024_Insight Apr 27 1994 p 2 |
Previous | 24 of 34 | Next |
|
|
This page
All
|
Loading content ...
Page 2 EDITORIAL CALIFORNIA STATE UMVgB8ITY. FRESNO April 27, 1994 INSIGHT Students voice concern over ASI elections Vs like a class project.. Commentary Eric Alan Elections arc over and new student leaders have been chosen, but die question of whether thc electorate will realize any significant change in policy or direction may be of secondary concern behind an apaihcthic student body. Despite campaigners' impassioned efforts to elicit sludent support, the crowd around the voting booth remained slight in comparison to Ihe crowd around the lunch counter. year's election, according to Brian Haven of thc Reality Party. An indifferent sludent body suggests the only ones who think about studeni government, much less think it can make a difference, are those running for office. "I just don't sec thc point," Tracy Patterson said. "Thc students running for office may think they can make a difference, but I don't think they're given any real authority." "It's like a class project, an exercise; it doesn't really mean anything," Patterson said. "Anyone who thinks that studentgovemment has real power to make changes is fooling himself," said Patricia Eskew, who plans lo attend law school after graduating with her degree in political science. "The school administration might allow siudeni officials to make a few token choices, but dial's about it. Thc sad thing is lhai if wc (lhe students) were organized behind a common goal, the people who really make ihc decisions might take us seriously," Eskew said. Apathy is contagious. "I don't think it matters who wins thc electic-ns," said May Xiong. "This is my first year at CSUF, but my friends told mc not to worry about reading lhc handouts or voting," shc added. Some sludents cannot relate to lhe publicized issues. "I didn't bother to vote," said third-year art major Mark Hammond, as he tugged at the bill of his red and white Bulldog rap. "None of lhc issues I've heard about make any sense to me." 'Two guys handing oul flyers told me they want to extend library hours, but it's always been open when I needed to get in," hc said. "The only problem I see with the library is they've cut back in the periodicals department apd it's made it hard to find current articles for term paper research. That's a real issue, but nobody is talking about it." Many students have no ito who ihcir representatives arc or what they are doing. Garcia, between bites of his large double bacon cheeseburger. "I'm only worried aboul getting my homework done, making my next car payment and making enough money this summer to pay for school nexi year. If ihcy (siudeni govemmenl) can help wilh thai, I'll listen, if not, I don'l care who ihey arc or what ihey do." Undaunted by ihc passive majority, dedicated campaigners solicited each passerby for his vote. "A loi of students don't know thai they can make a difference if ihey just check out the issues and vote," said legislative vice president candidate Brian Haven. "Part of the tuition fees every sludent pays goes into a fund ihai'sconirollcd by sludcntgovcmmcnt. It's their (the student's) money. They should know who is spending it and where il's going," Haven said. Students' lack of interest in campus politics may be a rcsuliof current office holder's style, according to Tommy Monrcal, who was a presidential write-in candidate for lhe Save Our Students Party. "The Reality and lhc SCARED Party have turned council meetings inlo their own personal battleground. They put barriers in front of their faces and they can't see or hear each other." Monrcal said. "With all ihcir bickering, they don't get anything done, and lhc students, you and 1. don't gel anything out of it but frustration." 'Umorthytftbeirtime Commentary How can the studeni government make decisions for —=-#—i—-T?