, it is hard to overlook a ten percent increase in the number of people with jobs. -The Collegian would like to take its hat off to eveiyone involved in the Wellness Awareness Week, Ethics in the Workplace, and The Socialization of Prejudice programs as well as the PCEA conference. A lot of work went into each of these programs and all of those involved are to be commended. _ The Collegian staff was pleasantly surprised at the absence of any administrative complaining after our April Ist edition of the paper. Stories about Dean Lilley's resignation and Behrend's secession from the Penn State system brought laughter, but not the onslaught of complaints for which we were prepared. -It’s a relief to finally have the S.G.A elections over with no apparent objections by anyone concerning the outcome, the ballot or the voting procedures. -A lot of people put a lot of time and effort into making the Collegian a success this year. The Collegian will be losing a number of fine assets including three departing editorial staff. Collegian Sports Editor David Bruce will be graduating ,while Editor Lisa Hahn and Entertainment Editor Matthew Filippi will travel to University Park to complete their College Careers. These individuals will be greatly missed. -I would certainly be remiss If I did not acknowledge the outstanding contribution that has been made to the Collegian by both Bill Warner and Steve Aller. As the Collegian Layout Editor Bill Warner has received little recognition, but has done an exceptional job while relieving Lisa and I of much of the burden of laying out the paper. Former Editor Steve Aller did much to make the editorial transition a smooth one and proved to be a knowledgeable and much appreciated resource. -As Finals week begins, I’d like to wish everyone the best of luck during the upcoming week and throughout the summer. I leave with you with a parting thought, or rather a question: Just exactly, what is that nasty smelling compost that maintenance has been spreading around our "breathtaking campus?" Lr% Letters to the Editor- Reader Opinion- Thanks Thanks. Is there a word in the English Dictionary that is stronger? If so then I wish it upon all those who have been so supportive in the past two academic school years. Being gay, I've been dealt a lot of shit in the past, but if it weren't for my friends, I wouldn't be here making it through college [Barely]! Isn't it true though? Without friends, you are nothing. Actually, I don't think one can make it through college without friends! I would foremost like to thank the guys on my floor, 3rd floor Niagara. When I found out that they were accepting of me, and were willing to back me up should anything happen, I was shocked! They are a great bunch of guys, and deserve to be congratulated! To them, I extend thanks for being supportive and understanding, something quite rare in this society (unfortunately) ! To the ladies and Clay at work, Thanks! Why is it that people judge others by what they see, and not by what they need to do; understand. Understand that there is more to a person than just outside features; there is a need in EVERYONE to be accepted, regardless of how they look, act, or dress! I was the one who, two issues back and currently, wrote the Webster's Learning Comer. I felt that among other anti-racial programs, and programs dealing with AIDS, homosexuals, and other minorities on this campus, should be the full understanding of the words I have defined. Can YOU honestly say that you know the exact meaning of these words that I have listed? I really don’t think so. Then again the popular ones...like A few words for Mr. Miseta Dear Ed, Regarding your last Strange Daze column—thank you for nothing no unplanned pregnancies, no AIDS or other sexually-transmitted diseases, and a whole lot less heartache. Besides, what makes you think any virgin (or any emotionally healthy woman) would want to marry you? P.S.-1 don't drink either (even Budweiser). YoEd, Regarding your comments on Yugos... I had a used Vega before I purchased my "Commie Car.” I prefer the Yugo. It only breaks down half as often as the Vega did. Thank Y0u..... On behalf of the Office of Admissions, I would like to thank each and every one of the sudents who helped in our campus visitation programs this past year. Whether you were a tour guide, a student panelist, worked registration, or simply mingled with prospective students and their parents, your help was greatly appreciated. You are an enthusiastic group which should be commended four volunteering its time and effort My staff and I whish you a refreshing and relaxing summer break and look forward to working with you next year. Patricia A. Bailey Director of Admissions faggot, dike, bigotry, different, queer,, but definitely not every one of them. I am ashamed that in this day and age people aren't more accepting of the fact that there are such things as blacks, homosexuals, females, foreigners, handicapped persons , orientals, and anyone else you might think fits into society’s idea of a minority. If you take a moment and think about it, in this vast collection of minorities who are discriminated against, if they were to be collected and counted...wouldn't that constitute a majority? I would tend to think so! So, in other words, if someone were to discriminate against you in any way or form, they: 1) have no moral right to do so in the first place, and 2) have no power to do so because they are in fact discriminating against a majority (as previously explained). Obviously, no one is perfect by any means, and thus have no right to feel superior over anyone else because of their race, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, age, status as a disabled Vietnam-era Veteran, or (as freshly put into the Statement of Non-discrimination Clause