|
Letters to the Editor
A debug
I would like to address some problems with the computer system and network on campus and off campus.
1. The online file storage. A waste of time and money. It is not accessible if the server is down or because the dial-up connection is poor and disconnects people.
2. The A:drives fail everywhere. This is even stated in the technology handbook.
3. Incompatibility. If one saves on a PC formatted floppy, the file cannot be opened on an Apple and vice versa, even if you are using the same program.
4. Computer logins. If someone shuts down a computer, the computer is useless because the students or the student workers do not have the passwords.
5. Unauthorized users. Signs at 24 hour labs indicate that there has been a problem with non-students using the system.
I have an answer to all the above problems. The Technology Services and all people who use computers should look into the world of flash memory. There is a device that plugs into the USB port and acts as a hard drive. This is called a microdrive, flash memory, memory stick or portable harddrive. It is about the size of a small highlighter. They range in memory from 16 MB to 1 GB.
The Tech services could issue one to every student for logging onto the system and as their personal memory. This would solve every one of the above problems.
Lane Wilcox
Senior, Biomedical Science Major
PETA & terrorism
Since there has been debate over organizations like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and groups of the same ilk, I feel obligated to write about these "radical" assemblages of animal lovers. First, who is PETA?
Basically, they are the largest animal rights group in the world � an estimated 700,000 members. Is this group an extreme organization? Yes, but that is not the bombshell: PETA funds terrorism.
What is my proof? Let us look at the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), for example. Since 1996, this arsonist group has caused $43 million in damages, which makes them the largest and most active U.S. based terrorist group. Needless to say, PETA, the fun-loving animal group, donated $1,500 to ELF, which, according to PETA's tax statement, was for "activities."
Next, one could look at PETA's close association with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). Does anyone remember when Michigan State University, Oregon State University, and Washington State University were firebombed? Well, PETA sure does. In defense for Rodney Coronado, the ALF member who did the previously mentioned terrorist acts; PETA donated some $70,000 to his criminal fund.
Finally, I will end with something that utterly disturbs me. According to tax code 501(C)(3), PETA qualifies as a tax-exempt organization. What does this mean? Fundamentally, we are all indirectly supporting organizations that have no regard for non-violent activism or social tact.
Jared Hancock
Senior, Education Major
Choice is right
I went to a Campus Crusade for Christ meeting last Thursday night, everything went well until almost at the end when this guy gets up and tries to recruit people for the pro-life organization at this school. A few weeks back a group of pro-lifers (not associated with this guy's group) did some profane things like make posters of dead fetuses. We've all seen the signs. Anyway people, many pro-choice wrote back criticizing those antics.
The guy mentioned that the people who wrote the letters to the editors were ignorant and didn't know what they were talking about. I was thoroughly offended because I had written a letter to the editor, not on that particular subject but he used it in a broad text, and it seemed he was saying I was ignorant and didn't know anything. I'm not quoting him word for word, this is my interpretation of what he said.
Anyway I feel its my obligation to inform those pro-lifers what they really stand for.
As it stands right now a woman has the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion. I happen to be 100 percent pro-choice and happen to think that every intelligent individual should also be pro-choice.
If laws were passed banning abortions then a woman would not have the right to choose, the choice would've been made for her. This is what I disagree. I prefer to have all my rights. Pro-lifers don't seem to want the right to choose.
Matt Hayward
Freshman, Education
Old does not mean stupid
I will assume the best of Beeler whose cartoon was published on the (University) Chronicle's commentary page on Oct. 10. This cartoon is divided into three panels.
The first shows Richard Nixon flashing his famous two-handed peace symbol and declaring, "I am not a crook." Yeah right.
The second depicts Saddam Hussein stating, "I do not have weapons of mass destruction." Again, yeah right.
The third shows an elderly woman identified as a Florida voter saying, "I know how to vote." However, my response is not, "Yeah right."
My 96-year-old grandmother and 81-year-old mother-in-law would take issue with this stereotype of an out-of-it, brain-petrified elderly voter.
Nonetheless, I will assume that Beeler simply doesn't know many elderly people; that he hasn't experienced their wit and intelligence; that he has never argued politics with those who not only read about current events, but who have been around long enough to have a historical perspective. And yes, more elder folks vote than young voters.
Carol Mohrbacher,
English Department
In Monday's issue of the University Chronicle, the columnist on the right side of this page was mistakenly identified as Ibrahim Bah. It was in fact Justin Byma. The University Chronicle would like to apologize for the mistake.
|
|
|
|
|
|
