Friday, Jan. 30, 1998
Reservation needs not met by allocation
Associated Press writer Philip Brasher's piece on "Clinton seeks more funds for Indian reservation law," as set forth in The Daily Collegian on Wednesday, caused pain.
With the request of Attorney General Janet Reno and Interior Secretary
Bruce Babbitt, the proposed $182 million "increase in spending
for Indian law enforcement" will probably go into Clinton's
1999 budget.
Who will request money for medical clinics, for health care, for
water wells, for agriculture, for libraries, for schools, for
low-income housing, for the elderly, the handicapped, the children?
So much is needed on the reservations. More jails are not a high
priority among the people.
Such an unfortunate allocation of federal funds can only be deplored.
Who will speak for the Native Americans? Who knows what the needs
are? Not Reno, nor Babbitt nor Clinton.
Ron Taylor
Class of 1955
Titanic history more than film can capture
Something has been bothering me which I feel the need to share. It concerns the recent "Titanic craze" which has suddenly plagued America. Recently, it has become the talk of the world. Quite frankly, I am tired of hearing everyone talk about it.
I have been fascinated with the great liner since I learned of
the discovery of her remains in the 1980s. I was 9 at the time.
I have since collected books, watched documentaries, and even
researched and wrote about the tragic sinking.
I was devastated to learn that many experts feel that the accident
could have been prevented if proper precautions had been taken.
Even more heartwrenching is the fact that so many lives could
have be saved.
I agree that James Cameron's Titanic is a most powerful and brilliantly
crafted film. However, it disturbs me that it takes a Hollywood
film success to spark many an interest in the actual event.
It shows a little something about our country and our values.
The film is getting more recognition than the deaths of the real
people.
I know that it seems too long ago for many of us to reach.
Are we all so wrapped up in our fantastical obsession with television,
movies, actors and actresses that we fail to recognize what is
important? We have a distorted view of reality.
Look beyond the fantasy to find the truth.
Jessica Salvaterra
junior-elementary education
Editor's Note: The following is a response to last week's question: Recently the national chapter of Phi Kappa Sigma International Fraternity said it will become alcohol free by 2000. At the University, three fraternities have already pledged to become alcohol free by 2000. What do you think about the trend of fraternities going dry?
Minors will drink despite alcohol ban
I think that the fraternities going dry to stop minors from drinking is pretty dumb because minors are still going to drink.
They're going to find their older friends to buy them alcohol
and it's just not going to work.
Antoinette Cofer
junior-psychology