of the Pennsylvania State University by President, Bryce Jordan) sexual orientation. Thank you again to all of those who accepted me for WHO I AM instead of what I look , act like, or prefer sexually. As for those people out there who can’t handle it, I wish you the best of luck in life, because you're going to need it to get through this thing we call LIFE. Thank you... Harald G. Mootz 4th semester German P.S., If there are any questions, feel free to ask me-898-6820 evenings. -A Virgin Sincerely, Marybeth Zawistoski "Buckle Up, Behrend!" Now it's a law. A public service message from the Collegian TROUBLED? NEED TO TALK? WE CAN HELP... WE CARE ABOUT YOU! PENN STATE-BEHREND CAMPUS MINISTRY Student Services Reed Building 898-6248 OFF-CAMPUS WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES BUS TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FOR 11:00 am. SERVICES BUS LEAVES REED 1015 a m SUNDAYS ON-CAMEL'S WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ROMAN CATHOLIC MASS with The Rev. Ron Toven* (Fr. Roc) SATURDAYS. 5:30 pm. in THE REED LECTURE HALL PENNSTATE-BEHREND . CAMPUS MINISTRY opinion A Question of Tactics and the "Ethical Bust" Dear everyone, Behrend Vice strikes again. Be on the lookout for Chip and Sue "the Bat Team". Saturday night on campus our loyal crime-fighting security team busted in on an apartment party and instilled fear and panic into the hearts and minds of students. The result? Many students, in an effort to flee from the dangerous duo, jumped out second story windows. These actions could have been avoided if the situation bad been handled differently and properly. It was the procedure that Behrend Security took that was all wrong and their course of action is what caused students to jump out the windows. The purpose of a security installation is to protect and secure whatever they were hired to protect. Not to cause panic or threaten people with various unfounded charges. Instead of having people leave one by one and give their name, they came in yelling things such as, "Everyone here is going to get a One for underage drinking and noise violation," and "If your twenty-one your getting Gned for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and disorderly conduct." Result: immediate widespread panic because the first thing that runs through a college person's mind is, "My parents are going to Gnd out." Secondly, Behrend Security took it’s time in clearing the students out of the apartment This only added to the confusion and more students had more time to jump. Usually when a party on campus is busted, everyone that does not live there is told to leave and only the residents get "written up". This was not the case Saturday night. Everyone present was threatened with fines, even though no alcohol was found and the only thing people were doing was dancing. When someone suggested to Officer Sanders that he should start clearing people out so that they wouldn’t jump, he slapped a pair of handcuffs on that individual and was going to fine that individual for disorderly conduct. What's the matter Officer Sanders, can't you take any suggestions and admit when you are wrong? Looking at the incident in the gorge concerning Matt Farkas and the one on Saturday night, it looks as though Behrend Security is "HANDCUFF HAPPY.” I guess their mothers never let them play cops and robbers when they were young. Either that or they have been watching too many reruns of "Miami Vice". In conclusion, it is my opinion and the opinion of many other students that were and were not present on Saturday, that Behrend Security is once again responsible for the terrible episode that resulted from their threats and unnecessary actions on Saturday night. It was all a matter of procedure. They use unnecessary tactics to achieve their desired result, only because they have nothing better to do. As indicated by the gorge incident and Saturday night, this is dangerous. Something should be done. ' ' * ' Maybe the Russian Army in Siberia could use a few good men from Behrend Security (alias pseudo-cops, Bat Team, Behrend Vice etc.). We'd all be better off. It can be yours as an Air Force Pilot It's not easy, but the re wards are great. You'll have all the Air Force advantages, such as 30 days of vacation with pay each year and complete medical care—and much more. If you're a college graduate or soon will be, AIM HIGH. Contact your Air Force recruiter for details about Officer Training School and pilot training. Call SGT GREG AGEN 716-633-7094 COLLECT Editorial Policy The Behrend Collegian’s editorial opinion is deter mined by the Editor, with the Editor holding final responsibility. Opinions expressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of the Behrend Col legian. The Behrend College, or The Pennsylvania State University. The Cony Jounal, the publisher of the Behrend Collegian, is a separate corporate in stitution from Penn State. Letter Policy: The Behrend Collegian encourages on news coverage, editorial policy and University af fairs. Letters should be typewritten, double—spaced, signed by no more than two people, and not longer than 400 words. Students letters should include the semester and major of the writer. All writers should provide their address and phone number for verifica tion of the letter. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for legnth and to reject letters if they are libelous or do not conform to standards of good taste. Postal Information: The Behrend Collegian (898—6221) is published fourteen times annually (seven times during each academic semester at The Behrend College) by the students of The Behrend College; the Reed Union Building, Station Road, Erie, Pa 16563 Sincerely, a concerned student VASIA ÜB^U Mam nivn
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