—T. the benefit of students if ihcy don't even know what Marta Machuca sludenlsnccd? So far, all wc have heard aboul the ASI is lhat political Students participating in the ASI elections have never parties are fighting for power and suggesting brilliant reached greal numbers and thc 1994 student election was ideas, such as Reality's idea of cutung out thc Campus Children Center. When siudentsarcawarcofwhai'sgoingon wilh ASI, it's only because of thc inscnsitiviiy of some political panics who have reached the limits of tolerance. Several students wonder if elected student leaders ever do anything good for the students — or do they just spend their time playing political games. Pamnus candidates who BaaB^i^BiiBa happened to be elected by the measly 12 perccntof students probably feel very proud — as if it was a big accomplishment Now lets get iheir feet back no exception. It is pathetic that little more than one studeni in 10 bothered to vote this year. Theplottotrcatsiudenislikcmushrooms—keep them in the dark and feed them manure — seems to be working in its usual form. Thc end result is that students don't care about what's because il seems that nothing good is going on. Students' apathy towards thc election of stu- However, student apathy HS&SSgZ towards student govern number of votes counted. According to ASI, only 2,124 (12 percent) of approximately 16,500eligiblc students voted. One can blame students for lack of interest, but they are not thc only ones to blame. ASI's purposes. Groups and organ izations supporting candidates along with the ASI board should devise a better plan to reach a majority of students and get them to vote. It may be tough but it's not impossible. Since student government has time to play politicians, they may want to include in their agenda a project to increase student involvement Studcnt govemmenl is supposed io represent students as a whole. merit mav fit verv well to on ,hc ground by taking imo rci/ rf«?n iw account that some students didn'l even know who ihey were voting for. Names on the ballot were nolhingmore than just names ■BasaM to them. Theories whodidn'teven bother to vote have taken ASI as a non-serious organiza tion, unworthy of their time. However, student apathy towardsstudenigovernmcnt may fit very well to ASI's purposes. The less a ware studen ts are about what is going on, the more freedom they have to turn CSUF up-sidc-down. But hey, just keep in mind, thc executive officers and senators —good or bad—getabouthalfa million dollars annually from your student fees. That comes out to about S32 from each of us. ASI If only 12 percent of CSUF's total sludent voting decides on where that money goes, population are making their voices heard, we are already That's more than enough money for a college student in trouble. to buy four years worth of Scantrons. Multi-lingualism a must in '90s; University programs follow suit United States has one of most diverse societies in world Jorge Perez ~~ ' INSIGHT In an era where the world's population is becoming more heterogeneous and more dependent on international factors, the knowledge of a foreign language takes a greater value In the modem international society, monolingualism is no longer thc norm, but the exception. Onc day soon if not already pasi - ii will be in America. "A person who is monolingual is poly-ignorani," said Maurice Gendron, lhc dean of lhe Foreign Languages department. "Knowing someone else's language makes you aware and undcrsianding of individual and cultural differences," he added. The United Suncs has onc of lhc most diverse societies in ihc world, Gendron said. However, only a small pan of the population is fluent in a second language. By fluent, it is meant thai the person speaks, reads, writes and comprehends lhc language, according to a recent sludy prepared by Academic Senates of California Institutions of Higher Education. Included in lhc "Plan for thc 90s," arcponadopicd last year by ihcCSUF Academic Senate, is a requirement for graduating seniors lobe proficient in a second language, according to Gendron. According to Gendron, the CSUF Academic Policy and Planning committee is work ing on thc standards for the foreign language proficiency rc- quircmcni. Thc requirement will be imple mented as soon as lhc committee works oul die standards and lhe academic senate approves ihcm. "Proficiency in another language sensitizes a person io view outer perceptions of reality ,"Gm4Jronsaid,"and it might also give the edge in the job market over thc person thai is monolingual." Thc department of foreign languages, in conjunction with Foothill College, offers a summer abroad program to studenls lhat demonstrate proficiency in foreign languages. "Thc International Education Program gives sturJcnis a chance to go overseas, work and make a hide bit of money, and leam another language," said Rose Marie Kuhn, associate professor of French. Kuhn also pointed oul that in the global economy, ic which the world is