Editorial opinion
This one's for you
The Daily Collegian believes Because we have received so Collegian will forego today’s
that the editorial page is really the many letters to the editor which editorial in order to accommodate
readers’ page, an outlet for the would not otherwise be printed as many of our readers as pos
public’s criticism and praise, because of limited space, the sible.
Letters to the Editor
Word for word
.TO THE EDITOR: The article on Greg Stewart’s candidacy for
mayor, Feb. 9, contained several misquotes that need
correcting.
a) Greg Stewart never said "The chief importance of the
mayor’s job is his veto power as presiding officer of council.”
The statement he made to the reporter was: “The most
important duty of the Mayor is serving as the representative of
the community. He also serves as presiding officer of council
but does not have a vote. The one power he does have is the
power of veto.” Greg then went on to say: “I feel this power
should be used judiciously and that I would be hesitant to use
it because council should make the decisions.”
b) In regard to why Greg Stewart chose to run for mayor, and
not council, he said: “I looked at the duties of both offices and
felt I could serve a more valuable role as mayor.:’ He did not
say the role of mayor could be more valuable.
c) Greg Stewart was also misquoted on the matter of council
salaries. The statement made was: "Council members work
very hard and the job is very time-consuming.” Greg then went
on to say: “If the community’s size were to increase to the
point where full-time_council members would be needed,
consideration of salaries would be in order.”
Greg’s supporters thank the Collegian for publishing notice
of his candidacy .and hope that errors of this sort can be
avoided in the future. '
Literally. trite
TO THE EDITOR: In the "In Edition” portion of Friday’s
Collegian, the following headline appeared (italics ours):
And don’t forget the fluourinated water.
What, may we ask, is fluourinated water? We assume that
the person who made that headline actually meant fluoridated
water.
It is quite ironic that the “fluourinated" water headline
appeared above an article addressing the causes of illiteracy.
Kudos to the semi-literate headline-maker who made this error
and to tfje semi-literate editor who failed to notice it why not
add The Collegian to the list of contributory causes of illiteracy
in America?
Some time ago, The Collegian was rated "tops” among
college newspapers. We fear that it has fallen to a new and
lower level; the evidence for this statement abounds. The error
pointed out above is only one small piece of evidence, but
there are others: the entire “In Edition” section is an example
of the cliche-ridden, trifling material that regularly appears in
The Daily Collegian. Also, the “artistic” photographs which
regularly grace the front page, featuring such subjects as "an
enlargement of a fly on a window screen,” “a shaft of wheat
(which was actually a corn stalk),” etc., are neither artistic nor
newsworthy.
This criticism may come as a shock, but we hop.e that it will
result in some positive and constructive changes. Give your
readers what they deserve quality coverage of news events
and information, not trite “fillers” which we see so often. To
counteract the pleasant isolation of “Happy Valley,” we need
all the news that we can get.
Note of thanks
TO THE EDITOR: This letter is directed mainly to those
members of the Undergraduate Student Government Depart
ment of Legal Affairs, in particular Mr. Edward Mervine and
Mr. Sam Umstad. The time and effort put in by these two
gentlemen on a problem which I came to them with is deeply
appreciated and I believe that they and the organization of
which they are members deserve a great deal of praise and
credit not only for what they have done for me but also for what
they have undoubtedly done for others here at Penn State.
It is reassuring to know that, despite the size and impersonal
atmosphere of the University in general, there exists a group
such as the USG Department of Legal Affairs which is made up
of students and staff who are willing to give up their time in
service to others. Mr. Mervine and Mr. Umstad unselfishly gave
up their time to assist me despite the fact that they too are
carrying full course loads and preparing for final exams. To
these two gentlemen and all the members of Legal Affairs, I
commend you on your efforts and thank you for your time and
consideration.
Collegian: USG stumbling block
By MARK A. YEAGER '
10th-environmental engineering
My involvement with USG began last
Spring Term when I agreed to be the
campaign manager for the Williams-
Hickton ticket. And although I accepted
the position of Executive Assistant for
USG after the campaign victory, my
input into USG has been limited by my
studies and part-time employment. In
this forum, I would like to present my
views of USG as both an outsider and
insider.
