We’re getting the shaft
There are many things about N.C. State that confuse me, one of which is why all kinds of new projects and renovations are approved while class sections, professors and the students get the shaft. A prime example of this is the Rally 4 Talley campaign that is taking place right now. Does it really make good fiscal sense for us to dump money into a building that still functions perfectly well as a student center? Sure, it might be the first thing that prospective students see if they come for a tour, and sure it isn’t extremely attractive, but wouldn’t we rather show that as a student at N.C. State you get a quality education rather than a quality student center? I, for one, prefer the latter. I think that all contracts for renovation need to be put on hold until the university can find ways to fund them other than by cutting out necessities for learning. It is unfair for us to attend a university that says “sorry, you’re in a class of 300 students taught by a half-wit graduate student, but don’t you just love the new decor in the classroom?”
Andrew Lanier
senior, aerospace engineering
The health care rule breakers
I wanted to make a response to the healthcare article on Tuesday, more specifically to the McDonald response. I noticed he commented that conservatives’ fear of a public option is that the government will provide it more efficiently than private companies. This is false. As a conservative Republican, I can say that I have no worry at all that the government will provide more efficient coverage. What I do fear is that the government will undercut private business and run them out of business. The government has a virtually unlimited money supply with no profit motives; therefore, it will undercut business in prices and run them out of business, leaving us with only one option to choose from. Obviously, there will still be private ones just like the public school system, but only the very rich and our beloved politicians will be able to afford it. The rest of us will be stuck on the government “option.”
Should the one who sets the rules and referees the game, also be a competitor? That doesn’t sound fair to me. Government just grows and grows — it never stops. We need reform for health care, but it should not be rushed, the bill should be vetted and be bipartisan in nature. With a government option, we must be careful what we wish for — very careful. If we get one, it will be here forever. I’m reluctant to give up my freedoms.
Jared Chiusano
senior, biological sciences
Homecoming will impress
As the 2009 homecoming chair, I feel it is important to expand upon this year’s homecoming, Terminate the Terps. Homecoming this year takes place from Nov.1 to 7, with the week culminating as N.C. State plays the Maryland Terrapins.
I would like to clarify the statements in Wedndesay’s paper. The headline was 100 percent out of context with my quotes in the paper, specifically “Chair warns this year’s homecoming act may not impress.” This year’s homecoming act will impress. In terms of the caliber of the act, we will not see as high-caliber an act as we have seen in the past. However, the work we are doing to add additional aspects to the PackHowl pep rally and concert will be sure to impress. The reduction of the caliber of act is due to the limiting factors of tighter budget restraints; several of our sponsors were not able to donate as they have in the past.
Even with the budget restraints, homecoming is growing and improving. You will not see any reductions in the homecoming week’s events. In fact, you will see a growth in many of our events. The spirit competition is growing and improving with more events. Wear RED, Get Fed will be expanding two days to Centennial Campus — one day at Textiles and one at Engineering. We are also adding a stronger service element to homecoming.
The homecoming committee is working hard to make this year the best yet. I can promise that it will be. If you have any suggestions or would like to get involved, feel free to contact me.
Adam Compton
2009 homecoming chair
