Dear Editor:
During a recent assembly honoring our A.F.S. student, I noticed people who laughed not because things were funny, but because they are rude. Maria was trying very hard to explain her ideas and to compare the differences. If people would only listen, they might learn something. How can they if they judge people before they know them?

I am not saying it is wrong to judge people by looks. People do that because that is the way they are. I am saying it is wrong to laugh at someone who is trying. Even if you do not like the way someone looks, be polite and give them a chance to change your opinion of them.

Perhaps the people who laugh should be sent away to experience the same things, and then see how much they laugh.

Diana Pistolis


Dear Editor:
Have you ever really stopped and looked at the people at Maine West and the criticism they so willfully offer? I've listened to my best friends derogatorily refer to me as a Student Council "rah‑rah" then turn around and cut up a "freak" or a "dirty hippie." These are typical remarks of most MW students. Instead of trying to help one another, we are bent on destroying those who do not conform to our ideas.

On the other side of the fence we have the teacher‑student conflict. There are those students who believe they know how to run Maine West and therefore disregard the authority of the administration. If these students are so educated, it's a wonder they don't have their own class. West also has its share of teachers who know they hold a position of authority and take advantage of exercising it. These teachers treat students as inferiors and jump at a chance to "nail one." Neither these teachers nor students can demand respect unless they are willing to show respect.

West is a great school but every bunch has its bad banana. I don't think anyone could ask for a finer faculty or body of students, but we must work with, not against each other. Until we are willing to accept one another, no one has a basis for complaint.

Brian Ward

Dear Editor:
There is a difference between standing around and actually doing something. I feel that the M‑Club members who supervise the cafeteria during lunch fail to realize that. Because of this, I suggest that we no longer give these powers to M‑Club.

In the last edition, we heard Tom Duntemann tell us how the M‑Club keeps the cafeteria clean from "our dirt." If this is the case, why does the cafeteria look like a pigpen when seventh period arrives? Why? Well, just look at them and what they do. They use this new free time to visit friends, eye the scenery, and in general have a good time. This is not the case with all members, but the club as a whole has failed to do its job. When this comes about, it's time to relieve them of their powers.

When it comes to sports, Maine West is proud of the members of M‑Club for making such a good name for Maine West. However, when it comes to supervising other students, M‑Club has struck out and it's time to send them to the penalty box.

David Congalton


Dear Editor:
We would like to express our gratitude to all people who were so thoughtful at the time of our father's death.

Jim and Bill Kopke