At one of the first organizational
meetings for last year’s campaign, it was
decided that the goals we were going to
set for the upcoming USG
Administration had to be realistic ones.
We felt that in order to get the student
support necessary to fight problems like
rising tuition, we had to try to build
confidence in USG among students. By
providing a number of different
programs and services in which students
could actively participate we felt the
foundation for such confidence could be
laid. Each of the nine goals presented in
the Williams-Hickton platform have
either been completed or much work has
been done towards their completion.
Cable TV:
Although our proposal,for cable TV in
the dorms was wildly kicked about by
the Collegian, it has come to the point
where there is going to be a University
requested meeting with Centre Video
next week.
Practicum program:
Helen Wise, as our local State House
Jim Scarantino
Stewart for Mayor Campaign
Susan L. Flaherty
11th-political science
Carol Jursik
Bth-geo-chemistry
Chuck Dletrick
Bth-business administration
Representative, has pledged to set up
approximately 12 internships per year in i
her office through USG.
Voter registration:
USG, with the help of many people
and organizations, helped to register the
largest student voting bloc ever in this
county.
Co-residentiai housing:
Last spring the USG Senate pledged
it’s support and endorsed ARHS’ Co-
Residential Housing Proposal.
Tuition:
Although USG has not stopped rising
tuition, it attempted to generate student
support at last spring's tuition rally. On
the heels of this rally a Tuition Task
Force was set up to try to combine the
efforts of numerous- groups to stop
increasing tuition. Work is being done
now on getting lobbying in Harrisburg
together. And, finally, W.T. Williams, In
an address to the May Board of Trustees
meeting said he opposed an increase.
Food Stamp Center:
Starting this fall, the food stamp
program was set up in the HUB through
USG.
Loan Bureau:
A proposal is being prepared now to
be presented to Dr. Murphy for his
approval.
Flea Market:
During the second week in January,
USG sponsored it’s first flea market, and
Is considering another one for Spring
Term.
Constitutional Convention: .
The people in USG realize the need for
a change,- and thus, have created a
Behind the eight hall
TO THE EDITOR: We (Association for Women Students) would
appreciate it if people stopped telling us that our People Pools
sound like a great idea and then don’t use them.
We would appreciate it if people would stop giving their
library books and briefcases to our volunteer in Pattee she’s
there to organize “Pools."
We have been asked to extend this group escort service to
town. We will, when it starts to work on campus.
If you want help, you should be willing to give it. If you’ve
come to Pattee or the HUB with a friend, stop by our yellow,
sign when you leave on the half hour maybe you can escort
someone else back to your dorm area.
One of the main benefits of the People Pools is the peace of
mind it gives to those going long distances across campus late
at night. Use it now, and prevent trouble in the future.
If you have any suggestions, please send , them to the
Association for Women Students, 215 HUB.
Fond farewell
TO THE EDITOR: It has been almost five years since I have
come to Happy Valley. I am leaving in March to do a practicum,
and I can really say that I enjoyed my stay in this town. I’ve met
some really fantastic people who were definitely worth
'knowing; I’ve had some great experiences, and I can honestly
say that I have 'learned a great deal from my Penn State
“education,” both inside and outside of the classroom setting.
I just wanted to say goodbye before I leave this place, but
first I would like to share something inportant with all of you
out there: an experience that has definitely altered my life in a
most positive way. First let me tell you that I am extremely
proud to be a Jew. But I consider myself somewhat "different”
in my beliefs. I am a Messianic Jew, a Jew that believes and
knows that Jesus Christ is everyone’s Messiah, and not just for
the Gentile population. Many of the people in Biblical times
who followed Jesus were Jews, like the apostle Paul. Jews
today are not brought up and taught in the synagogue to
recognize Jesus as their personal saviour and Lord, but that
doesn't mean that it should not be seriously considered. It
makes more sense than anything I have ever thought about; it
is not contradictory, inconsistent or hypocritical. I am Jewish
by my birth and Christian by my faith. I am not converted, but
completed. The day of the Gentiles is coming to a fast finish,
and with the heavy outpouring of God’s spirit, many Jews will
come to see the truth and God’s plan for their lives.
