Letters to the Editor

Alumni should give for education As alumni, we all have the right to give or not give money to our alma mater. But to deny an educational institution precious dollars to promote the education of students over a basketball coach is pathetic. As a state-supported university, President Brand should share what went on with the needed firing of Coach Knight. I feel that he is saving Coach Knight and his dutiful followers the embarrassment of Knight's actions during that time -- not that Coach Knight ever minded looking foolish or tarnishing the IU name. It was nice to be on campus recently and hear that IU's alumni giving is higher than ever now that Knight is gone. I ask the others holding their financial support for IU hostage to think about the true meaning of what a college is built for -- to further the education of students -- not to provide great seats at ball games for alumni. I'd rather my seat go to a student anyway. Christina Carroll
IU Alumna Mixed messages on alcohol confusing In a recent article regarding the crackdown on alcohol-related offenses, IU was supposedly cracking down hard on alcohol-related incidents with the rest of the Big 10. However, in the same edition there is an ad a couple pages later promoting spring break with pictures of people passed out and bottles of liquor and beer. I found it to be quite funny and ironic that the paper is both promoting and demoting the use of alcohol. I just wonder if you guys ever double-check the paper before it goes out. Kristen Brewer
Freshman Young people need education on alcohol Drinking responsibly is not something one should learn when beginning college. In our society, alcohol is looked down upon. To many it's the devil and can only cause pain. Yet, in contrast, other countries such as Canada and France look at alcohol as a social good and a way of bonding with people. If alcohol weren't looked down upon, people would understand its purpose for being here. Unfortunately, "good parents" feel they need to seclude their children from the reality of our country. Alcohol is here, and I doubt it's leaving any time soon. When parents shelter their children from real-world situations, they are only neglecting them. It seems so many of the irresponsible alcohol consumers are people who were never exposed to alcohol, especially affecting those who attend college. They are introduced into a world of opportunity and many take advantage or rebel against their previous values. This rebellion many times leads to destruction when dealing with alcohol. In comparison, one can examine students in other countries who are exposed to and fully aware of the effects and responsibilities of alcohol. Numbers don't lie. Studies comparing young American and Canadian drinkers have shown that America has more problems with alcohol. Education starts at home. Education is not strictly about book smarts, but more importantly street smarts. Parents need to accept the reality of the presence of alcohol to benefit the future of their children. Personally, I was taught about alcohol before coming to college. This knowledge has only benefited my drinking habits and has aided in my responsibility as an alcohol consumer. Early exposure is for the benefit of young Americans and could eventually save their lives. Rules never stopped people; that's why the prisons are filled. You make rules, you create rebellion. Education is the key to surviving in America. America offers us too many great things just to deny them all. So for now and in the future, take advantage of entertainment, but teach people how to do it responsibly. Ryan Richards
Sophomore Cut administrator's pay first I agree with your staff editorial on Monday, Dec. 3, "Budget Cuts Start At Top." If Myles Brand feels that we will all share the pain, then he should explain why he and other administrators would be hurt with a cut in pay. Surely they will not suffer the same financial hardships as others in lower-end positions. If Mr. Brand feels we should share the pain, let's return to the glorious days of old of the seventies when it was mandatory to conserve energy by cutting heat and power usage. I do not have figures on how much was saved during the energy crisis, but let's start with that instead of cutting staff. Another place to start is the IU Transit System. Is it necessary to make runs to the same place twice in an hour? Yes, it will inconvenience some to come and go at the last minute, but it could save a position that is the most critical to those facing a layoff. What about setting the weekend aside to turn off the elevators and use the stairs instead? It sure would beat taking the elevator to class where the Information Technology suffered a $20 million cut. What I would really like to know is, can any of the administrators like Brand, Brehm, Clapacs, McNeely, McRobbie or Palmer maintain an exquisite lifestyle in Bloomington with less? Taking a $3,000 cut would be just chicken feed to them, but please correct me if I am wrong so I can share their pain. Dave Johnson
