Letters to the Edi-tor
c
"7"-
Snail protein
To Tj-IE EDITOR: When 1 read the letter by Barbara Graham and
Deborah Oliver concerning the worms in the food of the dining halls, I
was slightly shocked but passed it off as either a mistake or an accident
'hat wouldn t happen again However, that evening, my roommate re
turned from the dinner saying that she ate a very nourishing meal of pie
and cake since she had found a snail or some similar creature on her
;late along with her rice and roast beet au jus. Upon commenting upon
t to the ladies behind the counter, they justgaped at her.
I realize that one could argue that these creatures contain protein and
Other nutrients that are "good for you," and indeed may be better for
(Du than some of the other "fd.gds" that the dining halls serve;
however, paying $413 per term for room and board, I expect to gel
meals which do not turn my stomach at the sight of them because of a
worm snail, or other creature not on the menu. I have seen the kit
chens at least in Findlay dining hall, and they are spotless Couldn't the
airing hall workers take as much care with the food as they do with the
floors"
Shady timing
TO THE EDITOR: I do not know Joe Kaplan I have never met, nor to my
knowledge. even seen him Yet, after reading page three of Tuesday's
Collegian. I consider Joe Kaplan a true friend of mine and of every other
student at Penn State At a time when we are faced with an issue that
will determine the future of our education, it is good to know that there
is a person like Mr Kaplan to defend our rights.
The University Calendar Commission would do well to listen to
Kaplan if it is really interested in what the student wants. Many stu
dents. like myself, strongly support the Academic Assenibly and its
president in the bidlo save the term system. Two polls, with margins of
six to one and three to four (both running in favor of the term system)
are not what one might call subtle hints
Kaplan feels the4JCC was "premature" in narrowing its alternatives
to four semester oertions while totally excluding the term system. The
UCC's chairman, in his open letter of Nov. 5, unwittingly confirms
Kaplan's observation. Mr Berlin, in answering Kaplan's inquiries, an
swers with such definitive statements as' "No one can say
authoritatively," and "This highly pertinent question will require ad
ditional study," and "This requires more analysis," and "a complete list
is not yet available,,' and finally, "Again a gdod question that will spur
more inquiry than we have done " If so many questions are left unan
swered. why is the UCC rushing for conversion to the semester system
for 1976" If the UCC would hold off its decision for six months or a year
thus giving the problem proper attention there would be less
suspicion that the Administration is trying to shove the semester plan
through with minimum opposition from the students. A better way to
reduce outcry, Mr Berlin, would be to air all possibilities out. At the
present, students wonder why a year old commission• finally hits the
limelight a mere two-and-one-half months before its termination and
when the student's organization, the USG, is at its weakest. No one can
prove these suspicions, but the commission's timing Is nevertheless
shady " The commission simply has to: delay its action to stop
suspicion
The Academic Assembly and its leader Joe Kaplan must be com
mended for their role as consumer advocate. The Assembly proves that
student government can work undeFgood leadership and with capable
members. I hope Joe Kaplan is considering a run for USG president. I
think he could turn the USG to much better things
Question of learning
TO THE EDITOR: !I am writing this letter in reference to the currertt
scrutiny of the present calendar syst&ri. I myself have received a taste
of both, having attended a semester-onentated school for the last two
years Proponents of both systems have their arguments for sup
porting the system that they do and I'm sure that rnost of us are familiar
with them All must be considered, but one aspect weighs heavier than
the rest This us the question of learning. In which system is learning
made easier and more beneficial to the student'? I stand with the
semester system I've heard it said that the semester allows for less
pressure on the stuTent. I've also heard this statement 'questioned. In
my mind there is no question, the semester system gives one more,
time to learn and thus reduces the pressure upon him. Mid-term and
final exams, which are a common occurrence here, could be replaced
with a greater numof exams covering shorter periods. This not only
reduces the - pressdas of large midterms and finals but enhances the
student's ability to cYpe with the material. In the same light, the student
has the chance to better his grade by having more grades to work with.