You can argue all you want about the Bible and its in
terpretations, but you cannot rob me of my story ot’how my life
has been changed. I am truly no longer the same many
people can testify to that. My attitudes, behavior and my entire
lifestyle are different. I have discovered there is more to life
than partying. And there are at least 333 reasons Old
Testament prophecies that cannot be denied. Why is God
plural ("Elohim”) in Genesis’ Hebrew translation? I thank God
for His love for me. I gave Jesus a chance, and indeed He has
made me kosher. Boruch Ha Shem Yeshua Ha Mashiach!
Abby Dorfman
9th-rehabilitation education
Costly privilege
TO THE EDITOR: This letter is written in.response to Debbie
Dull's letter to the editor on Feb. 14 entitled, “Ripped Off.”
I agree that the situation you described about the driver not
telling you the ride cost beforehand was unfair, but I disagree
that a driver or any driver makes a profit by having a car and
offering rides.
Owning a car has cost me at least 50 per cent of all the
earnings in my entire life. Buying the car and putting gas in it
a're the least of my worries. License, upkeep, and the killer,
insurance are the major irritants for the "privilege” of having a
car.
Even paying $lO for a round trip is a 50 per cent savings on
any other offered alternative not to mention quicker, more
pleasurable, and, in most cases, closer to home. I fail to see
any profit a car owner can make by offering rides at that cost.
This may sound rednecked, but I’m in love with my car and I
wouldn’t want anyone telling me what to do with/ny own car! If
you still disagree about the cost, take the bus and leave the
driving to us.
Reorganization Committee to improve
USG’s effectiveness.
Above and beyond all the platform
accomplishments, USG sponsored a
Student Leaders Conference setting a
precedence in the effort of statewide
combined student efforts. USG was also
intimately involved in the formation of
the Race Relations Board in an effort to
relieve racial tensions on campus. And
even though the students in USG put in
countless hours towards the ac
complishment of these goals, I believe a
major portion of the problem lies with
the most influential group on campus
The Collegian.
My point is this, that my role as an
outsider who has seen the day-to-day
efforts of those in USG, has led me to
the unshaken conclusion that the
biggest stumbling block in USG is not
the administration, but the Collegian. -
The paper’s influence over how students
regard Student Government here is very
high by virtue of the fact that they are the
only paper on campus. When the
Collegian always takes a negative and,
often antagonistic! attitude towards
USG, it naturally will hamper the ef
fectiveness of the organization.
Finally, I think the whole situation is
rather sad. USG is potentially the
greatest forum to increase student
benefits and promote student interest. It
is about time that those aspiring
Collegian journalists examine the
carping spirit with which they write, and
realize that they too are students. Then,
maybe, they would present things as
they really are.
Price of justice
TO THE EDITOR: Secretary of State Cyrus Vance's statement
Thursday that the United States supports a rapid but peaceful
transition to black rule in Zimbabwe is yet another fabrication
of the Carter, administration and shows our "new” government
running rapidly down the path of past U.S. officials. If the
rulers of this country wanted peace in southern Africa there
would be peace. Unfortunately, In the United States the
pocketbook still holds sway over justice.
For fear of losing economic, military and diplomatic ties
with a country that exports 12 of the 17 American strategic
minerals and harbors pools of cheap, black labor for the In
volvement of close to 400 U.S. corporations, the Carter ad
ministration refuses to withdraw the economic and diplomatic
support which fuels the Smith-Vorster regimes.
Until the American public awakens and demands that we get
out of southern Africa, the guilt for all atrocities committed
(Including the death by starvation of 50 per cent of the black
populace before age five must rest squarely on our shoulders.)
The National. Student Coalition Against Racism, a
nationwide student group which opposes racism and op
pression around the world, will be holding national days of
protest against U.S complicity in South Africa this March. We
urge all supporters of the struggle to attend our weekly
meetings, Wed. at 7:30, in 324 HUB.
Betty Spector
president-elect
Pat Mulligan
' AWS
Great loss
TO THE EDITOR: “Women unite stand up and . . . Our
government can spend 92 billion dollars on . . . Come out this
Saturday and show your support." Action-oriented slogans like
this are a part of her repertoire. She has the vitality of a student
from the sixties and the broader perspective (those of us who
kept a perspective) of a student from the seventies. I’ve asked
her where she gets the time and the energy to give so much to
socio-political issues and still maintain a graduate student
status. I don’t remember her exact words, but they were
something to this effect: “discrimination on.the bases of sex,
race and religion are extremely important issues. The fight for
human rights requires action. Where do I get the time? I find
it."
