U should give big
All University staff and faculty received a booklet last week regarding the Community Fund Drive for 2007. The booklet

tells us that even a small donation per paycheck to one of the

seven worthy federations can have a big impact on someone's life.

On the back of the booklet, there is a message from President Bob Bruininks that urges staff and faculty to "contribute what you can" in the name of the University. I would like to take this opportunity to challenge the University administration to "give what it can" as well.

During the recent American Federation of State, County, and Municiple Employees strike, the University saved a large amount of money in employee wages. According to an e-mail sent on Aug. 20 by Carol Carrier (vice president, human resources), the "average AFSCME employee makes $17.04 per hour." The University also publicly maintained that one-third of AFSCME employees (approximately 1050) went on strike.

The strike lasted 13 work days. Given this data, we can estimate that the University saved over $1.86 million of wage money during the strike.

Since this is now "extra" money, I say the administration should contribute this money to the Community Fund Drive. After all, they are "aiming to again raise $1.25 million" (according

to the Community Fund Drive Web page) - if they match the amount given by staff and faculty (using the money saved during the strike), they could easily double the amount given to charity.

Even in hard times, I think we should all "contribute what we can" - and I call on the University administration to do so as well.

Ryan Mattke
University staff
AFSCME member

Priorities still quite curious
I am writing in regards to an editorial written by Ashley Dresser on Oct. 2.

I wanted to applaud you and thank you for such an uplifting, succinctly written piece concerning the University's priorities.

No one can disagree or even find fault with any of the poignant points you made. Yes, yes and yes to everything. The University's priorities are indeed a little skewed when the powers that be talk through both sides of their mouths. Driven to Discover, huh? What, actually, does that mean these days? Since money seems to be the driving force rather than what is best for everyone, to include both students and staff.

The University can and must be held accountable for ALL of the choices and decisions it makes. That Gopher stadium appears to be a top priority, it seems, in terms of the money necessary to get it up and running. Students will, of course, bear the brunt of that financing when their tuition and fees are raised to cover the cost. The University wants the community to believe that because AFSCME workers were asking for a livable wage, that it will be our fault if the price increases. Really?

Driven to discover? Hmph!

Judy Grandbois
University professor

Gopher nation lacks loyalty
Gopher Football has a lot to be proud of these days. A new coach, a fantastic new stadium state-of-the-art stadium in the works, a fancy new team introduction with smoke and fireworks, a Gopher Nation marketing campaign and a few die-hard fans that will stay until the clock runs out in the end of the fourth quarter.

The very lack of these few diehard fans is the topic of my disgust today.

Last Saturday, I sat in my seat in on the 25-yardline and watched as droves of you - students, parents, regular Joe Minnesota's left. Got up and gave up on your team - your Gopher Football team that is overcoming underdog situations EVERY game to play their best to an empty stadium.

What is wrong with you? If you were playing against a national championship powerhouse team like The Ohio State and looked up and saw more Scarlet and Grey and more BLUE in the seats for that matter than Maroon and Gold, how would you feel? I am scared to think about what it is going to look like on October 20th when we play NDSU.

Sure, they might have had a few losing seasons over the past few years, but that is no reason to give up on them. There are plenty of people out there, underprivileged families who have never seen a football game in the Metrodome who would proudly wear their Maroon and Gold and sit through the entire game, and maybe even stay for the Marching Band's post-game show.

Tailgating and getting plastered before the game does not a true fan make. An envelope full of season tickets on your kitchen table does not a true fan make. I challenge you – you deserters you – to stay for an entire game. See how much of an impact it could make on our team to hear fans cheering through to the end, to see the bright gold t-shirts fill the student section and vibrate with excitement instead of lining up to leave.

If you are a deserter for life, give up your tickets to someone who will cherish them. There are plenty of other things for you to do Saturday afternoons. If you're set on leaving, leave us real fans.

Jessica Ruth
University student