Bloomington resident Football coach firing a mistake I was truly shocked and disturbed by the recent firing of head football coach Cam Cameron. I feel that Mr. McNeely has made a serious error in judgement. I realize that five years is a watershed in determining how a coach will do, but what message do you send to possible coaches when you fire your head coach after defeating the university's main rival, Purdue? I see some very disturbing similarities between this and the firing of Bobby Knight. I am wondering if the persons that should be let go are McNeeley and President Brand. I have followed Indiana sports for many years and in the last four have become very involved because my wife is a Ph.D. student. I am considering whether my continued support is warranted after the events of the past two years. I realize you may not care what I or anyone else think, but at some point, it will make a difference when fans stop coming to Indiana sporting events all together because of moves made by the athletic director and president. Gary Morris
Loreauville, La. Snow and basketball easy to miss As an IU alumnus (Individualized Major Program, 1984) now living in Australia, it's good to be able to catch up on events back home via your on-line paper. It's interesting to see that the men's basketball team is still afraid of being ranked; at least we can occasionally beat Ball State. It's also good to see that the IUPD is still doing "real" police work; however, I find it disturbing that there are so many "socially conscious" students willing to narc on their fellow students. (This was really uncool in my day.) That is of course unless there is a proven link between casual marijuana sales and financial support of terrorist cells -- in which case you should shoot them. On the brighter side, I do miss snow in winter and summers at Lake Griffy. Go team... Nick Randall
Alumnus, Melbourne, Australia Abandoned animals need love, adoption At the end of the school year, the students went home but they left many things behind. One of which was a beautiful gray and white cat. Our neighbors are teachers from the South and they spend their summers here so they arrive within a few days of the students leaving. Our neighbors were visited by the "Beggar" first. When he came to them he was thin and thirsty. They fed him through the summer, but were unable to find him a home. Unable to have pets, our neighbors had to return home leaving the Beggar behind. Once again, the Beggar kitty found himself wondering where his next meal was coming from. I had witnessed his attempts at hunting and they were an embarrassment to cats everywhere. But in all fairness, he was most likely raised indoors with no opportunity to acquire the hunting skills that his wild ancestors have survived with for centuries. I was next to have the Beggar kitty. The neighbors had been gone a few days and it showed. He looked up at me with that sweet, trusting face. His eyes wide with anticipation for a meal. Then I saw his caved stomach. His sides were so sunken I had to look away. I immediately went to get food and water. When I awoke there he was right where I had left him, so breakfast was served. Now that the Beggar was my responsibility, I began attempts right away at finding him a home -- a place to rule and be king of the house just like my great white kitty, Alex. My Alexander Blue has been king of our house for more than 14 years. I want a similar life for the Beggar. The Beggar's story has a happy ending. He now has a wonderful home where he is lovingly called Buddy. Unfortunately, other abandoned animals are not so lucky. Many become sick and die or are killed by cars while searching for a new home or their next meal. I hope this year is a better one for them all. Brenda Wilk
Bloomington Nutcracker brings peace and warm thoughts I want to congratulate very warmly the group of people who assemble the Nutcracker ballet show. Not only were the dancers superb, the most brilliant part was the choreography itself. I have seen so many Nutcracker shows in my life and can truthfully state that this was the best choreography ever. Well done, Jacques Cesbron! What a wonderful job! The orchestra, the chorus and the lighting were impeccable. I was surprised by the quality of the show. This delightful cast showed a high degree of professionalism, grace, dignity, and most of all the sense of sheer delight that was apparent to the public. The set designing and the costumes were amazing; they gave the dancers the appearance of angels floating on stage. Children and adults were also delighted by Mother Ginger and her children, the costume was a joy, but also the incredible work of Tom Ridgely who easily communicated his enthusiasm to the public. The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier were admirable, especially when Addison O'Day performed the solo, demonstrating incredible strength and stamina. The male dancers were an amazing force, including the Mouse King, the Moor, Dr. Drosselmeyer, and the Nutcracker. The children were also very good performers, especially the gymnasts with the Chinese dragon who gave a welcomed change of pace. Overall, the most dramatic effect was given by the group ensembles. All the group dancers moved as if they were one, as if each and every one were a uniquely superb dancer. The great performance was a sheer joy to me and my three-year-old daughter, who attended her first ballet. The Snow Queen (Amanda Callison) was my favorite. She showed such majesty, gracefulness and beautiful arm movements. She made us feel as though we were dancing with her. It is important for this talented crew to know how much the public enjoyed the show. All of these young people showed us what talent and hard work can provide--an enchanting moment where we can enjoy the finest things life has to offer. It also enabled us to feel at peace and to feel the goodness in our hearts. BRAVO! ENCORE! Sonia Olivera
Graduate student