Letters to the Editor

TLooking for more

It recently occurred to me that there is a growing discontent amongst a large number of residents living on campus who are looking for something out of the ordinary, something other than what can become just another mundane night of drinking.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good night involving a few drinks but after the routine sets in over time I am left looking for something more. Often I wake up thinking that expanding my horizons a bit might help with what can become a monotonous cycle.

I know that transportation and budget play a huge role in entertainment; however $1.50 for the bus can get you to a whole plethora of free places. Minneapolis has numerous parks to offer like Mill Ruins downtown or Minnehaha Falls just a few stops down on the light rail. Each provides amazing views during both day and night and may be a nice alternative for those discontented occasions. 

Patrick Simpson

University undergraduate

Think of the farmers

In response to Becky Redetzke Field's Friday letter to the editor on Aramark's use of "caged eggs": Is it really socially irresponsible to consume "caged eggs"? The fact that caged eggs are sold more than cage-free eggs suggests that people either don't care about the issue or are willing to save a dollar or two for some minor "injustices" done to animals that would not be alive if it weren't for the consumption of caged eggs.

Chickens are a flocking animal; they naturally live in close quarters with one another, caged or not. Despite this, animal rights activists still seek to make the lives of farmers more difficult by making them keep chickens in their "natural state." Done so by not clipping wings (to prevent chickens from flying over fences, hence escaping), allowing chickens to have more "personal" space, thereby reducing a farmer's already minuscule profits.

Farmers are people, who are infinitely more important than chickens. How can you argue for the rights of chickens when there are much greater injustices happening in our world? You are embarrassed to spend money on caged eggs? Well, I am embarrassed that people care more about chickens than other people.

Tim Culverhouse

University undergraduate

Hate crimes underplayed

My initial reaction to the article about the two students who were victims of hate crimes was anger, sadness and disgust. The fact that this kind of horrendous act driven by fear and ignorance is happening in such a diverse community where the numerous differences in our population should be lauded brought tears to my eyes. These students were not just attacked for money; they were attacked for who they are.

My second reaction was "is this it?" They were given a total of 12 lines in Thursday's Daily for something that should be big news.

How else will people be made aware of these situations so that more can be done? The Daily's readers deserve more information, because it is our duty to challenge the existence of hate crimes in our community.

Erin Dwyer

University undergraduate

Vote Hatch

Have you done all you can to reduce your tuition costs? Tell five voters about Mike Hatch's plan to reduce college tuition.  He will close tax loopholes for Minnesota-based companies that earn royalties overseas or out of state, and use that money to fund higher education. Vote Mike Hatch for governor Nov. 7.

Lisa Wersal

University alumna

Hatch is wasting money

Attorney General Mike Hatch is wasting time and the taxpayers' money as he made it clear that he will appeal the court's decision concerning the "Minnesota Video Game Act," which was ruled unconstitutional. Similar acts have been ruled unconstitutional in several states already and those states now need to pay legal fees using the taxpayers' money. Mike Hatch is wasting people's time and money, and this is all before he even tries to be elected governor.

If Mr. Hatch cared so much about violent video games he would help parents better understand the rating system and stop blaming the gaming community. Video games are protected speech just like books and movies. No fines are in place if a child sees an R-rated movie or if he buys a book with violent undertones. Why should video games be any different? This issue alone has convinced me that Mike Hatch is not the man to be running the state of Minnesota.

Tom Harriman

college student