Letters
Consistency needed in PSU’s future
It seems to me that the problem with this proposal isn’t so much the fact that we don’t advertise a consistent message, but the fact that we don’t have a consistent strategic vision anyway [“PSU seeks new image,” May 24].
We have a huge unresolved tension between accessibility and prestige here, as evidenced by the OHSU/PSU merger debate.
I am a fan of increasing prestige. While access has been an important part of PSU’s mission to date, I believe that PSU has the opportunity to become a world-class institution with higher prestige if it is willing to embrace that identity. Other institutions in Portland, specifically in the suburbs, can more adequately increase access to education for broader numbers of people. PSU will best serve the city by focusing on research, other prestige-building activities and an associated image.
Dave Dyk
Student
Don’t deter voters for political gain
Without evidence that illegal immigrants are voting, a person could conclude that this legislation is aimed at making it harder to vote [“House OKs bill to require citizenship proof to vote,” May 20]. How democratic is that? Sadly, Republicans have employed strategies to suppress voter turnout before because it helps them win elections. I’m not saying all Republicans are undemocratic; I personally like moderate Republicans. But requiring people to try to find a birth certificate in order to vote could easily be the difference between their voting, and not. The leadership of the Republican Party (the radicals) knows this and they repeatedly prove that they are willing to do anything for power. At best, this legislation is suspect and it is sort of telling of the values of the radical right, power over democratic principles, whatever it takes to win.
Tim Young
Former ASPSU president
Students should act, not complain
It really doesn’t matter what people in ASPSU do – whether it’s amazing or horrific, they’ll still be attacked.
ASPSU is the elected representative organization for the student body. When something goes wrong, it’s obviously their fault, right?
A lot of good work has gone completely unnoticed in the past few years. Maybe it’s time for people to start making some changes themselves, rather than bitching every time something doesn’t go exactly their way.
Roger Wert
Student
Thom Yorke is brutally misled as far as politics are concerned [“The Wonderful World of Rock,” May 27]. Nick is correct by pointing out how clich� it is for rock musicians to mindlessly follow the liberal groupthink that permeates today’s music popular scene.
There is relatively no counterpoint to challenge Yorke’s (and others’) intellectually bankrupt arguments in today’s popular music scene. What is really disappointing is how the media is in bed with Yorke on the issue. They elevate him on their platform, giving him a pass on nearly anything he says. What is even more disappointing is how Radiohead fans will follow Yorke like sheep on his crusade (oops, pardon the religious pun) to impose a seemingly well-intentioned liberal agenda on Britain (and ultimately the United States), which will end up weakening us in the end. In summary, liberalism is a mental disorder, and Thom Yorke needs medication.
Josiah Wordsworth
St. Paul, Minn.
World problems: Nick Buono’s fault
I strongly believe that it is people like [Nick Buono] in this world that prevent any positive change from happening [“The Wonderful World of Rock,” May 27]. Artists like Radiohead, U2, Coldplay and others use the enormous opportunity that they have to address the public very well and pro-actively. The future of mankind is not looking promising. I worry for my children. You, and all those who agree with you, are the reason I worry.
Rich Long
Nick Buono: fascist
Being a small student newspaper, and you being an obviously young and inexperienced writer, I hate to criticize your efforts, but this piece is disturbingly irresponsible and lame [“The Wonderful World of Rock,” May 27].
Seriously, it’s phrases like “Get over Bush-bashing, for Christ’s sake. It’s so passe” that make me fear for this country. Bush has pushed the United States into a corner from which it soon will not be able to withdraw, both politically and economically, while its citizens lie around like a bunch of cows waiting to be slaughtered. The idea that Bush is now beyond criticism, or that speaking out against him is no longer relevant, is a terrifying error – one which the right-wing media of this country loves to feed down our throats. Please refrain from further supporting fascism in your future endeavors; citizens fortunate enough to receive a college education need to know better.
Michael Robinson
New York, N.Y.
WWNBD?
Mr. Buono is an apparent non-champion of the so-called “good cause” [“The Wonderful World of Rock,” May 27]. Evidently, if something is going “to happen naturally no matter what” we need not do our best to try and, at best, alleviate or, minimally, minimize the effects of something as serious as global warming.
This, once again, displays the superficial “it’s a free country and I do what I like” mentality of the modern American. I wonder what Buono would do if a family member or close friend was in distress due to a “natural” situation? Throw up the hands with indifference, claiming, “what’s the use”? Too easy a road, I’m afraid.
Thankfully, “tired issues” such as civil rights were not in the hands of a lot such as this.
For a writer, and I use the term lightly, professing to know a thing or two about art, I would hope Buono would re-examine the boundaries he draws for the artists who create it.
Mark Reilly
Boston, Mass.
