Whenthepenis mightierthanthesword

Why is it that when a person goes and stands up for what he believes in, he is considered a hero? That a person who dies for his religion is considered a martyr? Why is it that when I go stand up and talk about the misfortunes of Cabrini, to teach the campus community of the things that they might not be aware of, I am considered a "bitter and angry man?"

I find it hard to believe that in a school constantly concerned with the development of the student body, they would so openly call a member of the school "bitter."

I'm referring to a recent letter that was sent to me and can be viewed on page 11. The letter was sent by Executive Assistant to the President Penny Becht. The letter went as far as to imply that I might "choke on a french fry in the caf." It displayed the uncharacteristic attributes of a leader of the campus community, someone who should be in the position of nurturing my mind and helping me along via positive reinforcement to help me understand how to succeed. I cannot understand that a person can flourish in an environment that is so willing to put its students down.

Of course, this might be the way that society works, especially at Cabrini, in which a student can be shunned away from his or her friends for drinking. In a society that has a problem with alcohol consumption, we find ourselves constantly being pushed away from the people that care for us when we are charged with drinking. In my eyes, if a student is placed on probation or social probation,they should not be exiled and forced to deal with issues which will go unresolved with out the help of friends.

In a way, I see what Becht is trying tell me. The message is just brought to me in a gross realiza- tion of the work that I enjoy to do. I feel that it is the job of the student newspaper to inform the students of what is going on. If you do not see that eating nourishing food on a daily basis is a good thing, then what is? I believe that, and I'm sure that I'm not wrong. The YMCA believes in instilling the idea of healthy living. In the triangle of life, which consists of mind, spirit, and body, we see that the only way to fulfill these three tuality, I have been following the mission statement. In truth, I do not see anywhere in the mission that the school at anytime will take the time to grossly attack one of its own. I accept the criticism with an open mind, but choose not to use it. discussion of issues.

JOE ELLIOTT

angles is to follow these guidelines. Cabrini can see this by offering an environment that will help educate and teach our mind, through classes that will prepare us for the future, and our spirit, which is taught not only as part of the curriculum, but is part of the mission statement set out by the school. And the only way to treat your body well is to exercise and eat foods that are healthy to your development as a human being.

In fact, the Cabrini mission is to have the students "engage in community service in pursuit of the common good, to provide a strong liberal arts education enabling students to develop as critical thinkers, to conduct on-going evaluations of all campus programs in order to improve their effectiveness, and to create new programs consistent with the College's mission and its vision for the future."

To me, after reviewing the mission statement, I see that in all ac-

Penny Becht, I offer this clear and concise advice. I understand from what you wrote that you could not "champion the cause of fresh burgers" or imply that I am the victim of the "machine," but I feel that it is more than that. Maybe you do not feel that the well-being of the students is important. It seems to me that you do not care for the needs of the students, and would rather spend your time ridiculing the students who try and speak up against the "machine" and fight for what is right.

I have always felt that Cabrini was an institution of a higher education, an institution that would help its students realize that they can make a difference. I understand your attempt to discourage me from fighting from what I believe in and the beliefs of the students. But you will need to try a little harder, because in fact, due to unpopular belief, I feel that the students understand what I'm saying, and that by calling me "bitter" and saying that I'm wasting my time, I give you two things to remember. One, that if my articles are wasting my time, then why do so many people come up to me and thank me for writing what I did? Two, if my articles are rambles, why was the president of Wood Dining services here on Monday to inspect the service? because he read my article, that's why.

JoeElliottis a juniormajoringin English/ communication.Heis theperspectives editorof Loquitur.Wedon'tknowhowmuch longerhe'llbe allowedoncampus.

CommunityReachOut

As a community, we have the right to voice our opinions to show the school that we are happy or unhappy with the progress of the school. These responses will reflect the question that has been asked in the question of the week.

How do you feel the school has addressed the situation of binge drinking? Do you think they have offered services to help the students that drink too much? What suggestions do you have to offer?

Please e-mail your answers to Laura Casamento at laura44@xavier.cabrini.edu or call the newsroom at 902-8412. Responses can be given in any form. Answers will be posted in next week's Loquitur.