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Letters to the editor
Response to Mies
I do not agree with Mr. Mies on his rebuttal on all points ("Response to Wilcox," Monday, Oct. 21), I do think the lab assistants do a great job. I would like to simply draw on what I have seen, what I see the future to be, not the past, and discussions with environmental technology students.
1. If I can get 30 MB online save space from any search engine or certain Web sites for free, then the creation of this space and the expense is a waste. Please tell me the percentage of students who are using this save space. Also, please don't tell me that it is 100 percent reliable. Every server has a bounce now and again.
2. Not every computer has a zip drive, or a floppy drive on campus. There are driveless Apples. One does need to go get the drive from the assistant, plug it in, so on, so on. Almost every computer on campus has a USB port. Unfortunately, some are hidden.�I am using the statement about the A: drives to sway people to microdrives. Plug and play.
3. Compatibility. My point is exactly what you said: that a disk formatted one way does not work in a computer with one formatted a different way. A microdrive does not need to be formatted. Plug and play.
4. Logins are automatic, which is good.
5. Obviously the swipe method did not keep non-students from using 24-hour labs, otherwise there wouldn't be� any problems, signs or campus�security checking IDs in the labs. Students often just respond to the knocking by opening the door for non-students. Plug and play IDs.
6. I'm not sure where you are shopping for your microdrive. I see the 16MB retail for between $14.99 and $19.99.
7. Every student would be responsible for a single microdrive. Replacements would be the cost of the device and a fee. Sort of like all the keys that are used by residence hall students.�
8. It would be for 10,000 students at start up. Then every year/semester would be less than that. Somehow, we all get our bills that take out the technology fee.
My advice is the same as it has been in this whole letter. Say no to A: drives. Plug and play. I'm sure your friendly lab assistant would be glad to crawl under the table and put your microdrive in the USB port for you.
Lane Wilcox
Senior, Biomedical Science Major
Rock the vote
During Gloria Steinem's recent visit to Minnesota campaigning for Roger Moe, she reiterated the rallying cry of her 1960s generation declaring, "Voting is an act of rebellion."� Reflecting on the political movements of her time, the enthusiasm, the music, the protests and the way young people changed the political discourse of our nation, I wonder what it will take for more young people to again become involved.
Our nation is at war.�Our economy is in trouble.�The disparity between the rich and poor is growing.�Battles for civil rights need attention and energy. A woman's right to choose is being called into question.�Our nation's environment and natural resources are at great risk.�Our school tuition is seeing record hikes. Our grandparents are choosing between food and medicine.�
In short, these are critical times.�The candidates for all levels of office have significantly different positions on these issues.�I urge you to visit their Web sites or their campaign offices, talk to your friends, attend the rallies, listen to the debates, and remember to vote this Nov. 5.�
Mike Erlandson, State Chair
Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party
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