Many people fear the addition of another course in the semester
system But they-fail to realize the addition of the extra five weeks that
accompany it With a fifteen week semester the material can be pre
sented more slowly and can be consumed much more easily. Within
the present system the professor seems much too concerned with
keeping to schedule The semester would relieve some of his pressure
and possibly allow him the option of divelling on problem topics which
can be discovered before the last minute review for final or mid-term.
Too often this term I have felt frustrated and angry as the professor in
sists on trudging ahead in spite of the students' uncertainty about ma
terial already presented Too often have I heard the professor refer us
to the text because he just doesn't have the time to present everything
that should be presented Too often &ft find myself trying to decipher
the "most important" from the "not-so-important" material so the latter
can be neglected because of lack of time And now that the present
term is drawing to a close I sometimes find myself even more perplexed
as the prof makes a final superhuman effort to include the "most im
portant" and neglect the "not-so-important" and still remain coherent.
These situations could be alleviated to some extent if the class time
was drawn out over a longer period. 'Things could move slower, reten
tion could be increased, and college life could possibly be a bit more
enjoyable for us all.
Biking more Than sport
TO THE EDITOR; I would like to make a few comments on Ms. Ten
nyson's article on Bike Lanes. lam glad she takes biking seriously for
a sport Some of us. however, use it as a means of transportation. This,
of course. has a few beneficial spin-offs: we don't - Volkith we don't
deplete the energy ,- supply, and the overall cost of production in
manufacturing our vthicles does not endanger other natural resources.
I would tend to agree that the bike lane planned on South Allen Street
will cause further problems. These problems result from the lack of an
overall coordinated implementation of a system of bike lanes in the
area SECO. (the Student Environmental Counseling Organization)
already has the designs for such a system. We have advised the
borough and the University. against the adaptive strategies currently in
use If we are going to change transportation, the impact of that change
in terms of redirection of traffic flow, safety features ancl possible types
.._' b'•
' 'k r'
kflt
.
- '
\
1
Cynthia Carrington
Bth-horticulture
David E. Williams
3rd-journalism
Bob Smolcic
7th-general arts and sciences
of utilization all have to be considered. They have not been considered
in the current proposed bike lane a simple experiment for solving a
very complex problem You do not try to heal a bleeding ulcer with a
band-aid -
, Bike use is more than a sp9rt, it is a multiple sum gain for the entire
community Consequently, Avemment should facilitate use Co
existence and consideration of each other's rights is not a solution to
the problem It takes much more than that It will soon be very difficult to
co-exist with our atmosphere and the depleted supply of oil, water,
metals and minerals consumed by our automotive system
' John F. Elliott
Graduate-community systems planning and development
Director, Student Environmental Counseling Organization
Amazing pedestrians
TO THE EDITOR: Although I am biased by being a bicyclist, some
pedestrians never cease to amaze me Most just don't look where
they're going when they cross the streets, others, despite looking both
right and left, cross out in front of the bicyclist. .Not only is this
disturbing, but it also could lead to serious injuries. It takes time to stop
a bike, especially when one is going downhill or when the roads are
wet. I ask consideration on the part of some pedestrians for the"
bicyclist
Who are leases for?
TO THE EDITOR: In response to Mark Hoffman's letter printed on Nov.
7. I agree that if students are registered to vote in State College, they
should pay taxes here But he seems to think that the 12-month man
datory lease is fair to the students,. But let me pose one question. If
there were no students in this tovs7n, for whom the present 9 month
lease is drawn up, would there even be any apartment complexes?
This entire town is set up around the fact that students comprise a
vast majority of the population, and the leases should reflect this
Also, if it takes cents to be a person, as Hoffman implies, then what
are all the beings who are of welfare or are pail of the 6 per cent unem
ployment figures in the United States? I suppose that they, along with
millions of others of poor beings throughout the world, must be non
persons.