leading into, being bilingual is a valuable asset. "There arc a lot of people graduating and not as many jobs as graduates out there," Kuhn said. "Employers will hire someone with knowledge in foreign languages," hc added. Erica Piedra, a junior majoring in French, isoncofthcfcwsiudcniswho has taken advantage of the International Education Program. Piedra isal so presidentof the "Ccrclc Francais." He spent iwo months last summer working in a French-speaking province in Belgium. "When I got there, I had the hardest time responding," Piedra said. "Bul il was worth it, because I came back really fluent." Now Piedra not only is fluem in Spanish, English and French but also knows lhc importance of being polyglot. "Everything is becoming more international and if wc warn to sell a product or our skills, we'll have lo be able lo market it in their (buyer or employer! language." Piedra said. Editorial Inger Sethoi> So much for equal access to campus buildings. INSIGHTphotographcrTommy Monrcal was on his way to lhc McKee Fisk darkroom one Saturday morning when hc, because of his method of transportation, was denied access to the building where his fellow studenls walked freely in and out as ihcy pleased. Monrcal's only way logci lo lhc building's second floor, where ihc darkroom is located, is through lhc automatic doors, lhc only rouic to the only elevator in the building. These were the only locked doors in thc building on this Saturday morning. As usual when Monrcal needs a little help to enter public places, hc called campus police to have an officer unlock ihcdoor. Unfortunately, campus police were noi very understanding and refused to make an exception for Monrcal because hc wasn't on "thc list." Monrcal didn'l know physically challenged studcnLs had to be on a list togci into campus buildings. It shouldn't require loo much higher thinking to realize the absurdity of keeping a building's only wheelchair access locked while all other entrances lo the building arc open. After three hours of pleading, Monrcal was finally allowed equal access — his only access. Disaster questions Chinese government ethics Commentary i Yi Ping Ho Thc Chinese Government's response io a tour boat diastcr lhat lefl 24 Taiwanese tourists dead was protested on ihc CSUF campus by lhe Taiwanese Students Association. Chung-mu Cheng, thc leader of TSA, and commiucc members distributed handouts in lhc free speech area expressing their outrage toward lhc Chinese government. Thc incident lhat TSA is protesting in thc Chinese govemmenl attempted cover-up of ihc tour boat fire of unknown origin thai killed 24 tourists last month in China. It occurred when a lour boat, carrying 24 Taiwanese tourists, was at tacked and confronted by a boat of three pirates. Since ihe merciless pirates were heavily armed, the 24 tourists were robbed and ihen imprisoned in their own wbins. Later, the pirates brutally murdered all 24 tourists by setting ihc whole ship ablaze. According to TSA members, lhe Chinese government sealed the area after the accident and forced the cremation of lhe victims' bodie . without iheir families consent. Wc, Chinese people, believe thai those conducts are obviously against traditional cultural values io treat dead people. The incident isrefcrred as the'Thou- sand Island Lake." Thc tragedy exposed lhc Chinese government's lack of steadfast laws and ignorance of human rights and lives. This outrageous beha vior is strongl y condemned. Taiwan is not a province of China but a separate nation. Thus. Taiwan deserves to be treated with dignity, sovereignity and respect — just like the way China is being treated. The former is democratic; the latter is communist. Under such circumstances as crucial as the Thousand Lake incident, thc Taiwanese govemmenl should set up a better protection program to their citizens while they travel in China. This accident indicates Ihe Chinese govemmenl is not only violating international criminal laws, it shows ihc Letter-totheeditor govemmem's intention of covering up die disaster. Such a barbarous country, showing no respect to human lives, should be condemned. It's time for the world to reveal ihe true colors of Chinese government. From lhe Massacre of lhc rebelling Chinese students at Tiananmen Square in 1989 to this tragedy, it would not be erroneous toconlcudc thai the Chinese government is indeed ruthless and has virtually no respect whatsoever for any human rights. An irresponsible China is noi qualified for America's continued treatment of the "mosi favored nation." Wc, ihe Taiwanese students, demand the the Chinese government tell ihc truth and punish ihc merciless murderers harshly. 