Everything is far from fine and dandy

To the Editor:

Just for a second, let's talk about ethnic studies on this campus. First, I'd like to direct this letter to all those people that were standing around the ethnic studies rally October 10th, more specifically at the people mumbling (and thinking to themselves), "Oh fuck, the minorities are talking again." Now, this has been an age old problem ever since minorities (be you any race, creed, culture, etc.) have been speaking up for what they believe in, for what they think is wrong, or if its just plainly voicing a concern. Frankly, it seems like this campus is different from no other when it comes down to it. Nobody wants to hear it. I'm here now to try and tell those Oberlin students who were the "I -don't-give-a-shitters" why they should've listened and what their apathy rejected by dismissing that speak-out as another "The People of Color are AngryFest".

As someone who is well aware of the typical white experience on this campus, I'd like to share my view as to what it entails (given that there are many exceptions to this theory). In my view, your average white student on this campus comes to Oberlin, stays reasonably within their own racial clique on the whole, does their studying, takes their one semester off in Europe, completes their major and graduates; without any kind of better understanding of the struggles, problems and sociology prevalent today between and within the races. A popular retort to this statement would probably be,"Why should only white people have to learn about the experiences of people of color and not vice versa as well?" My answer to this is simply that the damage factor for a white person not being aware of person of color issues is of much greater detriment than a person of color not being aware of white issues, the dynamic being what it is in this country.

Now obviously, nobody at this school had to sign some kind of form stating that you had to get involved in ethnic issues and/or studies to attend Oberlin and in no way am I trying to force morals upon anyone. But as a generation with the potential and the energy to make changes towards racial equality and understanding, it is our responsibility to respect, acknowledge, and most of all to recognize that when people like myself involved in ethnic issues are up there speaking out on something we are fighting for, that we are not doing it for our health, nor to bother you, nor to ruin your good time. We're doing it because something is wrong, very wrong.

As long as the apathetics on this campus continue to view "people of color protests" as some sort of irritating annual event or inevitable phenomenon then they will continue to lock themselves into their own "everything is fine and dandy in the upper-middle class" world and will be oblivious to both the experiences of a great many of their fellow students and the severe problems that exist in the U.S. today.

Just to let you all in on something........everything is far from fine and dandy and by people not giving a shit or thinking that the status quo is fine just keeps the oppressed oppressed. I know I can't make all y'all listen, but I can sure grasp a damn good idea of what's gonna happen if nobody starts.

Thanks for listening to all this.

-Bill McElnea, College sophomore

Student votes essential in election

To the Editor:

On Tuesday, November 4, voters will elect a new City Council and vote on local levies as well as statewide ballot issues. Approximately 500 students are registered to vote in Oberlin-enough to have a significant impact in the city and even the state. And the issues voters will decide on next week affect students' lives.

Do you want another industrial park in Oberlin? A yellow bike program? A major airport just outside of town? How should the rooming houses that so many of us live in be regulated? What can be done to improve town-gown relations? How can we best achieve sustainable development? These are just a few examples of the types of things the Council deals with on a regular basis.

Perhaps the most important item on Tuesday's ballot is Ohio Issue 2. If it passes, Issue 2 will take $200 million away from injured workers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome may no longer be covered. Employers' safety records will be hidden. Workers will no longer be able to be diagnosed and treated by their family doctor. The entire country is watching to see what will happen with Issue 2. If it passes, other states will likely face similar attacks on workers' compensation.

It is essential that the 500 or so students registered in Oberlin take the time to exercise their right to vote on Tuesday. If all 500 students go to the polls next week, we can undoubtedly make a difference in the City Council election. Issue 2 has been said to be too close to call. Need we remind you of Democrat Kate Walsh losing her seat in the Ohio House of Representatives by 12 votes? Or Oberlin grad Lee Fisher winning a statewide race for Ohio Attorney General by 1234 votes? Your vote matters. Find out about local issues and candidates. Defend workers' rights. Vote on Tuesday.

-Jenny Kalecyc, College junior, Oberlin College Democrats

Coalition has endorsed city council candidates

To the Editor:

Next Tuesday residents of Oberlin will elect a new City Council. Eleven candidates are competing for seven spots. A coalition of students including representatives from Local Community Environmental Action (LCEA), Oberlin College Democrats, and Students United for Reproductive Freedom (SURF) drafted questionnaires for the eleven candidates. We reviewed the questionnaires, listened to candidates speak at a public forum, and read their comments in the Oberlin News-Tribune. After careful consideration and discussion of issues such as sustainable development, crime prevention/policing, college-community relationships, and rooming houses, the individuals in the coalition reached a consensus to endorse the following four candidates:

Frances M. Baumann

Sarah Kotok

Floyd L. Ramp

Kenneth Sloane

But don't take our word for it. See the Nov. 28th Oberlin News-Tribune and elsewhere in this week's Oberlin Review to read the candidates' responses for yourself. We hope that the effort to involve students in local politics continues. If you have suggestions, questions, or concerns about this project, we would be glad to talk to you.

The summer WAVE program was successful

To the Editor:

Thanks to the President's and the Center for Service and Learning Offices, the 1997 Summer WAVE Program (Words are Very Enjoyable) was very successful. This basic academic program helped more than fifty, mostly African-American children throughout Lorain County. Additionally, many volunteers contributed valuable time to WAVE. As the volunteer coordinator, I express deep appreciation to all the wonderful people and supporters of WAVE for making it possible to provide almost three months of additional education to local children. This is just another way that Oberlin College distinguishes itself from virtually all other colleges and universities in America.

Thanks!

-Booker C. Peek, Professor of African-American Studies

Take advantage of flu shots, stay well

To the Editor:

Every year a significant proportion of students (and others) come down with Influenza, a respiratory virus. This often results in a 2 to 3 week illness, interfering with classes, performances, recitals, exams and athletic events. the flu shot is 95 percent protective against the three strains included in the vaccine. For persons with chronic health problems, it is especially important to be protected.

The flu season generally extends from December until April. The virus is easily transmitted in enclosed spaces: classrooms, dorms, cars, airplanes, etc. The flu shot takes about two weeks to become effective and is good for one season.

Next week, Student Health will again be offering free Flu Shot Clinics in Wilder. Please watch for announcements and take advantage of this chance for a healthier winter and spring.

-Laura Hieronymous, Nurse Practitioner for Student Health