If Hoffman would grow up a little, he might realize that people are
more than just money, and people are what the real world are corn
prised of
Easy to meet
TO THE EDITOR: In a recent study conducted by a group of five Penn
State students, the problem of meeting people pn campus was re
searched. The initial goal of our group was to show how to facilitate
ways of meeting people on campus. -
We formulated a questionnaire to be handed out to 200 students in a
classrocim situation. Numerous personal interviews were also con
ducted. 'The survey included students from every college, all term
standings and were equally distributed between males and females and
blown and dorm occupants. Many surprising results were found from the
data collected.
The fiOdings from the research shows that the students at PSU seem
"to think that it's easy to meetpeople, that most people on 'campus are
'friendly !and that they rate themselves high on a friendly personality
scale
In direct contrast to these results they said that they didn't know
anyone and they also didn't want to meet anyofie new. The students
were also asked if they thought chances for meeting people could be
improved at such a large university. The response to this question was
yes, but very few suggestions were offered. When asked where they
meet most of their friends the students said in the dorms.
The conclusions drawn from this research are that students consider
themselves friendly, easy to meet but could care less about meeting
people.,ls this really the way it is?
\ PDJ DON'T +4RVE
13E OLD To
I?f_ NcoNT'FIVENT'
ir I CAM ?RIVE
"
Geritol students too
TO THE EDITOR: I have usually enjoyed the caricatures in the
Collegian, but Wednesday's drawing of a feeble old man was at best
in bad taste. Fifty-six-year-old Albert ische is hardly a feeble old man,
and if he:were, he would not be any less capable of fulfilling the position
of vice-president of USG. What he has to say, and his experience in life
and at the Uriiversity alone, seem to indicate he would be an asset to
USG, '
Why should USG be restricted to young members? Misdhe deserves
credit for taking an interest and having the courage to Jace the criticism
that would obviously result from hiS accepting the vice-presidency.
If we want to be included inwhat the older generation is doing at
PSU, why don't we allow them in Our activities? Are you afraid they have
a master plan to overrun the USG? That there is an organized un
derground of middle-aged students devoted to oppressing and en
slaving young students? The USG is supposed to represent all stu
dents, including those on Gentol.
Negative valve
TO THE EDITOR: Thursday's article about Citizens Concerned for
Human Life. an anti-abortion group in State College, contains so much
misleading information that - its value becomes a negative one.
The oft-quoted Dr. Michael Marshall should have been identified as a
State College dentist. This would have prevented the assumption that
he is an M.D. and placed his remarks in a different perspective. In fact,
when Marshall cited Japanese statistics,- we should have been aware
that he is not a specialist in this area, but merely a concerned citizen
who happens to be a dentist.
The writer of the article had a responsibility to examine Marshall's
statistics and inform us of her discovery so that we could have had
some basis for making our own judgments, rather than accepting Mar
shall's. •
Gubsequentty, the charge that anti-abortionists are using "grossly
distorted statistics" is attributed to a Mary Gere; incredibly, she chose
to ignore Marshall and accused someone else of using this technique
of distortion. What is the point of having Gere's opinion follow as a con
trast to Marshall's if she ignores him?
A lone Centre County physician, E. Val Liberace (who, by the way, is
never identified as a physiciant, is finally introduced as an anti
abortionist who admits that U.S. statistics (again, we have to assume
this for he does riot say) indicate that few women, percentage:wise,
suffer physical damage from abortions, but no figures are cited. It's all
very mysterious.