'CSUF has no identity problem, except in Fresno Dear Editor, A cartoon published recendy in lhc Fresno Bee — aCSUF-FSU Bulldog trying to suggest an "identity crisis" exists — was cute, but way off die mark. The academic cap on ihe dog, "CSUF", wasdrawn pathetically small. The muscle-bound mutt, "FSU", was made deliberately big. Maybe this is how the Fresno Bee and some local television editors and some local sports buffs sec it, but it's just not the case. The sc-called identity crisis is in their minds, not the minds most students, faculty.and not the view held by much of the rest of the nation and world which sees this campus very differently than some sports and entertainment-minded locals. The fact fe, Cahfomia State University, Fresno, is an important part of the largest university system in the world. It has more than 340,000 students and 17.000 faculty on 20 campuses. The Fresno campus has solid academic muscle and has established itself system-wide and nationally as agrcai place of higher learning. When I first came to Fresno State College many years ago, litdc FSC was a struggling poor relative of lhc great University of California. Since then, we've worked hard io achieve considerable academic and athletic st.ture The Bulldog, meanwhile, is just a symbol of a healthy collcgiaic athletic program, one among many strong programs developed at CSUF. The "identity crisis" clearly is in greal part of the local news media — including our own sludent daily newspaper — which panders to local sports and commercial interests by playingup Ihe town's name, rather than the correct university name. Every time FSU appears instead of CSUF in a news story or commercial, it amounts to inaccurate journalism that is an insult to the faculty and stu dents who arc here to earn a degree from California State University, Fresno. It may make some local town boosters happy that local media has arbitrarily decided to call this university FSU. Bui mosi who I've talked prefer CSUF, even while fondly calling the school by its informal name, Fresno Slate. Few graduates want a degree from some place called Fresno Slate Univcrsiiy. Few faculty mem be rsauend ing conferences or recruiting beyond lhe central valley want to have explain what or where in the world is Fresno State. It is frustrating to have lo explain thai FSU is not some community college or a trade school. 1 am ashamed to have to explain to visitors why thc local press insists on pandering to local town boosters more concerned aboul sports promotion than academic reputation. The reality is lhat CSUF has no identity problem, except right here in Fresno. Wiih some effort in the form of honest and accurate journalism — local newspapers, television and radio reporters and editors all doing it — we could clear up this problem. —Schyler Rehart CSUF Professor of Journalism Need to speak out? Letters to the editor can be submitted to the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, McKee Fisk, Room 238, Mail Stop 10. \V4/> -^ ■- 's?^B WmW/mm ■■■ ^•"'"' '■"■'^ \_ CSU, FRESNO Department of Mass Communication and Journalism 2225 E. S.n Ramon Aw., CSUF. Fr*mo. CA 93740-COIO N*4« 278-2892 AdvertiMnt; 278-3934 Inger Sethov Editor-in-Chief Jenny Stetfens Managing Editor Olivia Reyes News Editor Marlene Bryant Copy Editor Vincent Coronado Graphic Design Editor Bryan Chan Photo Editor Kelley Scott Sports Editor Christina Fonseca Lifestyle Editor M. Crlstlna Medina Production Manager Nina Momjlan Assistant News Editor Maria Machuca Assistant Copy Editor Belinda Lee Production Assistant Denise Schramek Advertising Manager Gunter Copcland Advertising Production Mgr. KenKollcr Photographer Hadi YazdanPanah Photographer Surfl Wrtt»r». StuoanU ot MCJ 102W, 103 AIM AoVImt. AttvtrtltJng Stilt: Students of MCJ 143 Protawof Schyter Rattan
Object Description
Title | 1994_04 Insight April 1994 |
Alternative Title | Insight (California State University, Fresno) |
Publisher | Dept. of Journalism, California State University, Fresno. |
Publication Date | 1994 |
Description | Weekly during the school year. Vol. 1, no. 1 (Oct. 8 1969-v. 29, no. 23 (May 13, 1998, issue. Title from masthead. Merged with Daily collegian. |
