Letters to the Editor

Taunting is a 'fifth-grade' tactic

To the Daily:

I was saddened to see the picture that adorned the cover of the Daily on March 14th. As I read the signs that the protesters are holding, it became abundantly clear that this whole issue was, and still is, being handled in an extremely immature fashion. The picture of the protester holding the sign that says "Michigamua you suck! Big Time" is the most disheartening image I have seen in a very long time. It seems to me that if this group of people is trying to seek equality and harmony, they would refrain from using the same taunting techniques common to your everyday fifth grade student.

I am not saying that I totally disagree with the issues that this group presents. My point is that we are all members of a distinguished learning community, allowing us to find a more constructive way of dealing with the problems. Though you may find this suggestion appalling, I would say that these protesters could take a lesson from Michigamua. Over the course of this whole ordeal, the members of Michigamua have acted peacefully and have earned my respect.

Jonathon Nelson

LSA junior

Cowen right about pro sports

To the Daily:

I have to agree with Josh Cowen's article "Memories of a fan" (3/14/2000), sports are become more of a joke every year. Besides the off the field troubles of athletes and coaches alike, now sports fans have to face the possibility of the professional leagues doing anything for high ratings.

This new rule of the NBA forcing coaches to wear microphones and allow cameras in the locker room is detrimental to the competitive integrity of the game. Now opposing coaches can simply tune into the broadcast to find out the other's strategy. The NBA has traded away true human drama for one simple reason, the networks asked them to. What's next, championships awarded in secret meetings, point shaving schemes that would put Northwestern to shame?

C.J. Chappell

Engineering senior

Tennis Center too expensive

To the Daily:

I am writing in regards to University's new Varsity Tennis Center. The tennis center is extremely state of the art and personally, it has some of the nicest courts that I have ever played on. But one major factor that keeps me from playing there more times then I would like. That factor is the overpriced amount that it charges students for court time.

Students are charged $50.00 to use the indoor courts, but that fee is just for the membership and does not include the court fee of $10.00-$12.00 or $5.00-$8.00 per person for EVERY time you want to play.That means that if you are an avid tennis player who plays 3 times a week, you shell out $24.00 a week, $96.00 a month, $384.00 a semester and $768.00 a year!

So, yes it is nice to be able to play at a brand new $16 million dollar complex and I am glad that the Michigan Tennis teams have a great place to hold competitions. But what about those of us who can't afford the outrageous prices, and therefore, can't afford to use this grand facility? Afterall, the University's goal should be to create a place where people, especially students, can just play tennis without having to worry about sacrificing their grocery money in doing so.

Lanni Lantto

LSA Sophomore

Solutions to football ticket problem

To the Daily:

Another solution to student ticket scalping is this: A special, students-only entrance. Students could move quickly through two turnstiles. At the first one they swipe their M-Card, verifying its validity, and at the second turnstile, as always, they present their tickets. Little fuss, little muss, and only valid students could use student tickets. Where they sit once inside the fence is their business.

Student tickets are intended for those who attend games. They are not a right but a privilege, and if they are only used by students, I'll bet that there will be plenty of tickets available. The scalpers (who buy a season's worth of tickets only to resell them) will have to find more honorable ways to earn a buck.

Michael Buhler

University alumnus