Thursday, Feb. 19, 1998
Reports on PMS overdone, irritating
I am writing in response to the article "Women face symptoms of syndrome each month" that appeared in Tuesday's issue. I am beginning to tire of hearing about women's cycles.
I am assuming that most of the people on this campus are aware
that women have menstrual cycles and that some women face the
effects of them each month. I don't think it is necessary for
this to be in the paper, especially the front page. These articles
are becoming a monthly thing (referring to the My Opinion article
by Erin Horan on Jan. 20).
I admit that I get cranky too, but I don't spend my time writing
a three-part series on the reasons for it. I also admit that it
is difficult to be sensitive because I never have or will suffer
from PMS. I am basically saying that the space can be used for
something that is much more important.
Mike Florio
junior-industrial engineering
Possible Iraq conflict could be world war
While it may not seem to be a big deal to most, the "conflict" in Iraq is by far the most important event of 1998. Sure, the Olympics, a mark of peace, are being held, but that doesn't seem to bother Saddam Hussein.
And while the American public and media focus on the president's
latest scandal, a world war looms on the horizon.
Wait . . . a world war? Isn't that kind of drastic? Maybe. Let
us sidestep for a quick history lesson. At the beginning of this
century, all the world powers in Europe were itching for a conflict
. . . and they got it.
The "war to end all wars" killed millions and satisfied
none. Then followed World War II. This time a bold leader, Adolf
Hitler, had the hearts of his people and kept defying world powers.
This man managed to take control of a good portion of Europe without
fighting. All he did was stand up to everyone else . . . making
him a hero and a god to his own people.
What does that have to do with Iraq? Saddam has continually stood
up to U.N. officials, denying them the access to search for chemical
and biological weapons. He has denied all attempts at diplomacy,
each time stepping up to the line and forcing the United Nations
to draw a new line a little further away. Saddam is, in the eyes
of his people, a god.
In the face of opposition, mainly the United States, Saddam has
mobilized his people. Male and female, old and young, have turned
out to train to fight against the "western devil."
We live in an age when the United States is the only superpower,
the world's police force. And consider Russia. It has openly declared
that if the United States attacks, then it could start another
world war.
Of all the people who should be afraid of Iraq, it's his neighbors.
Even they are against any attack. If a war does break out, remember
that little thing called a draft? I doubt Generation X is excited
about that.
If the United States attacks, it will be an act of war, inviting
retaliation. If the United States does not attack, then Saddam
will "live to fight another day." Looks like we are
stuck between Iraq and a hard place. I suggest my fellow students
watch these events unfold. Because it will be history.
Nathan Savolskis
freshman-aerospace engineering
University ignores Nike's labor practices
I was reassured to read the Feb. 9 article in The Daily Collegian about the concerns voiced by several officials both in and outside the University regarding the content of Undergraduate Student Government's Absolut Happy Valley T-shirts. Concern about products that reflect on Penn State is a positive step toward enhancing the school's reputation.
However, a lot of other merchandise being produced bears Penn
State's name and also gives reason to be "extremely concerned
about the message it expresses to the community," to quote
a source in the article upset by the message of the USG shirts.
On many hats, sweatshirts and other products, our University's
name and logo shares space with the infamous Nike swoosh.
Nike is a corporation that has repeatedly shown no concern for
the welfare and living conditions of 500,000 young female workers
in Southeast Asia who manufacture Nike products and earn a mere
$2.46 for a workday that often reaches more than 10 hours. The
University has ignored this situation and will continue to do
so until at least the year 2007 when the current contract between
Penn State and Nike is due to expire.
These officials should take a good look at what Nike tries so
hard to sweep away and demand of Nike at least what they demand
of USG. Products that bear the University's name should hold a
responsible message and be produced by companies with respect
for Penn State and the workers who make the merchandise.
If a company fails to meet these criteria, as Nike has, the University
should put the principles it forces on others into action, put
humanity before greed and stop doing business with Nike until
Nike agrees to stop its unfair labor practices.
Adam Black
Nike Workers Before Nike Dollars president, USG Pollock/Nittany
senator
NASCAR deserves increased coverage
I realize that at this time of the year there are many sports stories that need to be covered, especially this year with the Winter Olympics. However, until Sunday, seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt had never won the Daytona 500 (the first and biggest race of the year). So when he took the checkered flag after 500 miles of action-packed racing, he made sports history.
But what did The Daily Collegian have to say about this great
event? The only thing I found, after searching the whole paper,
was a small listing of the finishing line up. In today's world
of sports, NASCAR is one of the fastest growing sports. Also,
NASCAR is one of the only sports that is still truly dedicated
to its fans, realizing that it would not have lasted the 50 years
it has without the loyalty of the fans.
So in the future, please give NASCAR the respect it deserves and
print (at least) the standard article with an interview of the
winner of each race.
Scott A. Stover
sophomore-aerospace engineering