Subject | California State University, Fresno -- Periodials |
Contributors | California State University, Fresno Dept. of Journalism |
Coverage | October 8, 1969 - May 13, 1998 |
Format | Microfilm reels, 35mm |
Technical Information | Scanned at 600 dpi, TIFF; Microfilm ScanPro 2000 "E-image data" |
Language | eng |
Description
Title | 024_Insight Apr 27 1994 p 2 |
Alternative Title | Insight (California State University, Fresno) |
Publication Date | 1994 |
Full-Text-Search | Page 2 EDITORIAL CALIFORNIA STATE UMVgB8ITY. FRESNO April 27, 1994 INSIGHT Students voice concern over ASI elections Vs like a class project.. Commentary Eric Alan Elections arc over and new student leaders have been chosen, but die question of whether thc electorate will realize any significant change in policy or direction may be of secondary concern behind an apaihcthic student body. Despite campaigners' impassioned efforts to elicit sludent support, the crowd around the voting booth remained slight in comparison to Ihe crowd around the lunch counter. year's election, according to Brian Haven of thc Reality Party. An indifferent sludent body suggests the only ones who think about studeni government, much less think it can make a difference, are those running for office. "I just don't sec thc point," Tracy Patterson said. "Thc students running for office may think they can make a difference, but I don't think they're given any real authority." "It's like a class project, an exercise; it doesn't really mean anything," Patterson said. "Anyone who thinks that studentgovemment has real power to make changes is fooling himself," said Patricia Eskew, who plans lo attend law school after graduating with her degree in political science. "The school administration might allow siudeni officials to make a few token choices, but dial's about it. Thc sad thing is lhai if wc (lhe students) were organized behind a common goal, the people who really make ihc decisions might take us seriously," Eskew said. Apathy is contagious. "I don't think it matters who wins thc electic-ns," said May Xiong. "This is my first year at CSUF, but my friends told mc not to worry about reading lhc handouts or voting," shc added. Some sludents cannot relate to lhe publicized issues. "I didn't bother to vote," said third-year art major Mark Hammond, as he tugged at the bill of his red and white Bulldog rap. "None of lhc issues I've heard about make any sense to me." 'Two guys handing oul flyers told me they want to extend library hours, but it's always been open when I needed to get in," hc said. "The only problem I see with the library is they've cut back in the periodicals department apd it's made it hard to find current articles for term paper research. That's a real issue, but nobody is talking about it." Many students have no ito who ihcir representatives arc or what they are doing. Garcia, between bites of his large double bacon cheeseburger. "I'm only worried aboul getting my homework done, making my next car payment and making enough money this summer to pay for school nexi year. If ihcy (siudeni govemmenl) can help wilh thai, I'll listen, if not, I don'l care who ihey arc or what ihey do." Undaunted by ihc passive majority, dedicated campaigners solicited each passerby for his vote. "A loi of students don't know thai they can make a difference if ihey just check out the issues and vote," said legislative vice president candidate Brian Haven. "Part of the tuition fees every sludent pays goes into a fund ihai'sconirollcd by sludcntgovcmmcnt. It's their (the student's) money. They should know who is spending it and where il's going," Haven said. Students' lack of interest in campus politics may be a rcsuliof current office holder's style, according to Tommy Monrcal, who was a presidential write-in candidate for lhe Save Our Students Party. "The Reality and lhc SCARED Party have turned council meetings inlo their own personal battleground. They put barriers in front of their faces and they can't see or hear each other." Monrcal said. "With all ihcir bickering, they don't get anything done, and lhc students, you and 1. don't gel anything out of it but frustration." 'Umorthytftbeirtime Commentary How can the studeni government make decisions for —=-#—i—-T?