FEBRUARY 11, 1972
Parent, Students Express Opinions
As a father of a Maine West student, I would like to challenge the statements and conclusions made by Miss Falstad concerning the sad fate of long hair youths in our courts. Certainly Miss Faistad has every right to express her opinions, but her recent column is a generalization and is based on a very questionable premise.
The record would show that for every long haired youth who may have been unfairly treated by a judge, there are hundreds of examples where radicals and pot heads (who happen to have long hair) have tried in every conceivable way to destroy our judicial system. There is a difference, a big difference, between the youth who wears his hair long because of styles or as a means of protesting the ills of society, from the cop-outs who cares little about his God, his country, or his person.
Our courts today reflect these problems, but let's not tear them down until we find a better way of dispersing justice by law, and freedom with responsibility.
E. L. Merkel
Dear Editor:
Everyone has been talking about what will be done now that the referendum didn't pass. Some people consider themselves authorities over their fabricated ideas.
Budgets will be cut. This is all that is known. The rest is purely guesswork. Everyone is condemning money spent; for example: sand blasting the pillars. Does anyone know the actual cost was only $10,000 and realize its importance to the entire building as well as the seriousness o their condition?
Study halls do not significantly add to operational costs because teachers are limited to instruct only a certain number of kids in six classes. These rules are made by the NCA of which we are in high standing. This makes it easy to enter college from Maine West. Our standing is essential in maintaining financial aid from state and federal sources.
Saying that nothing can be accomplished and therefore nothing should be attempted to try and improve the system is not the right answer. Health requirements, etc., are not the fault of our administration. Complaints are being taken to the wrong sources. The guilty party is the state government. We are just being hampered by their numerous outdated rules. Student Council should organize a petition and several letters to state officials and politicians to get action.
Jill Falstad
Some people don't think that there's any brotherhood at Maine West. The other day a small incident occurred which could change their minds. It was about two minutes to eight, and three girls were rushing down the hall, one behind the other.
The first girl dropped her hat, but didn't notice; however, both girls behind her saw it fall. What will they do? Step on it? No! The second girl stepped carefully over it. As she ran, the heroine of the story stooped down and scooped up the hat.
She smiled warmly at the second girl as she ran to return it. When the heroine caught up with the owner of the hat, no words were spoken by either girl; but the "Thank you" and "Oh sure, anytime" were as clear as day.
Sure it's a little thing, but it makes you smile. How often do things like this happen at Maine West? Maybe not too often, not often enough anyway; but whose fault is that? What if we all tried to think of someone else's needs before our own? Brotherhood is beautiful.
Diana Wagner
Dear Editor:
The only right I have to say this is a common right we all possess. If you do not agree with what I am about to say, you have the right to voice your opinion. I went to the winter sports assembly to pay my respects to the boys who devote much of their time and energy to the competitive spirit. I am ashamed to have been a part of that student body that attended. I think that the majority of the students were rude and inconsiderate.
If I were the coach from Northwestern (I missed his name because there was so much noise), I would have walked out of the school. There was no excuse for this type of behavior. People were not required to attend this event, and I think that disinterested parties should have gone to the available study halls and shown their lack of concern in that manner.
I am sure that the teaching staff feels the same way that I feel. This goes for most of the students and people who participated in the program. I may not be perfect, but I have some manners. I also think that the coach deserves an apology instead of a thank you note from Student Council.
How can people who acted like such immature babies take the responsibility of open cam-pus and a smoking lounge? This act clearly shows that most of the students are not yet ready for such privileges.
I will not sign my name because too many of you are hypocritical and will condemn me because I "did my thing," and it did not coincide with yours. I will, however, answer any rebuttals.
Name Withheld by Request
Dear Editor:
We are writing this on behalf of the Sophomore Class concerning your January 14 issue. On page one, under News Briefs, you stated that the Junior Class came in second in the Penny Drive with $51.90. However, it was the Sophomore Class that raised this amount.
Joyce Turley, Robyn Thomas