TfiE AHEN
page 2 THE RIDGERUNNER February 14,1978
TO MY READERS: I’d like to step out of the “Amen Comer” for just a few min
utes, if I may. The column this week won’t be the normal one; and in case I don’t get a
chance to do this later, “Thanks a million!” for all the kind thmgs that you’ve said to me
about my little pieces of nonsense. It’s something of an ego builder to fed out that peo
ple are actually reading my words and not just using them to line the bottoms of their
birdcages. If I’ve gwen you at least one chuckle over the last two-and-a-half terms, then
my ambition in life-to make people laugh-has been realized.
But to get to the purpose of this week’s column. The people on this campus who
really know me are aware that the Ron who writes those crazy columns every week isn’t
always as fiinny (if that’s what you can call it) as the “Amen Comer” would indicate.
Like most people whose lives are buflt around lightening life’s load through a little
humor, I also have a serious side that comes out once in a while, but not often. Most re
cently, it came out about three years ago when a friend of mine was killed in an auto
mobile wreck. If you’ve ever lost a friend of a loved one in a wreck or throu^ illness,
you know that it’s a difffcult experience to go through. This young man was a classmate
of mine at ArB Tech. His death hit all of us very hard, es^jecially those of us who knew
him as a quiet person who was alws^s smiling and who never had a harsh word for any-
one-a rare person in this society.
The morning following his death, I sat dovra and wrote out a short eulogy to our
friend. I didn’t write it for any kind of personal glory; just to put down a list of feelings. ^
Period. So, if you waftt to get a glimpse of the other side of a comic; a clown, if you *
will, read on. Next week, well get back to sub-normal, I promise.
I read the other day that a friend of mine lost his life in a car accident. You ssy, “So
what? Lots of people die in car accidents. What’s new about that?” Have you ever lost
someone you liked because of an accident on the highway or anywhere? l^meone you
knew you could trast with a deep, dark secret? Someone you could talk to and know
that he’d listen? Somebody-I don’t know-somebody, you know?
A friend is a person who likes you because you like him. You get to know him
through acquaintances at woric, at church, at school, wherever. The bond of friendship
comes together the first time you meet and strengthens as to,e goes on. When times are
bad, a friend is the natural in a score of otherwise flat notes; someone who is never sharp
unless it’s necessary. A friend is the sunshine and warmth in a life of dark and cold; a
smfle, a wink, a pat on the back, an “Awright!” when you’re a winner; and a “Shake it
off, Man. Youll make it,” when you’re a loser. A friend is someone to be a friend to.
He is someone you get down on your knees and thank God for at the end of the day. It’s
part of your life.
A friend for life is a friend forever. Having someone like that close by in a time of
tragedy or in a time of real joy can be the ultimate high. You don’t need Pot or Coke or
Pills or any type of drug. All you need is a friend. Period.
To a person who is londy; literally with no one in the world to turn to, someone
who he can call “Friend” can be like finding the pot at the end of the rainbow, Gold and
all. It can be like finding a treasure trove, a gold mine, a bonanza. It’s an ego builder.
You think down deep inside that the worid hates you and that you’re inferior to all
around. Then you find that there IS someone who cares. He might be the only one with
in a 100-mile radius; still, he’s one person who respects you, understands you and helps
you. That’s a friend.
I read the odier day that a friend of mine lost his life in a car accident. It’s awfully
easy to lose your life, but it’s awfully hard to lose a friend.
RON CXUnWKLL
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editorials
Last issue of THE RIDGERUNNER offered an editorial concerning a service which
was becoming a burden to the students who used it; this week, however. I’d like to com
ment on a service provided by this school which is not ^predated by the students as
much as it should be. Hie Ramsey Library is one of the most useful and informative
sources of information in this community and definitely the most informative on this
campus. During a recent interview with the university librarian, Mr. Blowers, I had the
opportunity to hear some of his views on the operation of the library. Mr. Blowers
in formed me that he is indeed interested in having student input (in flie form of sug
gestions in flie suggestion box) in the operation of our resource center.
■ Not^ only does the library offer more than 100,000 books and many dozen peri
odicals, it also offers to the student a quiet place to study or write a term paper (on one
of the typewriters provided by the library). There is also a snack area on the lower level
which has a drink and candy machine, tables, and chairs. Food and drinks are prohibited
in all,other areas of the library but this Idunge has been provided for the students’ com
fort.
A new area featuring current periodicals of student interest has recently been estab
lished. This area contains such magazmes as PEOPLE, NATIONAL LAMPOON, TENNIS,
and many others. It is arranged in a cube-shaped reading area on Ihe lower level near
the foot of the stairs. Its use is encouraged and paperback books from the collection
may be checked-out at the front desk.
In the next i^e of THE RIDGERUNNER a feature article will be written concern
ing the many facilities of the D. Hiden Ramsey Library and their use by the students..
Meanwlde, I would like to take advantage of this space to encoura^ students to use and
leam from the resources of the library.
SWE
COMMENT
To The Editor:
I wish to bring to the students a pro
blem which has existed for a long time. The
problem is the lack of an adequate commu
nications system for our Securtiy depart
ment At this time, the only form of com
munication available to the Security officers,
is a one-way beeper system. This system is
in repair as often as it is in use.
I propose that a minimally adequate
communications system would consist of
less dian three, and possibly four, hand,
held two-way radios.
For Security not to have adequate com
munications with one .another in case of
emergency or otherwise, is comparable to a
university without instmctors.
I hope the Administration wSl seek out
funds with which to supply our Security
officers with this most essential necessity.
Sincerely,
Concerned Dorm Students
GARY STONE—Candidate for Vice-President—Junior
Hello. I would like to take this oppor
tunity to ask you to vote for me for Student
Government Vice president on February IS.
My name is Gary Stone and I feel that I am
the most qualified candidate. I thmk much
can be accomplidied with hard work and de-
teiminatioa
One of die primary jobs of the Vice
President is the Chairmanship of the Student
Senate. This requires a thorough knowledge
of the Senate and its procedures. Since I am
the only candidate who has been elected to
■erve as a Senator, I feel diat this qualifies
me in that mpect I have also had addi
tional experience in directing and presiding
-over meetinfs ai a Senate Committee chair
man and as a chairman of various campus
oiganizations.
Anodier focet of the Vice Presidency
which I see as important is the ab9ity to
communfcate with other students. I have
written for THE RIDGERUNNER and have
been a DJ for WUNF-FM. I also worked on
the “1977-1978 Student Guide” and ‘The
Summit.”
The Vice President should also be faml-
lar with all parts of U.N.C.-A. life. Having
been both a domi and commuter student I
am able to appreciate bodi perspectives.
I feel that this is very important
1 believe that I can be a good Vice
Pierident for you. Thank you for your
time and inteiat and be mr to vote.