—T. the benefit of students if ihcy don't even know what Marta Machuca sludenlsnccd? So far, all wc have heard aboul the ASI is lhat political Students participating in the ASI elections have never parties are fighting for power and suggesting brilliant reached greal numbers and thc 1994 student election was ideas, such as Reality's idea of cutung out thc Campus Children Center. When siudentsarcawarcofwhai'sgoingon wilh ASI, it's only because of thc inscnsitiviiy of some political panics who have reached the limits of tolerance. Several students wonder if elected student leaders ever do anything good for the students — or do they just spend their time playing political games. Pamnus candidates who BaaB^i^BiiBa happened to be elected by the measly 12 perccntof students probably feel very proud — as if it was a big accomplishment Now lets get iheir feet back no exception. It is pathetic that little more than one studeni in 10 bothered to vote this year. Theplottotrcatsiudenislikcmushrooms—keep them in the dark and feed them manure — seems to be working in its usual form. Thc end result is that students don't care about what's because il seems that nothing good is going on. Students' apathy towards thc election of stu- However, student apathy HS&SSgZ towards student govern number of votes counted. According to ASI, only 2,124 (12 percent) of approximately 16,500eligiblc students voted. One can blame students for lack of interest, but they are not thc only ones to blame. ASI's purposes. Groups and organ izations supporting candidates along with the ASI board should devise a better plan to reach a majority of students and get them to vote. It may be tough but it's not impossible. Since student government has time to play politicians, they may want to include in their agenda a project to increase student involvement Studcnt govemmenl is supposed io represent students as a whole. merit mav fit verv well to on ,hc ground by taking imo rci/ rf«?n iw account that some students didn'l even know who ihey were voting for. Names on the ballot were nolhingmore than just names ■BasaM to them. Theories whodidn'teven bother to vote have taken ASI as a non-serious organiza tion, unworthy of their time. However, student apathy towardsstudenigovernmcnt may fit very well to ASI's purposes. The less a ware studen ts are about what is going on, the more freedom they have to turn CSUF up-sidc-down. But hey, just keep in mind, thc executive officers and senators —good or bad—getabouthalfa million dollars annually from your student fees. That comes out to about S32 from each of us. ASI If only 12 percent of CSUF's total sludent voting decides on where that money goes, population are making their voices heard, we are already That's more than enough money for a college student in trouble. to buy four years worth of Scantrons. Multi-lingualism a must in '90s; University programs follow suit United States has one of most diverse societies in world Jorge Perez ~~ ' INSIGHT In an era where the world's population is becoming more heterogeneous and more dependent on international factors, the knowledge of a foreign language takes a greater value In the modem international society, monolingualism is no longer thc norm, but the exception. Onc day soon if not already pasi - ii will be in America. "A person who is monolingual is poly-ignorani," said Maurice Gendron, lhc dean of lhe Foreign Languages department. "Knowing someone else's language makes you aware and undcrsianding of individual and cultural differences," he added. The United Suncs has onc of lhc most diverse societies in ihc world, Gendron said. However, only a small pan of the population is fluent in a second language. By fluent, it is meant thai the person speaks, reads, writes and comprehends lhc language, according to a recent sludy prepared by Academic Senates of California Institutions of Higher Education. Included in lhc "Plan for thc 90s," arcponadopicd last year by ihcCSUF Academic Senate, is a requirement for graduating seniors lobe proficient in a second language, according to Gendron. According to Gendron, the CSUF Academic Policy and Planning committee is work ing on thc standards for the foreign language proficiency rc- quircmcni. Thc requirement will be imple mented as soon as lhc committee works oul die standards and lhe academic senate approves ihcm. "Proficiency in another language sensitizes a person io view outer perceptions of reality ,"Gm4Jronsaid,"and it might also give the edge in the job market over thc person thai is monolingual." Thc department of foreign languages, in conjunction