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Show ChRONicU MoNdAy, Paqe Eiqhr Writer's thoughts are questionable Editor: I hope other Chronicle readers will respond to Rolf Kirby's column on Nicaragua (Nov. 19). Kirby's shoddy debate tactics, such as "quotations" with no reference, deserve more critical exposure. Maybe someone could help Kirby to understand the political confusion manifested in his use of the oxymoron phrase "free government." I want to respond to the question in the column's title "Nicaragua: how free?" As far as the U.S. government is concerned, the Nicaraguan government is too free. During the 40 years of Unsupported Somoza family dictatorship when Nicaragua was under U.S. domination, everything was fine. It is disgusting hypocrisy for supporters of the U.S. -- Contra war against Nicaragua to "judge" whether Nicaragua is free enough. The central issue at stake in this battle is whether the Nicaraguans will be able to determine their own destiny or whether the U.S. government will succeed in restoring its imperial control over Nicaragua. Dayne Goodwin University staff Fickle coverage won't help ASUU Editor: I am writing in response to the article of Dec. 3, titled "Assembly dozes, groans through lengthy session." It immediately appeared to me that Lori Bona had clearly presented an inconsistent view regarding the Assembly and their role in determining issues." Recalling a house editorial from Nov. 25 focusing on the role "non-moneta- ry of the Assembly, there was a call to "redefine" priorities. The suggestion was to ry issues" as concentrate on well as the funding of student groups. It argued that the Assembly should make decisions regarding enrollment capping, "non-moneta- tuition increases and other student concerns. That was taken seriously and an ad-hcommittee was established for that purpose. Lori Bona then states on Dec. 3 that: "Members spent more than five and a oc half hours clarifying parlimentary procedure, recalling bills and arguing resolutions that simply asked opinion. "Well, it certainly appeared as though this "opinion" was initially important for student concerns. Possibly the Chronicle wants what it doesn't want? The Assembly and other components of ASUU welcome comments and advice. But maybe some type of consensus would help to clarify what that advice actually means. t Brooks Amiot ASUU Vice President Story on 'junkets' was bitterly unfair Editor: The purpose of this letter is to express my displeasure concerning an article by Kelly Hindley of the Chronicle entertainment staff. The article titled "Junket is a Plastic Tour through Tinsel Town," (Nov. 10) is an affront to the film community in general and Paramount Pictures in particular. Her article on "junkets" could have been interesting reading for those unfamiliar with the workings of the major Hollywood studios had it centered on basic procedure rather than her personal opinion. But the tone of the article is condemning, bitter and completely out of line considering that Ms. Hindley was fully aware of the process she was invited to participate in. She mentions in her article she "jumped at the chance to attend a recent Paramount Studios junket to Hollywood for the gala of John Hughes' new film, Trains and Automobiles. Did she Planes, assume this trip was offered to her because her name was drawn from a secret lottery? No, it was done in order to gain additional exposure for a film which Paramount Pictures felt showed promise of being one of the big hits for the Christmas season. She goes on to criticize the perks she received upon arriving in Los Angeles such a huge as a "complimentary fruit basket pre-premier- ing ... turkey dinner with a roomful of movie critics. . . (and an invitation) to attend a press conference starring not only John Hughes, but also his movie's acting duo, Steve Martin and John Candy." Perhaps she would have felt better if she had been put up in a Motel 6, fed dog food and had the opportunity to interview a local indigent with absolutely no connection to this or any other film. Had this been the case, a negative commentary on her trip would have been more than appropriate, but it was not. Junkets like the one 'Ms. Hindley was invited to make it possible for the principals in a particular film to be interviewed at their convenience, by the greatest number of individuals. The alternative would be to have telephone interviews with these same people. This would severely restrict access to Steve Martin, John Candy and John Hughes to all but the largest newspapers. Ms. Hindley was not forced to attend this junket it was completely voluntary. In fact, after viewing the film, had she hated it and written a damaging review, there would not have been a problem. The movie studios cannot nor do they try to control the personal opinions of the vast numbers of movie critics. But when they feel there is a greater than average chance the film would be received with enthusiasm by critics, they full-fledg- ed are simply exercising good business judgment in providing advance screenings and interviews. Asa suggestion for the future, perhaps the editorial managers of the Chronicle could Dccemder 7, 1987 more carefully select individuals to write on the film community. If the paper desires an expose, it should be done utilizing the Chronicle's money and not by preying upon the goodwill of the film companies. It would also be nice to read about some of the details she picked up on at the junket. This is information that I, like many others, only have access to by reading the paper. Jan Fasselin Director of publicity and promotion Plitt Theatres, Inc. Hotel should be free to advertise Editor: As I looked over my Chronicle last Wednesday (Nov. 25), I found myself very annoyed by the article about the University Park Hotel. It stated the hotel was "to only advertise to those involved in University of Utah functions. ""It also stated the advertising to other parties caused the city council to "worry about potential economic damage to downtown hotels." First, can the University Park Hotel survive on university interests alone? The place is enormous and has the potential to house more guests than any one university event could provide. And what ever happened to a free market society? If the Park Hotel is able to compete with downtown hotels good for them! If well-beithey are a threat to the economic ng of the downtown hotels, perhaps the threatened hotels need to improve themselves. Jennifer Peterson Sophomore j LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! Let University Student Apartments (formerly known as Student Family Housing) cuddle you this winter and you won't care how bad the roads get. We're close, keep our sidewalks clear (no matter when the snow flies) and rent to University Students, faculty, and staff for a song. Telephone tour today; 581-866- '.- 7 for a - UNIVERSITY STUDENT APARTMENTS . Free Utilities Convenient location Comunity centers Christmas hayrides & tree lighting One, two & three . bedroom apartments Off street parking On- - site laundry centers'' ceremony Playgrounds Pre-scho- ol Early Childhood Educational Center Close to all campus facilities such as the field house, indoor swimming, library Bookstore, Huntsman Center, Union and the list goes on. |