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Show Page 6 E BITOKIA Concerning last week's editorial, a point of clarification needs to be made. First, that Rick Libby's editorial about the elections and candidates was his own and did not have the complete support of the staff as implied by the use of the editorial "we." The Signpost policy that had been established was that no staff editorial would endorse any candidate. We believe that you readers are intelligent enough to make your own choices about those things that will affect you and your pocketbook. Second, the Signpost is not meant to discredit any religion, directly or indirectly. A person can be both religious and intelligent. Being one does not preclude the other. It is still important, however, to go out and vote. Student officers do control a large amount of student funds. They do have a large say in those matters that affect students here at the college. They do have the power to get some things done. We cannot afford to let their talent go to waste. We at the Signpost, collectively, will not endorse any candidate. However, we urge you to take the time and energy to go to the polls and vote. It is important. Letters to the editor Editor: Rick Libby's editorial in last Friday's Signpost draws one to wonder what the purpose of a student newspaper really is. I do not question the right of an individual and-or group to express their personal opinions concerning issues that face us here on campus. But I do question the Media Boards editorial policy of allowing an individual and-or group stand behind the title of Signpost to express their opinions. Examples, the Signpost doesn't believe in religious voting... the Signpost feels that is the person for the job...- MY TURN MY TURN By Donna Ann Willis My lengthy stay here at WSC has revealed my old puritan, conservative, narrow concepts of absolute good and absolute evil in reference to politics as intellectual dishonesty. It isn't as easy as good vs. evil, flip vs. flag. There are all those nebulous grey areas between positive and negative that we, as mature individuals and citizens of a free State, must contend with, consider and weigh. To confuse matters, my literature teachers tell me "truth is relative." Well, that's nice. Relative to what? The relativity argument is aking to situation ethics, which preaches there is no absolute truth in human relations. Now to the issue of our campus politics: I challenge the studentbody to seek out the truth concerning President Bishop instead of perpetuating half-truth -is our choice for Cultural Vice President... We feel that - is the only choice... etc. When the Signpost states "we" do they mean the Media Board? It states that it is published by the Media Board) or maybe it's the Administration, or even Chief Carber. When I was elected to the office to the Executive Council last spring, the Signpost coined the phase WASM (I believe it stands for the white, all-American, single, Mormons) to describe the new council. The Signpost chastens us to remember that all students here at Weber State are not from the same background as I, that in our service as student-body officers we should rember to represent those whose skin is not the same shade as ours, those who do not believe as we, or those who are older and-or married. This same challenge I'd like to see the Signpost and Media Board accept. Maybe the Signpost could put more effort in informing the students on our campus as to what the issues are and how the candidates feel towards such issues would help us all in making an intelligent and representative decisions. and perhaps, no-truths. Sadly, it is often a popular thing to attack those in authority; and historically, politicians have done just that in an attempt to secure votes. The criticism portraying President Bishop as inaccessible is simply not true. I have queried faculty members who noted he was the most accessible President they had been acquainted with; and I don't know of many students who have tried to see him, but those who try, succeed. How many of the other negative accusations about our administrator could also be falacious? Well, shy don't you voters out there find out for yourselves? I challenge the studentbody to intelligently and actively seek out for themselves what to believe-not just at election time-but all the time. The most accessible arguments are not necessarily the most true. Signpost Responsible journalists would strive to keep their personal biases from their articles. Rick, I know you don't like the LDSSA, but instead of yelling "religious voting," why don't you go over to the Institute and see why the majority of the students voted for the "LDSSA Officers." Maybe you'll find they're just as capable as those you would like us to vote for. And to the students of Weber State, today and tomorrow you will choose those who will sit in council with the Administration in assessing your educational needs and problems. Be concerned about your education; please vote. And personally, I have confidence in each candidate for office, no matter what his religious beliefs are. Murray Olsen ASWSA Financial V.P. Dear Editor: Over the past few weeks I have read the "published black and white" of the Signpost with interest. My eyes have glanced over words which have represented the views and opinions of fellow students who are seeking office. I hope that these individuals really do have something to offer the students. At times I find it difficualt to decide on what to believe. Promises, statements, and opinions; of course let's add to this the posters, banners and smile of student elections. In the midst of this bombardment, there there have been statements of criticism directed toward the administration to such an extent that President Bishop should resign. I am not one to say if he should or not, for I am not a member of the Board of Regeants. What I want to see is this: that there are students