Letters to the editor

Boycott

Your arguments did not make any sense [“Better than boycott?” Jan. 31]. They seem to support the very stance you’re against. You stated how economic pressure is put on a corporation: through pressure from shareholders. Shareholders like to see profits that are forecast become a reality. If a group of people chooses to not buy Coke products when many of them were before, then profit forecasts will not be met.

You should take a look at other boycotts that have been successful. Like the Taco Bell boycott, in which shareholders, because of economic impact as well as societal image, forced the company to raise the wages of tomato pickers.

I don’t understand how you saying "based on the above information" is sufficient support for what you are advocating. There was nothing in the previous paragraphs emphasizing opinion, just the money side of it all.

Even if the idea you advocate, which you stated is changing opinion, is more effective, a well-publicized boycott is certainly going to bring more attention than a letter to an editor.

Jesse Bufton

Protest based on facts, not bullshit.

I support protesting corporations who step on human rights or maintain unethical business standards [“Better than boycott?” Jan. 31].

However, I believe certain mindsets too quickly persecute some corporations. Be it American values or critical thinking, I believe hard evidence must be obtained before spewing accusations – especially when those accusations could impact the income of other families.

In some cases, such as Higher One, Taco Bell and Enron, the evidence is documented or even guilt admitted by employees. In other cases, such as Coca-Cola, the evidence is hearsay and inconclusive.

KillerCoke.org plays well on emotions such as fear and disgust, but it doesn’t provide much evidence beyond unsubstantial journalist reports, uncited statistics and alleged personal stories. On the flipside, the Miami district court and the corporation itself both believe Coca-Cola is innocent of the alleged crimes.

Where is the employee who speaks out against Coca-Cola’s quest to murder union workers? Where is the lawyer that can connect, beyond a reasonable doubt, murder X to corporation Y?

I’m more concerned about the amount of paper wasted and pollution caused by the anti-Coke spam campaigns from these emotional, excitable students who persecute based on weak evidence.

Jordon Penner
Portland, OR

Graff

Graffiti done anywhere without permission is criminal vandalism, pure & simple [“Legal graffiti,” Feb. 17]! While working for a property management company in Los Angeles for several years I cannot begin to tell you of the hundreds of gallons of paint and hours of time I spent covering up graffiti, most of it done by violent gang members. And woe to anyone who fails to cover up the graffiti on their property as soon as it is done, even one time, since to let it stay up will guarantee it will spread all over the building and neighborhood by individuals using it as their own message board and primitive blog.

Anyone caught illegally doing graffiti should be sentenced to paint over graffiti on public areas for 90 days for a first offense and six months for any subsequent offenses.

Sincerely,
Randy Rice

Elections

Your suggestion regarding the Elections Committee deserves merit [“Student elections process should be reconsidered,” Feb. 3]. The committee, historically, has had many problems and year after year, viable solutions remain in the dark. There is a problem with your analysis, however. I’ll have to rely on the old cliche – easier said than done. Being on the Elections Committee is a thankless job. As a past member of the committee, I understand the time commitment and personal involvement that students on the committee are forced to deal with. Speaking from personal experience, I understand that most students believe that they are truly doing a good service for students by serving on the committee. Giving up hours each night to deal with petty complaints, working hard without any real guidance, and trying to be fair and equitable while facing enormous amounts of criticism by "passersby" – or those who like to complain about the process but are unwilling to commit themselves to actual hard work. Rightfully so. Being on the Elections Committee sucks. Many students’ criticisms go far beyond diplomatic discussion and focus more on personal, usually untrue, rumors. In years past students have gone as far as hanging "who’s sleeping with who" posters about committee members. These sorts of childish tactics are despicable. It seems that the closer it gets to punch time, the more "evil" the members become in the minds of a few, very vocal students.

I agree with you, the process is extremely flawed. However, I believe that your analysis of why that occurs is oversimplified. The Elections Committee members are trying to do a positive thing for students. They are acting selflessly, and trying to create a fair process. Students will never be able to initiate change as long as immature criticism is running rampant.

At the point where students are willing to run for a position on the committee, maybe things will drastically change. However, at the point where we cannot even get enough students to fill the actual elected positions, it is highly unlikely that PSU students will beg and plead for a position on the thankless committee.

Amanda Barron
PSU