Liberace later says tiiat as Any -as 10 abortions are performed at
Centre County Hospitaritfach week. It's a shame that Marshall or any of
the other anti-abortionists with Japanese statistics were not pressed
Nancy Klalps
Ist-math
Leonard Hetz
Bth-business administration
Chris Boue
10th-accounting
Gloria DePaolis
Ist-earth sciences
to give us some statistics on the casualty rate of local abortions The
writer should have obtained this informatiA because it is relevant to
this article
The writer later says that "other physicians agree" with Liberace, but
only one, a Dr. ShettlA.from far-off New York City. is men!loned
Although the local anti-abortionists refer to themselves as "pro-life,"
the writer takes liberty and on her own refers to "pro-life leaders like
Mary Johnson " Anti-abortionists may' use this label, but the writer
editorializes when she uses it herself. Regrettably, it makes the pro
abortionist stand out as anti-life.
{ART
Ac
,-- , L - -.:: - - LrkAL '7 - \ t_',
~„
4.
, : . i , ,„ : i i: T,- c.
/ • ---,, ~...._...-I_l2
1 , 1 8
.3_. ; •
. .• 4
\ .___ k ._.
- .”-
..,--
_ ,f__
___. -_
Team play
TO THE EDITOR: Have you ever watched a drunken and boisterous
footfall crowd or a drunken and boisterous football team and wondered
what it's all about; have you wondered what it's doing to the crowd, to
the team, maybe even to the psychology of the country? We used to be
winners and to what extent we could we used to play fairly; now we lust
play with a mania which is something like the crunch of drugged
shoulders hitting each other. Why drugged? Well, it's because you
don't feel the pain as much that way and because you don't think of the
pain that way whether you are giving it or taking it. If there's no thought
then the mania can be all that much greater Then, why not run.the
country that way?
Have you ever watched a football team play together on the field or
with a girl. Team play is a pretty sight on the field; every cog, hopefUlly,
turns in the right direction and a beautiful play is executed by a bunch of
automatons who have to be smarter than ordinary because they have to
remember the plays when all drugged up. Team play on -a girl lust
doesn't appeal to me; it seems as if each fellow ought to be able to find
and handle his own relationships
Maybe it's time that football were abolished at Penrr State. Then, here
as elsewhere, perhaps we could get on the right track, start thinking
again, and be the impetus to get the country moving again Athletics
should be games of skill, developed by individuals, which sharpen the
mind and the body rather than dull it.
Hockey support
TO THE EDITOR: You don't have anything to do and it's Sunday night
Get all your friends 4 together and go to an ice hockey game! The Penn
State ice hockey club deserves your support The team competes with
other collegiate and amateur varsity level hockey clubs. The games are
played on Sunday evenings during the winter term. Ice hockey is an ex
citing, fast-moving game which is coming to the forefront in the sports
world With your support and interest, ice hockey will soon become a
varsity sport at the University. Come on, Flyer fans, football season is
over, so go out to the hockey garnes.
Superstar Flyers
TO THE EDITOR: This is in reply to an article written by Mr. Brian Ek of
the Collegian sports staff titled "Expansion and the Flyers." It is our un
derstanding that Mr. Ek feels that quality players tiVie decreased in the
NHL because of the new expansion teams in 3 the last few years. We
contend that the New York .Rangers being exceptional athletes and
"superstars," as evidenced by their pa k roll figure 'being the highest in
professional hockey, have not achieved the ultimate goal in hockey, the
Stanley Cup. In contrast to these superstars are the young and talented
Philadelphia no-names who were ablO to achieve this ultimate goal
within seven years of their birth. Why? Because quality players, and not
all superstars, jell to form a winning te4m Clarke and Parent are con
sidered superstars Yet without the help of Rich MacLeish, who was the
second leading goal scorer in the 73-74 season with 50 goals, and the
services of all-star defensemen Ed Van Impe and Barry Ashbee, the
Stanley Cup would not be in Philadelphia. In essence, a team of in
dividual playing superstars is not (slough to be a winner Rather quality
players who give one hundred percent at all times, showing deter
mination, hustle, and team unity will achieve the ultimate goat. The
Flyers are an excellent example of this new breed of hockey player who
has achieyed this ultimate goal, the Stanley Cup. If these "mediocre"
players can win the Cup what good is it tieing a superstar"
Track coaches
TO THE EDITOR: Recently the CoMedian published a feature article
about John Lucas, professor of physical education and sports historian.
