The Collegian Wednesday, October 4, 1989
Opinion
Unsigned letters aren't
responsible journalism
A recent Collegian editorial, encouraging letters to the
editor, may have helped our cause. The past two weeks
have brought a welcome flurry of letters.
But we've also received a handful of letters which we
won't print. While those letters had interesting points to
make, they were unsigned, and, according to our policy,
could not be printed.
Allow us to make our point clear: Unsigned letters
will remain unprinted letters. With extremely rare
exception, it won't matter how eloquent or insightful the
thoughts - all letters must be signed.
We agree with the idea that anything worth saying is
worth signing, but there's another reason for our policy.
Newspapers that allow unsigned letters to appear
invite hit and run tactics, allowing critics to talk tough
and run away. The purpose of an opinion page is to
provide our readers with a means to express themselves -
not to blindside someone without assuming
responsibility for what they write.
We'll let you criticize, observe and critique as much as
you like - just be prepared to stand behind what you say.
While some unsigned letters are of a volatile nature,
we often receive letters that go unsigned for no apparent
reason. We hope those persons who have submitted
unsigned letters, will consider resubmitting those letters -
signed, of course.
Often The Collegian, as well as most other
newspapers, .will print news stories or editorials which
carry no by-line or name. While we've been told this is
no different than an unsigned editorial, bear in mind that
a newspaper's editor is held responsible for the
newspaper's content.
We're standing behind what we say and hope you'll
do the same.
The Collegian is now accepting application from
students interested in serving as Collegian Editor for
spring of 1990. Interested persons should apply
immediately by placing Getters of interest in The
Collegian mailbox. Letters should include
information about your past experience as well as a
detailed explanation of your personal, philosophy of
running a student newspaper.
The Collegian
Published weekly by the students of Behrend College, Erie, Pa
(814) 898-6488
Member of College Press Service
Editor.... James Martin
Assistant Editor.... Todd J. Irwin
Entertainment Editor.... Robb Frederick
Sports Editor.... John Musser
Columns Editor.... Rob Prindle
Copy. Editor.... Rob Farnham
Photo Coordinator.... Rick Brooks
Business Manager.... Stan Lefes
Advertising Manager.... Christie Redmond
Advisor.... Dr. Mike Simmons
The Collegian is a student-edited newspaper
LOVE ROB
Please don't vote
Editor's note: Rob Print& is taking a few
weeks . off from his regular column to
work on a special project for The
Collegian. Until he resumes writing,
we'll be running some of Rob's favorite
Love Robs of the past two years. This
column first appeared in spring , of 1988
by Rob Priamße
I'll tell you what's been on my mind. I've
been thinking about the primary election that's
coming up in a few weeks, and here is my
advice: Don't vote.
I did not come to this opinion easily. I shut
myself in a cold, dark room for days with
nothing to read but Newsweek, The USA Today,
Mad Magazine and the latest Far Side anthology.
I am now, and always will be, an expert on
the subject of the competitive two party elective
system. God, I feel so powerful.
Now, I suppose, you want some reasons not
to vote. You want those reasons because you are
all responsible, well educated citizens - who
demand your say - in this representative
goVerninent.
You demand your day at the polls and you
deserve your day, but lets face it, some people
just shouldn't vote.
I've heard a lot of talk about voter apathy. I'm
for it. I don't want anyone who is too lazy to
pull a few levers deciding who should run our
country. Therefore, I say to the apathetic people
of this country: Don't vote. Just stay at home.
Well, that takes care of 50% of you. The rest
of you don't give up that easy.
Alright, who else shouldn't vote? Bi-sexuals
should stay at home on election night. Why?
Simple. Anyone who can't decide what gender
they prefer cannot be trusted to decide an
important elected office like the presidency. A
person who can't decide between Playboy and
Playgirl at the newsstand probably isn't going to
be incredibly effective in a voting booth.
Oh yeah, transvestites shouldn't vote either. A
person who can't decide between wearing a pair of
blue jeans and work boots, or a leather mini skirt
and pumps may have some bigger problems than
deciding who the Republicans should nominate
for president.
Women who now think, or have ever thought
that Michael Jackson was a sexy guy should not
vote. I'm sorry to have to break the news to you
ladies. Michael is a woman, although maybe not
female. If you couldn't figure that out without
my help, you are not competent to vote
according to my rules.
Catholics shouldn't vote if they haven't felt
like laughing at church service when the priest
kisses every religious object within reach. I'm
Catholic sometimes, and I have to actually turn
my head when the priest puckers, to avoid an
embarrassing outburst of laughter.
On the other hand, if you have ever been
thrown out of church for what I have just
mentioned, you should get three votes.
Those are the major categories .but in case
there are a few of you who slipped through, there
are a few other groups who should not vote.
Cigarette smokers. You stink the place up and
besides there are no ashtrays in voting booths.
Smokers should have realized that their voting
days were numbered as soon as the government
started creating both smoking and non-smoking
sections in public buildings. It will be hard for
smokers to vote from the broom closet.
Rob Prindle
Just a few more, all for obvious reasons.
Beastie Boys fans. Anyone who enjoys physics.
People who own cats. Anyone who does not read
this column regularly. Anyone who admires
Oliver North's integrity. Anyone who thinks
George Bush reminds them of Clint Eastwood.
Anyone who thinks George Bush reminds them
of a president. And the list goes on.
I've heard a lot of talk about
voter apathy. I'm for it. I don't
want anyone who is too lazy to
pull a few levers deciding who
should run our country.
Therefore, I say to the apathetic
people of this country: Don't vote.
Just stay at home.
Space limitations do not enable me to
eliminate everyone, so, since a partial list may
lead to wide spread voter confusion I will
simplify things. You can vote if you, got a few
yucks out of this column.
I'll see you all at the polls.
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