Compost removal only takes us backwards in sustainability
It is sad news the day that we as a campus move backwards in the sustainability movement. The amount of food that could potentially be composted every day on campus is huge. It angers me that a decision that big could be made without any student involvement. Isn’t one of the huge issues of the day the youth vote? If then why is our voice being denied? We are just as much a part of this campus as Dean David Wehner. Why does he get to make decisions that affect students and the environment? What upsets me the most is his clear lack of knowledge in what students want. In the article it says “Wehner says that these students (protesters of compost removal) don’t understand the problem.” You’re right Mr. Wehner WE don’t understand. We’re ignorant. You relocated the compost without even looking at research or testing samples. Seems hypocritical. As for us being ignorant weren’t you the one who refused to meet with students and hear our opinion? Weren’t you the one who refused to listen to an expert in compost, Mr. Bolander? Bolander proved in a recent test that the compost was in compliance with the U.S Composting Council’s Test Methods for the Examination of Compost. So I suggest next time you make a decision you get of your high horse and do some reading. And while you’re at it talk to a student. Chances are we’re not stupid, or uninformed like you so kindly stated.
Michelle Fox
philosophy sophomore
Defining marriage
Where do the supporters of Prop 8 get their definition of ‘marriage’ from? According to Danny Dearborn and Ian Nachreiner their definition of marriage comes from Genesis, God or their religious views. They make the argument that because God, or the Bible, defines marriage as between one man and one woman, that EVERYONE must follow this definition. What’s wrong with the definition of marriage from Merriam-Webster? According to the dictionary, marriage is between a man and a woman, OR two individuals of the same sex. The problem with their argument is that it violates the First Amendment of the Constitution, the separation of church and state. Supporters of Prop 8 who use this argument: what makes you think that you can impose your religious beliefs on everyone else by voting to define marriage according to YOUR religion. If Prop 8 supporters can make a legitimate argument on why it should pass, without bringing up the “religious definition,” I would be more than happy to listen.
Brad Smalarz
aerospace engineering junior
Crop house displays reflect poorly on campus
While I can appreciate the actions taken by the administration and respective faculty in addressing this issue, I do feel that the simple apologies expressed by the alleged perpetrators is enough. Their immature, and disgraceful actions are tinged with racism, have no place on our campus and give our university a bad reputation in the academic world. These students do not belong on our campus, and lost the right to attend a school of higher learning when they displayed these vulgar symbols of hate and oppression.
It is sad when incidents such as this point out that racism still exists in our country. The fact that certain students feel entitled to openly display hatred and dismiss the equality of other human beings simply because of the color of their skin or their social and economic backgrounds only breeds more prejudice and mistrust. The degrading actions that occurred at the crop’s house creates more of a divide between various social groups, which totally runs counter to the experience that Cal Poly tries to provide for all of its students. It is shameful that people of such a low intelligence actually gained the right to attend our school. I feel that it would be more appropriate to revoke this right and let these students re-attend elementary school, where they could learn what equality means.
While everyone is protected by the Constitution to freedom of speech, open racism runs counter to the policies and aspirations of our university. A light punishment such as suspension would give the appearance of preferential treatment. I hope the administration shows the world that our school is not comprised of ignorant bigots, but rather a community that values and accepts all of its students.
David Watkins
architecture junior
Sarah Palin will rock Washington
As a 77-year-old re-energized foot soldier I can only say that Sarah Palin is a breath of fresh air to the country. She has electrified the United States and the electorate and her nomination as vice president has done more than if we had built ten new power plants.
This accomplished and beautiful woman caused the British to say ‘and send her over here!’ We need another Margaret Thatcher. Sarah Palin’s wit, intelligence and humor as evident by her acceptance speech at the Republican Convention was dynamic. With the exception of Ronnie Reagan, I never thought I would live to see another unifying force enter the political arena and never thought it would be a woman – one capable of bringing independents, decline-to-state, Democratic women and others together.
The only thing they can do is attack her in a shark-like feeding frenzy as is customary when the snobist elite liberal media and entrenched politicians show how low and gutless like they can become, attacking her family and daughter when they have no substance and can only respond to Sarah Palin by being vitriolic in their newspaper and television diatribe.
God bless the hand that rocks the cradle! I hope she does a lot of rocking when she gets to Washington.
Alan Martyn
Los Osos, Calif.
Enough of Juicy Campus
How many more articles will be printed about this site? The people complaining about it belong in one of two groups (or most likely both): “sluts” and greek life members. It isn’t some coincidence that these people are mentioned on that site, so stop being slutty or being notorious in the greek circle and maybe your name won’t show up. And as for last week’s editorial saying “it presents an altogether ugly side of Cal Poly to the world”: yes, I am SURE people outside of Cal Poly love to browse our school’s Juicy Campus. Give me a break.
Brandon Koca
environmental engineering junior