As I walked outside today (11/12/96), I said to myself, "Hey, this is nice. A blanket of snow on the grass, a cool breeze blowing." But when I looked down at my feet, I stopped. No, it couldn't be. But it was.
Sand, on the sidewalk. Someone purposefully poured sand onto the sidewalk.
I asked myself, "What good does this do?" As I slid down the sidewalk, I began to yearn for the days when I walked on salt-covered sidewalks back in Normalsville, USA. As I nearly fell on my butt, I recalled the way the salt grabbed my feet and planted them firmly onto the ice. Whoa, careful, the sand was carrying me down the sidewalk for a moment. Wait, what do I see in the distance? Oh no, someone running on the sidewalk, obviously trying to get to class by 10-after. Careful, keep your balance. Ouch. Are you alright?
Geez, can't the University at least try salt out for a trial period? I'd much rather see salt on my floor than sand plus melted snow and ice any day.
Manuel Magana
LSA first-year student
Yes, the Michigan Student Assembly elections are once again upon us.
I am one of the brave souls who has thrown my hat in the ring as I vie to retain my current position as the School of Education Representative to MSA.
I am not writing this letter as a plea for votes (although I wouldn't mind gaining a few) but to urge you, the editors of perhaps the single most influential publication on this campus, to take a stronger, more informative role in these important elections.
Every day, thousands of students rush to class, sometimes forgetting books and notebooks, but always with a Daily in hand. Thus the Daily is one of the best ways to reach the student body.
Every year, MSA elections have a dismal voter turnout. Perhaps one way to encourage students to vote is to supply us with necessary information to help us make a good choice.
I suggest that the Daily run a special spread, inviting individual candidates to submit a short description of himself or herself and a way to be contacted.
Thus, students have something, written by the candidate, on which to base their vote and a way to ask questions of the candidates, making us more accountable for what we say. In this election year, we have seen the interest the students have in the issues that affect us. Let's carry the energy on to our own elections. In this spirit, a forum is being planned at Mary Markley Hall at which candidates can speak and students can ask questions of them. Being the leader of bringing students information that they need, the Daily should take a more active, positive role in MSA elections than just party endorsements.
Rajsheri Gandhi
MSA Representative
After reading Jed Christiansen's letter to the editor ("Edit Photos!," 11/13/96), I was appalled that Christiansen would feel that the photo in question was offensive.
I believe that the photo really captured the essence of every Michigan football fan's feelings. I think you're doing a good job and keep it up!
Jose Alvarez
Engineering junior
Once again I find myself questioning the purpose and goals of The Michigan Daily.
In the "Ground Zero" cartoon (11/12/96), the cartoonist asserts that one way to figure out winter is coming is by "realizing that bluebook exams were not named for their color, but for the color of your skin."
Who is this hypothetical "your?" There are a significant number of students at the University to whom that doesn't apply, including African American, Asian, Indian, Latin American students and many others. I find the idea that "my" skin color will turn blue as a result of the cold weather offensive, as if to imply that we live in a community consisting of only light (blue?!)-skinned people.
While this is simply another annoyance in the whole scheme of stupid things printed in the Daily, I am constantly amazed that one of the most powerful mediums of communication on campus consistently prints ignorant, inconsiderate, uninformed material.
Shawna Lee
RC senior
I find myself very disappointed with the comments made by law student Joshua Turner with regard to child-care. In his letter ("'U' childcare will reduce other costs," 11/7/96), he states, "If the University does not provide childcare, we, as members of the community will still incur costs."
This statement is made on the mistaken assumption that the University is meant to solve every problem. The University is not supposed to be a welfare center. If you increase student fees to pay for infant/childcare, you are taxing the poorest members of the community - students - in order to provide social services.
Why should a student whose employment future is uncertain incur debt to pay for someone else's child?
I know for a fact that there already exists federal and state-funded welfare programs that pay for day care for the children of students. In fact, I am good friends with someone who receives subsidized childcare while she attends the University.
Please tell me why this burden should be transferred from those currently in the work force to unemployed individuals with a negative financial worth only surpassed by the U.S. government?
Turner also states that, "we ... should recognize the courage it takes for the single parent to try and go beyond that mistake by going to school."
This so-called courage is as commendable as saying that if a drunk driver kills or cripples someone and then seeks treatment, we should applaud. I disagree.
I was raised on the principal that you play now and pay later or pay now and play later. Individuals who have children before they can afford it played first so why should students pay now?
Too many students graduate from the University only to work in low-paying jobs and default on their student loans. No one can justify those loans including the cost of caring for someone else's child.
Finally, I would really like to know when this country went from a democratic capitalist nation to a socialist institution.
Less than 10 percent of the student body supported the childcare fee increase. Once the University tags another fee onto students, the students borrow more federal money to pay for it.
Make childcare a valid fee for only those that need it and allow them to take student loans to pay for it!
Carlos E. Hernandez
LSA senior