This article 'contained some inaccuracies concerning the women's
track and.field team. In this article, an error was made in naming the
coaches of last year who were Maribeth Peiniger, head coach, and
Alice Simpson, assistant coach. and not John Lucas as was stated by
the article. It was these two people whD combined their time, efforts,
knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of theport to make the tS, 74 season
a success and rewarding experience for all involved We, the members
3f the 1974 track and field team, are sincerely grateful to Maribeth and
Alice for making the team what it was.
Inadequate coverage
TO THE EDITOR: The Collegian's coverage of the Intramural Football
Program has been totallZ, inadequate, in that a total bias toward the
Greek Leagues has existed. In terms of pictures, headlines, number of
articles, etc., one would have to as i sume that the fraternity boys are the
only ones playing the game. In ode the sports editor does not know,
there are three other leagues competing this fall gradiate, dormitory,
and independent. The cashmere sweater crowd has received enough
orint. Objective, nonmyopic reporting would be a pleasant change
Name Withheld
Cut scholarships '
TO THE ED; :'OR: It is our understanding that Dean Scannell, as Dean - of
the College of Health and Physical Education makes recommendations
concerning the allocation of funds for athletic gcholarships 3o the
Faculty Senate. It is also our understanding that he is responsible for
the cut in scholarship funds to those athletes living off campus
The athlete living in the dorms receives full room and board, the
equivalent of $412.00 per term. The athlete living off carious, in a frat
or an apartment, receives a check for only $322.00 per term. This is
a'cut of 22.4 per cent. This policy is never explained to an athlete when
he is recruited,
The Daily, ,Collegian encourages comments on news coverage. editorial policy
and campus and off-campus affairs. Letters should be typewritten, double spaced.
signed by no more than two persons and no longer than 30 lines. Students' letters
should include the name, term and major of the writer.
Letters should be brought to the Collegian office, 126 Carnegie, in person so
proper identification of the writer can be made, although names will be withheld on
request, If letters are received by mail, the Collegian will' contact the signer for
verification before publication. Letters cannot be returned.
Howard Picus
Graduate-journalism
Murray S. Jacobson
Instructor In pharmacology
Kenny Schwartz
7th-agricultural business management
Jody Raffensperger
7th-education of exceptional children
Joe Pawlikowski
7th-finance
Lou Camagna
7th-accounting
Karen Johnson
7th-biology
The Daily Collegian Tuesday. November 12. 1974-3
Through a member of the board of trustees we were informea that
Scannell believes the cut is justified because of the tree meals athletes
receive while on road trips If so, what is the explanation for the cut in
scholarship funds for the off season terms and the cut for athletes who
don't make the road trips?
Dean Scannell's response, in a letter to the editor, would be most ap
preciated
No mention
TO THE EDITOR: On Sunday. Oct 27. 1974, The Pennsylvania State
University. and in tact Central Pennsylvania. witnessed an event un•
paralleled in the history of the area The Black Christian Fellowship `cm
der the able leadership of Reverend Leon B Hall sponsored a Gospel
Festival in Schwab Auditorium which hopefully was the dawn of a new
era in human relations and understanding;
We attempted to bridge the gap of misunderstanding which seems to.--
exist between peoples of different races. creeds and religions In this:
seemingly small way we hoped .to bring together people of many in
terests and attitudes.
We note with dismay the lack of attention afforded this concert by the
Collegian, yet several days later the Souther, Hillman and Furay Band
received first page attention
I wonder had this event been of a more controversial nature would it
have received at least honorable mention in your newspaper? Is the
Collegian anti-religious; anti-Christian, anti-black, or lust disinterested
in non-controversial programs sponsored by the black groups on this
campus?
