The Panther Prints January 23, 1996

Letters

3

Letters, We Get Letters...

Editor:

I would like to comment on the upcoming referendum to cancel UPEI’s membership in the Canadian Federation of Students. I for one am ambivalent about how I would vote, and would like to see more infor- mation and less flim-flam from both sides.

I shall attempt to paint the picture of what’s going on, as near | can make it out. The reasons to stay are twofold: the CFS’s various student travel and purchase dis- counts can save a student more money than he or she puts into CFS in dues if he or she makes any effort at all. Also, whatever the quality of their lobbying, the appearance of unity CFS gives us, as well as their - ability to kick up a fuss in the event that anything ticks them off, prob- ably has kept tuition fees lower than they would have been with no organisation at all. On the other hand, the No side has brought forth some very serious allegations. If even half of them were true, it would indicate that CFS is incompe- tent, is fanatical, has screwed up priorities, wastes money, uses thug- gery and undue harassment as a lobbying tool (when it bothers to lobby on our behalf at all), and presumes to speak for students on moral issues at the expense of pro- tecting our financial interests.

What disturbs me is that neither side has made any attempt to address the other’s position. The posters around campus are reminiscent of paid political advertisements, “*sound bites’’ designed to manipu- late people into voting the ‘‘right way’’ through selective reporting of facts. This is all well and good, but it doesn’t help in making an in- formed decision. CFS has made no satisfactory response to the No Committee’s very serious allegations of ineffective and misdirected lob-

bying. Nor have they an explanation for what appear to be very question- able financial practices. Just because they save us a few bucks at various retail outlets does not mean we should excuse them for spending our money unwisely. If the CFS does not make a plain, candid, and fully verifiable answer to these charges forthwith, then I shall be forced to conclude that these allegations are all true, in which case I will vote no.

The Student Union for its part, has been very forthcoming with negative tidbits about the CFS, but I have yet to hear a peep from them about what is to replace it. I would be very leery about voting to go off on our own with no federal student’s lobby at all, especially in these days of downsizing and fiscal restraint. What does the Student Union pro- pose to replace the CFS with, if anything? And if we are joining a new federation of some sort, what services does it offer, and what is its reputation like compared to the CFS? These are all questions I would like to see addressed, by both sides, forthwith.

Stephen DeGrace

THANKS TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS YOUR'RE DOING AGREAT JOB. eo ®

To the Editor:

Last week’s letter to the editor commented on the quality of CIMN’s spoken word programming. Mr. Stuart expressed dissatisfaction with a particular programmer’s choice of words. The management of CIMN was distressed to learn that one of our listeners felt that our programming wasn’t satisfactory. We endeavour‘ provide intellegent and thought provoking program- ming, so we appreciate your com- ments and concerns. If there are any future comments, please contact the CIMN rnanagement directly -- after all, one doesn’t call the radio station to complain about the newspaper.

HELPING THE WORLD WRITE NOW

Self-sufficiency through literacy in the developing world

For information, call 1-800-661-2633

Panther Prints

Wants YOU

Email us at newspaper@stul.cs.upei.ca

ro) 7 7

UU Mute

Sandwich Strata

Fig. 6. Sandwich Geology

Li AEE

Bite into a Subway Footlong and youll uncover layer upon layer of delicious meat and tasty fixin’, surrounded by fresh-baked bread. It all stacks up to a great sandwich.

Pickle Deposits

Tomato Layer

Onion Strata

Meat Folding

Bread Bed

SUBWAY

) 1996 Doctor's Associates, Inc