She will support virtually any suppressed individual who is
struggling against a society who often times falls short of
respecting basic human rights. She has an Incredible sense of
“feeling for a victim of injustice;" she is driven by moral im
peratives. By her active involvement, it is obvious that she has
the capacity for empathy but unlike the three German men who
gave their own life to show their sense of responsibility to the
innocent Jewish victims, this woman clenches hands with
those of whom are oppressed and strives to have them stand
up and fight for their rights. She is the antithesis of martyrdom
and the synthesis of hope, strength and human dignity.
The woman to whom I'm referring to is Lynda Joyce. She has
been active in the Young Socialist Alliance and National
Student Coalition Against Racism; she was the originator of
ERA United and she is a member of the Centre County Chapter
of NOW.
Lynda has just completed her master’s thesis and con
sequently, will no longer be a member of the student body. I
personally have been touched by this dynamic woman and,
without a doubt, Penn State is losing something when a
personality like Lynda leaves.
Bad shot
TO THE EDITOR; Well, Figi has done it again. Last year’s "in"
thing was gang-raping. This year (in trying' to outdo them
selves) the fad is snowball throwing at innocent pedestrians.
My girlfriend and I were walking past the fraternity last
Friday night about one o’clock, when about six brothers or
rushees who were “out for a good time” started throwing
snowballs (which were mixed with ice for texture) and hollering
obscenities at us (or was It their pledge chant.).Well, luckily
for us, the winter is the off-season (they certainly were rusty)
and neither of us were hit. But, the fact is someone could be
hurt seriously by such a "cute” prank.
I hope the “gentlemen" who participated in this “practice
session” read this letter (if they can) and realize the
seriousness of such overzealous “fun” (a very bad cut or even
loss of vision could have been the result). If not, let me offer
some suggestions of “how to relieve your jollies on these cold
winter nights.”
How about instead of rush taps you have “whips and chains"
night. Or better yet, chip in a buy a stretching rack for the den.
It could be a lot of “fun.” 1
Curt Smith
Bth-journalism
Tables will turn
TO THE EDITOR; I read with interest James DePietro’s articles
on Behavior Modification and, although I would not consider
myself an advocate of this or any other particular
psychological theory, I was disturbed by the criticism'by Dr;
Flay that acting on this theory constitutes "outright con
ditioning” to (he end of accepting "their simple-minded middle
class values.”
While I am unsure of what exactly it is that the middle class
values, except, I suppose, that lifestyle that places them in
that class at all (and, when pressed, a great many of these
commoners would admit, I’m sure, to there being “something
more” to life, albeit they may not go about finding that
something in the most sophisticated ways), it is the “outright
conditioning" complaint that I cannot buy. It seems clear that
if our behavior is indeed determined by the reactions,
rewarding or otherwise of those around us, then the'
deliberateness of these reactions would not change the impact
of them. I cannot see where freedom is on the line here: we are
either conditioned totally by our experiences in interpersonal
interactions or we are not, i.e. we are “something more."
There is, of course, always a danger in any person or group
of people working from the basis of “I know what is good for
you better than you do” and we feel this threat more acutely as
we grow older. We must be on guard not to allocate too much
power to any such faction; the fight to keep alive the free
expression and exchange of ideas must be continued. I do not
mean to suggest that behavior riiodification supporters are
necessarily working from the above assumption. Rather I
If r f
Allen Walsh
National Student Coalition Against Racism
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Patty Gould
12th-individual and family studies
Name withheld
would warn against anyone, psychologist and philosopher
alike, who claims to have The Answer. For in the end one Ccin J
never be too sure who will lose. One little boy stubs his toe andfe
quietly moves on, the second cries and hollers. I suppose .we [
are to assume that the first’s behavior is more appropriate for |
social situations; certainly it Is easier for the adult if the child !
doesn’t make a fuss'no matter how much he hurts. Ah, but |
then, esteemed Eagle Scouts have been known to climb.’in [
towers and pick off people like targets in an arcade game. v j
Ms. Fosberg hit on the key when she said, “. . . we can I
never be sure what the children are thinking in their heads. .'.'‘{j
Let not your faith be shaken: when anyone expounds the |
inflated idea that he has unlocked the workings of the mindj it I
is most certain that the table will one day be turned.