Abortion agti
TO THE EDITOR: Maybe it doesn't bother professor Taylor that when
abortion was iflegal poor women had to resort to no less than butchers
for control over their bodies Maybe he doesn't see a women's right to
choobe as a right to life. But I see it as such and I'm sick and tired of
men undermining my freedom Pregnancy is still a condition which a
woman undergoes
Also, the reason why doctors accept abortion is not because they
have the high moral principles Dr Liberace has, but because after
counting the money made by fifty abortions, they most likely found
themselves richer.
Dr. Marshall should be aware that if there are dangers associated
with saline abortions, they would be complications associated with full
labor and childbiallk. Then isn't abortion advisable for These women?
Present birth-cc:4Mol methods are neither 100 per ceAt effective nor
100 per cent safe. We have our choice of strokes, blood clots (the pill),
a punctured uterus (lUD), or pregnancy (diaphragm, spermicidal cream,
foam, Jelly, condom -.- if you'can trust the man to use it same goes for
withdrawal, rhythm). We have never said abortion is the form of birth
control we choose,`but safe, legal, inexpensive abortions must exist as
a safeguard. Perhaps these groups could lecture on using birth control
Incidentally, The Daily Collegian has had many articles on these anti
abortion groups but has had sparse coverage on pro-women groups
The i Orientation Week issue listed State College's and Penn State's
wo en.groups as AWS, Women's Liberation, WEAL, and the League of
Wo en Voters. No mention was given to either the "Spirted Women"
ne sletter of the Centre County chapter of the National Organization
for omen NOW) which has been very active since its founding last
Ma Among its accomplishments were action on the rape crisis center.
hea h care in Centre CoUnty, employment compliance but we would
nev i . know it by reading the Collegian One would think that the
stu ent newspaper Would care but it seems the Collegian seems to be
foil• wing a quota system (and a sexist one, at thatl) on town news
icles like "Group urges renewed look at abortion" only proves that
will stop at little to keep women down We know our lives can't be
ed down any longer by fetuses, bishops, or doctors Rather than
g. "one .leg to stand on," we are standing up on both legs to
d our rights to our own bodies
men
chair
haw
dem:
Ignored game
TO THE EDITOR: The championships of the intramural football program
were played last Thursday night. There were games in three separate
leagues dormitory, fraternity, and independent. The Daily Collegian
carried accounts of two of the games, those of the dormitories and
fraternities. The championship game 'in the inclependent league be
tween Leethal and C'est LaVie was overlooked by the Collegian sports
staff. There was not any coverage of the independent's game, there
was not even mention of the outcome of the game One cannot un
derstand how the Collegian sport report could cover two of the cham
pionship games, and completely ignore the third Only two possible ex
cuses are apparent, either The Daily Collegian is guilty of gross in
competence or obvious prejudiced journalism It is the feeling of the
members of the Leethal team that the Collegian has insulted the entire
independent league intramural program through its policy of sports
coverage, and it is our hope that future independent games will be
acknowledged
Gag solution '
TO THE EDITOR: We non-smokers were happy to see that a letter to
the editor regarding the rights of non-smokers was published on Oct.
21. We empathize with the tact that cigarette smoking can be offensive
Many of us have sat and quietly camouflaged our gags in a smoke-filled
classroom. The problem is that smokers do not realize that they are of
fending others, and non-smokers are afraid to be assertive We would
like to propose that each classroom have a designated smoking area
This solution would resemble the rules on public transportation, where
smokers sit in the rear" We feel that this is a reasonable request with the
intent of making both smokers and non-smokers happy
We would like to hear further comment and see some action
Tom Burns
sth-liberal arts
Stewart W. Strothers
President, Black Christian Fellowship
Eva C. Whitley
4th-journalism
Brian Rogaski
13th-archeticture
Robert Arobone
10th-irctrittecture
, ( 5 ;4
s r
Denise Avayou
9th-art
Mary Ellen Baney
41h-liberal arts