Letters to the Editor
Computer elite not the bad guys
I have to hand it to Nick Blanchard for voicing the ire that people must feel when they manage to cripple an otherwise healthy PC running a straightforward and dummy-proof operating system and subsequently have to bring it to a PC expert.
For us computer geeks, it is astonishing that some people can mess up the things they do. Similar in comparison would be how an automobile mechanic perceives an imbecile who drove his or her car to Vegas without any engine coolant and worn brake pads, but Nick doesn’t mention them, or any other specialist with pseudo-exclusive knowledge to wield over the public.
No, like most people, Nick probably resents his inability to operate simple, household technology and therefore he resents those who can.
And then he calls us plumbers! Way to be an idiot, Nick. We “plumbers” create and maintain the technology that governs the United States Patriot Missile defense system and coordinates the anti-lock brake systems on vehicles.
All we “plumbers” have managed to do is network the entire globe, realize life-saving medical imaging technology, make music, movies, and research data freely available, and create the video games that Nick no doubt spends his weekends playing.
We are hardly plumbers (not to knock plumbing, which is a noble profession), and the campus duly notes your ability to manufacture articles about subject matter you know nothing about. You make several decent points, but they quickly become lost.
—Josh R. Dunlavy
Senior, computer science
Web developer, Craig School of Business
Taco Bell boycott has made its mark
In reaction to the March 4, 2005 article that so innocently stated that Taco Bell was being unjustly targeted in exploiting the tomato workers within its supply chain, I felt utterly shocked, confused, but extremely disgusted because I really don’t understand how people can be so close minded on the issue.
Taco Bell did exploit the workers within its supply chain. Magazines from National Geographic, The New Yorker; television broadcast shows like PBS and CNN highlighted farmworker exploitation. Famous people personally endorsed the boycott: The West Wing’s Martin Sheen, linguist Noam Chompsky and singer Tom Morello from Audioslave even endorsed the boycott.
So this boycott was something huge and very serious. In regards to the article, I shouldn’t have been shocked because when it comes to farmworker exploitation, people’s biases and prejudices usually come into play and sadly distort the information to fit their personal needs of self-gratification.
Taco Bell finally recognized the dehumanizing practices within its supply chain. That means the boycott is over! Yum!
Brands held a public news conference Tuesday, showing they finally decided, after four intense years of boycott, to take corporate responsibility. It agreed to double the miserable wages of the tomato workers and to actively and ethically monitor the practices within its supply chain.
Jennifer, I applaud you for taking an interest in the issue, but it’s sad how badly you distorted the information. And to all those human rights activists who so faithfully fought with the struggle, I applaud you.
—Gabriela Rodriguez
Sophomore, communications
|