with Foothill College, offers a summer abroad program to studenls lhat demonstrate proficiency in foreign languages. "Thc International Education Program gives sturJcnis a chance to go overseas, work and make a hide bit of money, and leam another language," said Rose Marie Kuhn, associate professor of French. Kuhn also pointed oul that in the global economy, ic which the world is leading into, being bilingual is a valuable asset. "There arc a lot of people graduating and not as many jobs as graduates out there," Kuhn said. "Employers will hire someone with knowledge in foreign languages," hc added. Erica Piedra, a junior majoring in French, isoncofthcfcwsiudcniswho has taken advantage of the International Education Program. Piedra isal so presidentof the "Ccrclc Francais." He spent iwo months last summer working in a French-speaking province in Belgium. "When I got there, I had the hardest time responding," Piedra said. "Bul il was worth it, because I came back really fluent." Now Piedra not only is fluem in Spanish, English and French but also knows lhc importance of being polyglot. "Everything is becoming more international and if wc warn to sell a product or our skills, we'll have lo be able lo market it in their (buyer or employer! language." Piedra said. Editorial Inger Sethoi> So much for equal access to campus buildings. INSIGHTphotographcrTommy Monrcal was on his way to lhc McKee Fisk darkroom one Saturday morning when hc, because of his method of transportation, was denied access to the building where his fellow studenls walked freely in and out as ihcy pleased. Monrcal's only way logci lo lhc building's second floor, where ihc darkroom is located, is through lhc automatic doors, lhc only rouic to the only elevator in the building. These were the only locked doors in thc building on this Saturday morning. As usual when Monrcal needs a little help to enter public places, hc called campus police to have an officer unlock ihcdoor. Unfortunately, campus police were noi very understanding and refused to make an exception for Monrcal because hc wasn't on "thc list." Monrcal didn'l know physically challenged studcnLs had to be on a list togci into campus buildings. It shouldn't require loo much higher thinking to realize the absurdity of keeping a building's only wheelchair access locked while all other entrances lo the building arc open. After three hours of pleading, Monrcal was finally allowed equal access — his only access. Disaster questions Chinese government ethics Commentary i Yi Ping Ho Thc Chinese Government's response io a tour boat diastcr lhat lefl 24 Taiwanese tourists dead was protested on ihc CSUF campus by lhe Taiwanese Students Association. Chung-mu Cheng, thc leader of TSA, and commiucc members distributed handouts in lhc free speech area expressing their outrage toward lhc Chinese government. Thc incident lhat TSA is protesting in thc Chinese govemmenl attempted cover-up of ihc tour boat fire of unknown origin thai killed 24 tourists last month in China. It occurred when a lour boat, carrying 24 Taiwanese tourists, was at tacked and confronted by a boat of three pirates. Since ihe merciless pirates were heavily armed, the 24 tourists were robbed and ihen imprisoned in their own wbins. Later, the pirates brutally murdered all 24 tourists by setting ihc whole ship ablaze. According to TSA members, lhe Chinese government sealed the area after the accident and forced the cremation of lhe victims' bodie . without iheir families consent. Wc, Chinese people, believe thai those conducts are obviously against traditional cultural values io treat dead people. The incident isrefcrred as the'Thou- sand Island Lake." Thc tragedy exposed lhc Chinese government's lack of steadfast laws and ignorance of human rights and lives. This outrageous beha vior is strongl y condemned. Taiwan is not a province of China but a separate nation. Thus. Taiwan deserves to be treated with dignity, sovereignity and respect — just like the way China is being treated. The former is democratic; the latter is communist. Under such circumstances as crucial as the Thousand Lake incident, thc Taiwanese govemmenl should set up a better protection program to their citizens while they travel in China. This accident indicates Ihe Chinese govemmenl is not only violating international criminal laws, it shows ihc Letter-totheeditor govemmem's intention of covering up die disaster. Such a barbarous country, showing no respect to human lives, should be condemned. It's time for the world to reveal ihe true colors of Chinese government. From lhe Massacre of lhc rebelling Chinese students at Tiananmen Square in 1989 to this tragedy, it would not be erroneous toconlcudc thai the Chinese government is indeed ruthless and has virtually no respect whatsoever for any human rights. An irresponsible China is noi qualified for America's continued treatment of the "mosi favored nation." Wc, ihe Taiwanese students, demand the the Chinese government tell ihc truth and punish ihc merciless murderers harshly. 