Today we salute you, Loud Typers In Class…

No one cares if you bring your laptop to class, but do you have to type louder than a river dancer on stage? Are you trying to show off how fast you can type? Because no one cares. And deny it if you want, but we all know you’re not typing notes. No one will sit near you and your rattling keyboard, but do you notice or care?

Like Beethoven blasting out the Fifth symphony, you bang away every day oblivious to the students glaring at your flying fingers. You beat those keys like they owe you money, absorbed in your own little world between the monitor and the touchpad, as if no one in the class has any interest in hearing the professor you’re drowning out.

So go cultivate your carpal tunnel somewhere else, oh killer of the keyboard, or the only noise louder than your typing will be your screaming when we heave your laptop out a window.

Seriously, slow down and quiet down. The only thing more annoying than you is the kid next to you eating his entire three-course meal from noisy plastic bags while straw-slurping an empty cup.

Amelia S. AnselmSenior, English

Thank you N.C. State

Though this message of thanks may be offset by numerous other messages of outrage submitted to the Technician, I want to extend my thanks to Student Affairs, Dr. Stafford, Dr. Picart, Dr. Luckadoo and all other involved parties for their work on the new LGBT center. This center, once open, will be a very valuable asset to North Carolina State University. Because of the efforts of Student Affairs and Dr. Stafford, NCSU is closer than ever before to having a safe place for every single member of the student body, which is an excellent goal to be working towards–many thanks, again, for your work with Student Affairs towards this noble goal!

R. Mike DanielsSenior, Electrical Engineering

What would Jesus really do?

Raven Solomon’s column in Wednesday’s “Focused” section (“Homosexuality: morally wrong”) asks whether Jesus would approve of an LGBT center. As a Christian, I believe that he would. Throughout the gospels there are examples of Jesus reaching out to those deemed “unclean” or socially unacceptable, including lepers, tax collectors and Samaritans. It seems to me that “living like Christ” would mean living with an open mind, accepting those of different ethnicities, religions, and yes, sexual orientations.Additionally, considering the wide range of opinions on homosexuality among different sects of Christianity, it seems arrogant of Solomon to claim unequivocally that God disapproves of homosexuality. If the faith as a whole cannot reach a consensus on the “rightness” or “wrongness” of homosexuality, how can any one individual claim that they know God’s will? Solomon notes that N.C. State is not a religious institution. As a state-funded, non-religious school, the University must make decisions based on whether students are being treated fairly and in a way that allows all students to feel safe on campus. Religion has no real place in the University’s decision-making process.Whether various religious groups approve or not, it appears that N.C. State will gain an LGBT center. Perhaps Solomon and other opponents should focus more on demonstrating God’s love for all people, and less on passing judgment of others’ lifestyles, lest they be judged themselves.

Katherine GleasonJunior, Zoology

Liberty and LGBT

As a public university, for North Carolina State to prohibit the building of an LGBT center solely because such a center contradicts certain religious morals would be a blatant violation of the separation of church and state, a clause that many Christians too often forget. But more than this, individual moral beliefs should never impose restrictions on others who may not share the same moral code. If you don’t like the idea of an LGBT center, you don’t have to use it. It is in the same respect that those who are pro-life don’t have to get an abortion and Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t have to receive blood transfusions. The fact that certain sects of the population don’t agree with a practice should not inhibit the right of the rest of the population to use said practice. That is the definition of liberty. Nevertheless, personal moral beliefs should com into play when deciding the funding for such an institution. Thus, funding becomes the essential question concerning the LGBT center. If someone disagrees with, or will never use an LGBT center, than they should not have to pay for others to use it.

Nicholas UhlandSophomore, Civil Engineering

Don’t force your morals on other people

In response to pretty much the entire debate over the LGBT Center… but mostly the article that peeved me, “Homosexuality: morally wrong.”

I think that people who pick out fun little verses in the Bible for us to go look up “for proof” are missing the point entirely that the Bible was written for inspiration and community, not to be used as a weapon and driving force for hate and discrimination. We all interpret it differently, just like we all have different feelings and opinions about this center.

Why must this turn into another tired “morals” argument. Don’t force your morals on other people, do you honestly think that if the center doesn’t go up that homosexuality on campus won’t exist or still be present? You don’t want the center so that you don’t have to look at it, walk by it, or hear about it? That all seems petty, selfish and definitely not Christian behavior to me.

And for those claiming “I don’t care,” you don’t get off so easily either. “The opposite of love is not hate, its indifference” ~Eli Weisel. It’s your money, your school, your peers, your generation–give a damn.

I already wrote this as an online comment but wanted to go further and at least send it in.

Sincerely hoping to tick off some Bible thumpers and a-PATHETICS,

Sarah WongJunior, Biological Sciences

Really Bobby?

Dude, Bobby, what are you thinking?!? You are on SG, you are suppose to be reducing student fees, not adding to them. While a sustainability fee isn’t a bad thing, where’s the university administration on this? If anything, you only need to tell them they need to do something about environmental sustainability, but not tell them hand us a new fee. Granted, its only 10 bucks, but still, several sets of 10 dollars soon adds up to 100 dollars. SG is to work to cut fees for students, and negotiate with university administration to reduce, limit, and make sure the student is at best interest with it, not add to them.

I think all that free food you are getting at Fountain is going to your head…

Kyle BoltonSophomore, Computer Engineering

Clothes make a difference

As an alumnus from many years ago, I commend the students for their enthusiasm and sometimes rabid support of our athletics programs. However, I would like to make one suggestion. When attending football games – and for that matter, any State athletics event–try wearing Black jeans or pants. From where I sit on the west side of the stadium, I see mostly Red shirts, but I also see a lot of Carolina Blue jeans. It really takes away from the “Sea of Red” effect that shows up so well on TV, as well as to those of us seated on the west side. This may be too late to be read for the opener, but I’ll be watching in two weeks for that true Sea of Red. Go Pack!!! Erv Thompson