Dear Editor:
I am writing to protest the treatment given my Letter to the Editor which appeared in the latest issue of the Westerner. I wrote a letter opposing amnesty for draft dodgers. In the letter I said I was against amnesty, and I explained the reasons for my opposition. The Westerner completely deleted my explanation for my opposition to amnesty and made it appear that I thought draft dodgers should not be granted amnesty solely on the reason that they are cowards. This is not true.

My explanation for my stand on amnesty was the most important part of my letter. By deleting my explanation, the Westerner has denied my right of free speech. Not only is this unfair, it is also illegal. The Westerner has violated my rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution. I, therefore, not only demand a public apology from the Westerner, but also an apology to the students and teachers of Maine West for its abuse of the freedom of the press.

Mark Thompson

Editor's Note:
How many local or metropolitan newspapers would print such a letter as this?


Dear Editor:
I would like to compliment all those that participated in the musical production, The King and I. The show was most enjoyable and the cast portrayed their characters in an extremely professional manner.

Not only should the acting cast be congratulated but also the orchestra and various stage crews. Without props, makeup, or lighting the show couldn't have been so professionally produced. It was a great show!

Name Withheld Upon Request

Dear Editor:
We Maine West Republicans strongly protest the publishing of a cartoon by Jeff Bures on the second page of the March 9 issue of the Westerner. The cartoon portrayed three men with the caption: "But if they start prosecuting all the crooked politicians like Kerner, who'll be left to run the government?" These three men were none other than President Richard Nixon, Vice‑President Spiro Agnew, and Dr. Henry Kissinger. Mr. Bures seems to be implying that these men are crooked politicians. We challenge Mr. Bures to make public his evidence showing that these men are crooked politicians. If he can produce none, which we are confident he cannot, he should not make such slanderous accusations. We believe that these three distinguished Americans deserve the respect that their positions command.

We would also like to address our concern for the growing partisanship of this newspaper. The last three issues of the Westerner have all made swipes at either Mr. Nixon or the conservative political view. We feel that partisan politics have no place in the Westerner. This newspaper is the official student newspaper of this school and holds a complete monopoly on the press at Maine West. Making the Westerner a partisan newspaper would mean that only one side of every issue would be presented. This is wrong, and we urge the Westerner to give up these partisan tendencies.

Bill Wyatt
Mark Thompson