'CSUF has no identity problem, except in Fresno Dear Editor, A cartoon published recendy in lhc Fresno Bee — aCSUF-FSU Bulldog trying to suggest an "identity crisis" exists — was cute, but way off die mark. The academic cap on ihe dog, "CSUF", wasdrawn pathetically small. The muscle-bound mutt, "FSU", was made deliberately big. Maybe this is how the Fresno Bee and some local television editors and some local sports buffs sec it, but it's just not the case. The sc-called identity crisis is in their minds, not the minds most students, faculty.and not the view held by much of the rest of the nation and world which sees this campus very differently than some sports and entertainment-minded locals. The fact fe, Cahfomia State University, Fresno, is an important part of the largest university system in the world. It has more than 340,000 students and 17.000 faculty on 20 campuses. The Fresno campus has solid academic muscle and has established itself system-wide and nationally as agrcai place of higher learning. When I first came to Fresno State College many years ago, litdc FSC was a struggling poor relative of lhc great University of California. Since then, we've worked hard io achieve considerable academic and athletic st.ture The Bulldog, meanwhile, is just a symbol of a healthy collcgiaic athletic program, one among many strong programs developed at CSUF. The "identity crisis" clearly is in greal part of the local news media — including our own sludent daily newspaper — which panders to local sports and commercial interests by playingup Ihe town's name, rather than the correct university name. Every time FSU appears instead of CSUF in a news story or commercial, it amounts to inaccurate journalism that is an insult to the faculty and stu dents who arc here to earn a degree from California State University, Fresno. It may make some local town boosters happy that local media has arbitrarily decided to call this university FSU. Bui mosi who I've talked prefer CSUF, even while fondly calling the school by its informal name, Fresno Slate. Few graduates want a degree from some place called Fresno Slate Univcrsiiy. Few faculty mem be rsauend ing conferences or recruiting beyond lhe central valley want to have explain what or where in the world is Fresno State. It is frustrating to have lo explain thai FSU is not some community college or a trade school. 1 am ashamed to have to explain to visitors why thc local press insists on pandering to local town boosters more concerned aboul sports promotion than academic reputation. The reality is lhat CSUF has no identity problem, except right here in Fresno. Wiih some effort in the form of honest and accurate journalism — local newspapers, television and radio reporters and editors all doing it — we could clear up this problem. —Schyler Rehart CSUF Professor of Journalism Need to speak out? Letters to the editor can be submitted to the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, McKee Fisk, Room 238, Mail Stop 10. \V4/> -^ ■- 's?^B WmW/mm ■■■ ^•"'"' '■"■'^ \_ CSU, FRESNO Department of Mass Communication and Journalism 2225 E. S.n Ramon Aw., CSUF. Fr*mo. CA 93740-COIO N*4« 278-2892 AdvertiMnt; 278-3934 Inger Sethov Editor-in-Chief Jenny Stetfens Managing Editor Olivia Reyes News Editor Marlene Bryant Copy Editor Vincent Coronado Graphic Design Editor Bryan Chan Photo Editor Kelley Scott Sports Editor Christina Fonseca Lifestyle Editor M. Crlstlna Medina Production Manager Nina Momjlan Assistant News Editor Maria Machuca Assistant Copy Editor Belinda Lee Production Assistant Denise Schramek Advertising Manager Gunter Copcland Advertising Production Mgr. KenKollcr Photographer Hadi YazdanPanah Photographer Surfl Wrtt»r». StuoanU ot MCJ 102W, 103 AIM AoVImt. AttvtrtltJng Stilt: Students of MCJ 143 Protawof Schyter Rattan |