Letters to the Editor

Poll authors must draft questions carefully

To the Daily:

I was interested to see that somebody in MSA, Rep. David Burden, is interested in finding out how students truly feel on the issue of affirmative action. I would welcome a student opinion poll as a sign to the beginning of intelligent debate on the issue.

However, it should be noted that the authors of such questions have the power to make the poll results support their opinion, whatever that might be. For example, if the question reads, "Do you support the discrimination against, or granting preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis or sex, race, color, ethnicity, or national origin," the majority opinion will likely say no. If the question reads, "Do you support affirmative action," the majority opinion will likely say yes. Although the questions arguably say the same thing, the question is read differently because the term "affirmative action" is so vague.

Such a complex issue deserves a carefully written question, or questions, that truly aim at uncovering the student opinion, not promoting political agendas.

Todd Szymczak
Engineering senior

Album review was poorly written

To the Daily:

I am writing my opinions regarding the Shootyz Groove album review by Sharad J. Khemam (11/4/97). It was poorly written, opinionated, ignorant and uninformed. Shootyz Groove is not a "young band," but rather has years of experience performing and recording albums, starting in 1992.

Maybe if the reporter had done some research on the band, such as visiting its Website (http://www.papillion.ne.us/~npaul/shootyz/), he could have written a more truthful review.

The reviewer says that Shootyz Groove should stop touring with 311, yet the band has not toured with 311 since 1996. The reviewer also compares Shootyz Groove with 311 many times throughout the article, yet these comparisons reveal the author knows little about the music and style of 311.

The only thing 311 has in common with Shootyz Groove is the number of members in the band. The reviewer suggests that Shootyz Groove should "lose the cockiness," but I have met all the members of Shootyz Groove and they are sincere, friendly and enjoy performing for their fans. Maybe next time, the reviewer should choose to review a band he actually knows something about.

Karen Kennedy
LSA junior

11-10-97