Mismanagement n
TO THE EDITOR: The University offers baccalaureate students
the right to graduate in 12 terms. We as students in the
management major ask why we should be an exception. For
“normal degree progress”'every student must complete certain
prerequisites before advancing to the next level. What happens
when a student cannot complete prerequisite requirements?!;'^
Overloads occur in every undergraduate management
course. This term approximately one out of every six studefits
will be unable to obtain needed management courses. Withcjftt
these courses normal advancement in the major cannot take v
place. This problem is compounded by the fact that certain
higher level courses are only offered once a year. Thus if onejjis
tenth term and cannot get a required course his only alternative,
is to remain enrolled additional terms. > "
Short-run solutions such as enlarging classes have already
been implemented In this department. To increase the size of a
specialized 400-|evel course to more than 35 would reduce the
interpersonal nature of the course and quickly lead ,!to
overloads and discontentment on the part of the faculty as well
as the students.
Another short-term solution is establishing a priority status
for management majors in assigning management courses.,|n
Winter Term 1977,15 per cent of the students enrolled in a'4oo
- management course were non-majors. In the same term
66 per cent of the students in a 200-level course were nbn-|
majors. If a major can't get a 200-level prerequisite how is Ope
to reach the upper levels? Though the priority system would
cheat non-majors out of courses which will provide them with
a broader base it should be implemented unless more mortpy
and staff are provided in this high demand area.
As Department Head Dr. Hottenstein stated, “We know foe
demand for management courses is increasing, we’ve enlarged {
class sizes but we only have 23 staff members when we need!
43." Clearly there is a need for more money. Dr. Hottenstein I
claims his department is bankrupt. The College of Business!
Administration claims its funds are depleted. Where is our j
tuition? Obviously Old Main has not budgeted our tuition to]
reflect our needs.
Clearly some pressure is needed to secure appropriate
funds, both for immediate needs and for permanent adequate
staffing for the department. This pressure must be applied by
the students, faculty and staff of the College of Business
Administration. Individuals who have had or are having
problems are asked to make them known by writing letters ( iJo
the editor, signing a petition in 110 Business Administration
Building, and by joining with 30 organized students in con
veying our appeal to Old Main. Interested parties should
contact Eric McCormick at 234-1115 or Joe Melnick at 865-
6939. Together we can stop this unjustlce.
Collegian
sheila McCauley
Editor
NEWS BEAT COORDINATORS: TOWN, Jay Bookman, USG,
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MENT, Dan Burnett
BOARD OF EDITORS: EDITORIAL EDITOR, Deanna Finley;
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS, Sally Heffentreyer, Joanne
McLaughlin; NEWS EDITOR, Pamela Reasner; ASSISTANT
NEWS EDITOR, Marty Smith; WIRE EDITOR, Dave Skidmore;
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, Jerry Schwartz; COPY EDITORS,
Jim Lockhart, Jeff Hawkes, Mike Meritrek; OFFICE
MANAGER, Anita McKelvey; FEATURES EDITOR, Janie
Musala; SPORTS EDITOR, Brian Miller; ASSISTANT SPORTS
EDITORS, Tom McNichol, Pete Dougherty; PHOTO EDITOR,
Randy" Woodbury; ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS, Julie
Cipolla, Eric Felack, Ed Paisa; GRAPHICS EDITOR, Lynne
Maimed ' !
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The Daily Collegian encourages comments on news
coverage, editorial policy.and campus and off-campus affairs.
Letters should be typewritten, double spaced, signed by ri;o
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 letter’s
are received by mail, the Collegian will contact the signer for
verification before publication. Letters cannot be returned.
Nancy J. Endfos
1975 graduate, Juniata College
Eric McCormick
11th-management
Joseph Melnik
9th-management
NADINE KINSEY
Business Manager