From the editor . . .
You ever get the feeling that newspapers only report bad news? The Baltimore
Sun's front page was recently littered with headlines reminding readers that only ten
years ago, the worst nuclear accident in the history of American commercial operation
took place. Next to that story with its accompanying mood photo of the plant's
cooling towers was a story about a massive oil spill in Alaska. The spill reportedly
damaged islands and endangered already endangered wildlife. Below that was a story
reporting a deep division between members of congress. Check, really, any paper on
any given day, and you're likely to find similarly depressing stories. Good news seems
to get lost in the din of bad news.
People have asked me why there never seems to be good news reported in the
papers and on television. A seemingly innocent enough question--until you examine
what that question is really asking.
News organizations have the job in this society of reporting "what's out there."
Among the values news people consider when deciding what's news and what's not
news are things like prominence and impact. Often, but not always, it's the bad news
that has the greatest direct impact on the readers, rather than the good.
Further, newspapers function under the assumption that their reason for existing is
to imform the public of what's taking place, giving readers some pertinent information
ußon which they may think and act. .
When a professor quit in the middle of the semester, we felt it was an event that
deserved some attention--not for the purpose,of Arkbags,sing the department or singling
out any individuals, but to inform the student body that something was going on that
might require its input.
Similarly, there have , been rumors of various kinds of assaults, vandalism, and
thefts on campus. While I respect the administratkin's claimi of ''confidentiality" in
those cases, (no individuals should be unduly embarrassed) r sometimes think they're
more interested in maintaining a squeaky-clean image than protecting people.
I, for one, am dying to know what the administrationis dtiing Aida
campus match the image they've created for it
David Blymire, editor in chief
A newspaper for the student body
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Editor in chief ... David A. Blymire
Managing Editor ... Joe Kupec
News Editor ... Nathan Lee Gadsden
Business Manager ... Scott Levy
Advertising Manager ... Sherri Kohr
Copy Editor ... Judy L. Hricak
Photography Editor ... Denina C. Benson
Adviser ... Dr. Peter Parisi
Staff--Amy Blinn, Victoria Cuscino, Kevin Facer, C.W. Heiser, Josette Kloker,
Tara Mckinstry, Karen Peiffer, Todd Ross, Mary Lee Schnable, Leah Sendi,
Derrick Stokes, John Yagecic.
The Capital Times is pusblished by the students of Penn State Harrisburg. Concerns regarding the
content of any issue should be directed to the editor in room W-337 of the Olmsted building or by
calling 944-4970. Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not representative of the
college administration, faculty or student body. The Capital Times welcomes signed letters from readers
Unsigned letters cannot be printed; however, a writer's name may be withheld upon request.
The Capital Times does not endorse its advertisers.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor:
In the March 10 issue of Capital Times, you stated, "Words can build up or
destroy . . . Words might just be the most powerful weapon we have against each
other. But they can and should be used for good."
Next to your letter was a letter to the editor stating Penn State's stand against
racial and cultural intolerance, which said, "The university has an obligation to
maintain an environment conducive to fostering respect among various cultures
represented in the University community."
Ironically, on the facing page was an article containing the words "bitch," "babe"
and "slut," the phrase "you might do a song considering women as malign, destructive
beings possessed by Satan," and referring to women as objects to be "picked up" and
"used."
I suspect that if C.W. Heiser had used "honky," "nigger," or any other equally
offensive racist term, the article would never have been printed, even as a satire.
As a female student and thereby a member of another very obvious minority at
Penn State Harrisburg, I would appreciate your imposing on all of your contributing
writers the same journalistic standards under which you yourself seem to labor, so that
all members of the student body may be accorded the respect that we as human beings
deserve.
Respectfully,
Sherry Achenbach
Dear Editor
In the February 15, 1989 Capital Times, there was an article headlined as
"Disgruntled Professor Resigns." The undersigned members of the MET Faculty and
staff feel that there are some inaccuracies and mistaken impressions conveyed in that
article. For many of us, our first inclination was to respond by addressing each item
indivivally. Upon further consideration, we fear that such action might aggrevate an
already unpleasant situation that needs to be put behind us. For this reason, we would
simply like the Campus Community to know that we support Professor Aungst and
feel that he has always been sincere in his efforts to promote the quality of the MET
Program.
Andrew S. Lau M. Tabatabai
Terry,M. Kelley G.P. Bal
Donald L. Miller Mitchell W. Haller
Roger W. Schiller Ed Trunk
Gre hen Derr Sue Leggett
Mike Dideban Frank Kliebhan
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