Monday, June 1, 1998
Thumbs up / Thumbs down
Book reading
a big success
Thumbs up to the English department’s annual Marathon Reading
which took place two weeks ago. This event not only promotes
literacy, but this year it promoted a book that was socially
conscious – educating those listening as well as those reading.
Ralph Ellison’s novel titled "The Invisible Man" demonstrated "a
protagonist – a nameless, young African-American male in search of
his identity" in a world where African Americans are not socially
or politically recognized. This event was student organized and
student supported, yet it brought the community together with the
students. And who can top a surprise appearance by the legendary
civil rights and political activist Rosa Parks? This event spoke to
many different people and should be supported in the years to
come.
Unacceptable standards
Thumbs down to double standards presented by high-ranking state
and governmental officials. "Do as I say, not as I do." Does this
sound familiar? On April 10, a county sheriff named Charlie Byrd
was pulled over by a fellow officer after driving under the
influence of alcohol, yet he was let go without punishment. This
was not his first violation either. An open whiskey bottle was
laying beside him, and when he was asked to submit to a sobriety
test, he declined. Byrd, a sheriff for 12 years, will be running
for re-election in June.
Useful service implemented
Thumbs up to the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center
for now offering students the option of scheduling appointments by
way of the web. Students can request appointments at the page 24
hours a day, and messages will be picked up from the web page 8
a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The address is
http:/www.saonet.
ucla.edu/health/appointments/request.html.
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down represents the majority opinion of the
Daily Bruin Editorial Board. E-mail suggestions to
[email protected].