elected that have the personal abilities to deal with people and the administration. Why critize? I feel that a leader had better understand how to deal with problems. It does not show a great deal of wisdon for an individual to call another a fool, if those two individuals may have to work together throughout a school year. I believe that if there is any mud thrown that the greater shame rests with the person who has just thrown the fast ball. I do Re: "Candidates" by Elaine Jarrett Asst. Vice President for Administrative Services Because I have for the past four years worked closely with the President of Weber State College, I feel compelled to respond to the "Candidates" story in the April 1 edition of the Signpost with my first "letter to the editor." I feel that some of the facts of which I am aware cannot go unsaid at this time and hope that they will help the readers to better make a judgment of the situation referred to. The writer indicates that one of the persons whom she interviewed feels that the president "has lost all touch with the students." This couldn't be further from the truth. Let me tell you of some of the things that have happened and are regularly happening regarding this matter. 1. Education for the students has been one of the president's goals since he arrived at Weber State College, and he has worked very hard to accomplish a wedding of the academic and vocational to meet student needs. 2. The president and vice presidents meet once each month with the studentbody Executive Council in an early morning meeting (7 a.m.) which they call a SAF meeting Student-Administrator Forum. In this meeting, problems and matters of concern are discussed and resolved. 3. At the beginning of the 76-77 school year, the president honored a request from the student body officers that they be given complete responsibility for the cheerleaders. 4. The students have equal representation on the Dee Events Center Board six members and participated in setting up this Board from the beginning. In fact, in addition to six student members, they also have strong student interest input in the appointment of the alumni representative. If they are present each time it meets, the student represetatives should be aware of everything that is going on regarding the Dee Events Center and, in turn, should be able to keep the students informed. The administration did not make an attempt to "railroad the Osmonds" for the opening as the story suggests. Mr. Hurst, many months ago, reminded members of the President's Council that plans to invite a particular group to participate in opening ceremonies for the Dee Events Center had to proceed as bookings are made way in advance. At that time he sent out feelers to two or three different entertaining groups to see if they would be available for a performance in the Center in October of 1977. Mr. Hurst found out that the Osmonds were not available at that time. Since then, the completion date for the Center has been nebulous and nothing further has been done. It would be impossible to invite performers when we do not have a firm completion date for the Center. I agree with the story in that the Administration is looking toward finances when it comes to the Center. By mandate of the State Board of Regents, the Center will be operated as an auxiliary and as such must be self-supporting. One does not need to be a business tycoon to know that if the college and the community do not support events held in the Center, the expenses will be more than the income and a loss will be incurred. So, we must work together to make sure that the events we do offer will be attended by both students and the community. The community has put millions of dollars into that structure and can rightfully claim an interest in it. 5. One constructive thing the story mentioned was that the day care center and married student housing "are two of the greatest needs on campus." President Bishop is as concerned about these two needs as the students. He spent many hours of time and anxiety in convicing the Legislature that it should approve a bill and an amendment which would give several of the old St. Benedict Hospital buildings to Weber State. I personally know his thoughts and reasons for acquiring these buildings were to give Weber State room for expansion. One item which I would like to mention is that the gift would have included two buildings containing four and six-room apartments. One of the buildings could have been utilized immediately for married student housing and the other needed only minor remodeling to make it available for the same. These facts I submit to affirm that President Bishop definitely has not lost touch with the students; rather, he spends long, long days and weeks working for the good of this entire college, of which the students are the most important part. I very much appreciated your fine story about Dr. Dayton. He is truly a very dedicated, fine individual. not want any student leaders who will fake their way through so that they find pleasure in the eyes of their pawns, for then this whole organization will have become a game. Anyway, shouldn't leaders serve the students? I also say "Amen" to the thunder of Carla Burgess. Gordon E. Doxey WHAT IT IS Editor: I must make it clear that I do not have the same feelings as Rick Libby. It is hard to understand that a person with his April 12, 1977 availibility to the press has as shallow an insight as was shown in his editorial last Friday. I cannot say that I "do not believe in religious voting" and if I did, I would most certainly have to do some philosophical thinking. These kinds of statements of Mr. Libby's cause me to think that when" things don't go his way, he takes a cheap shot in the name of the Signpost. Therefore, I will make a stand and say that I do not agree with his Editorial and in the future, I will be aware and show my dissatifaction with such cry-babying. Clyde Mueller |