CAPITAL TIMES, April 4, 1990 From the Editor's Desk: On march 20, 1990 a Penn State Harrisburg student approached the Capital Times with a letter to the editor concerning the untimely departure of the student's professor, but the paper was already sent to press so the letter could not be included in that issue. The student who initiated this letter felt it would lose its effectiveness if the letter appeared in the following issue and withdrew it. This letter was again brought to my attention with the title "UNDERGROUND CAPITAL TIMES VOL-1." I would like to voice my concern about the way this issue was presented. The Underground Capital Times wrote: "It is not our business to find out what in fact has triggered" the resignation of professor Thomas Small. The paper also cited some of the rumors circulating about his departure and made an appeal for his return. When the students wrote the Underground Capital Times they should have accepted certain journalistic responsibilities that go with publishing a newspaper. Why Small resigned became their business and should have been learned before the paper was circulated around campus. The underground paper pointed to unfounded rumors such as: (Small) "had a heated argument with the faculty; that he wanted tenure but was refused; that he was sticking up for his student's interests and was asked to leave; that he had some personal reasons to leave...etc., etc"--leaving the impression that someone had caused Small to resign, which was not the case. What the Underground Capital Times achieved was to add to countless rumors which were already circulating throughout the college. A few days spent checking facts would not have made a difference on the impact of the paper . The students who wrote this letter did show initiative. When the underground paper believed the Capital Times couldn't fulfill their needs, they found another way to voice their opinion. Students do have a right--maybe even an obligation--to speak out when they believe something should be corrected. The problem is that people have to take time to get a full grasp of a situation before calling for action. Otherwise they are only adding fuel to the fire and confusing an already unclear situation. These students should understand that anytime you put something into print there is a responsibility, not only to your readers, but also your subject and anyone connected with the subject of your writing. Underground newspapers can serve an important function if used properly and effectively. The problem is that they can cause a lot of damage if they are abused. A newspaper for the student body . . .. (.. . . - ..... . .... ... Capital T imes Editor in Chief... John J. Garvey News Editor... Jon Fleck Copy Editor... Victoria Cuscino Sports Editor... Hank Rappold Business/Advertising Manager... Susan Hoover Photography Editor... Richard Chiavetta Graphics God...Huan Nguyen Advisor... Peter Parisi Staff... Christopher Burns, Bob Caton, Pat Clawges, Eric Ebeling, Heather Ehman, Tony Hoos, Mark Jordan, Amy Killeen, Ted Lankay, Michelle Pinkerton, Sharon Pucell, Judy Pugliese, Mark Olnick, Mary Lee Schnable, Barb Soltis, Melissa Stuff, Paula Styer, Mark Tuttle e Pt ones is . • s - 7; • i e stu •r 7 g . . • ama • . oncems rega . gi e content o any issue should be diluted to the editor in mom W-341 of the Olmstead Building or by calling 944-4970. Opinions expressed ate those of the author and are not representative of the college administration, faculty, or student body. The Capital Tunes wdcanes signed letters from readers. Unsigned letters cannot be printed; however a writer's name may be withild up:at :wrest. The Capital Tunis does not endorse its advertisers. John J. Garvey, Editor in Chief. OPINIONS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH! GET STUCK AT YOUR OWN RISK! s ___ ~_ __ __ 7 _,_ ___ .... 7 - 7. - •-, .- --•:----.------.---- 4 • i til • 4. : j • I . r t I), r 0 E' R I I 4., i 4 1 ' 1 1 II , . .1 . • r ; • 'l. - _ FOR YOUR HEALTH'S SAKE WALK UP_ DOWN TWO A o o V HELP Hank Rappokl Capital Times Staff "Help, Hank" is something new the Capital Times offers to the students of Penn State Harrisburg. Students can ask Hank any type of question. Hank will then offer help through a well-thought printed reply in the Cap Times. Dear Hank, I have a serious problem, but unfortunately cannot turn to any of my friends for fear of their rejection. For my first semester here I was very good friends with a great guy. Unfortunately, I started the year off with him all wrong. We were growing apart and I thought if we became lovers it would bring us back together. We had a few sexual encounters and each time I assured him that I was safe from pregnancy. I was, however, using no protection. Over spring break, my worst fears of pregnancy were confirmed. Luckily I am not really showing and no one notices the weight I have been gaining. I have tried lately to become friends again, but all my attempts are pointless. He tells me that our lives have gone in different directions. So many times I have almost told him. Over break I called to tell him but then chickened out. I just can't tell him. last th Wh ing y the hell lwant oul his sh ism d he mercy. What The whatow? do I do? Help! Baby on Board HANK Dear Baby on Board, Your letter presented me with one tough situation and in turn I asked Dr. Ed Beck, Coordinator of Counseling Services, for professional guidance. Dr. Beck recommends that you consider obtaining some objective counseling to help you sort out your conflicting feelings and to develop a strategy for dealing with yourself, the guy, and your family and friends. There are many acceptable ways to handle what is going on and a counselor can help. Many off and on campus services are offered to help you and Dr. Beck, Linda Meashey, Felicia Brown- Haywood or any other member of the Student Affairs Staff will be glad to put you in touch with any one of them. Ed, Linda or Felicia can be reached at 948- 6025 :and all inquires are extremely confidential. Two tips from Hank for everyone would be that 1) Sex is no answer to keeping a friendship. 2) If you are not using protection, do not say you are. I wish you lots of luck and hope everything works out for the best. Just have a little faith!
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers