Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / Nov. 16, 2000, edition 1 / Page 6
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Page 6 • Opinion • Nov. 16, 2000 Random thoughts, questions, and observations of the week Instead of focusing on just one issue of campus in my column this week, I thought a more appropriate article might reflect random thoughts, questions, and observa tions about not only campus activi ties, but also country events - as there is much going on that deserves comment. For example, in an earlier edi tion of The Pendulum, it was men tioned by columnist Tessa Sweetman, that lessons could be learned from the movie Pay it For ward. I could not agree more and if you have not seen the movie, it is worth spending the money to see it. However, she also took the time to thank some members of the col lege community such as the grounds staff, physical plant, and cafeteria staff. I pass along my thanks, as well, to these most underappreciated workers on staff at the college. While we complain about the bad food and the morning wake up calls by lawn equipment, these people work hard to keep us fed and keep the campus the way it looks and they deserve our thanks. So swallow your complaints, and say thank you when you come into contact with these people. And remember, you are no better than they are. Viewpoint We’re inhell and we just don’t know ityet. Does anybody know when the Presidential Election became an episode of Melrose Race? Oh wait.. ,that show got canceled, maybe that’s what Vm hoping will happen with the non-stop headache that is Election 2000. You can make out "Gore is a whtney baby” or "Bush knows he lost, he’s just afraid that the rest of the nation is going to figure it out’’ over the clatter of dishes and trays in McEwen and Harden dinning hall. Classroom lectures are being restructured to debate constitu- tional problems and the catastrophe of Horida voting* Campaign buttons and bumper stickers are still decorating backpacks and cars all over the campus. CNN and MSNBC have become required viewing. You can’t walk down an Elon hallway without smacking into a group of people (Students, faculty and staff alike) breaking their necks to get a peek at the hallway television, hoping to get a clearer glance of our nations futore. Forget junk-food filled Monday Night Football orthe Wednes day night WB worship, hugging up to a television now requires acopy of the United States constitution and a law book, TTie candidate’s are showing signs of wear-and-tear. They’re both snippier then a pair of ten-year-olds fighting for N’SYNC concerts. By the way - What’s with die Nader bashing? Nader was a candidate just like En^and Gore. Yes» if he hadn’t run for the Oval Office of his votes would have gone to Gixre and an estimated 20% would have gone to Busk But he DID run and he managed to convince A LOT of people that he would be a better candidate then Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Diuti. He got his vcftes, let the man be in peace. Somewhere in the White House Bill Clinton is kicking back with a big smirk on his face, relishing in the fact that his two terms as president are starting to look better and better to the American public. Within a month there will be Presidential Election200012-step support groups. God help us all. The best possible thing that could come out of this mess is a decade worth of decent Saturday Night Live Skite. The Pendulum Random questions: Why, if it costs five dollars or more to pay for a meal at one of the dining halls, do we not get that equiva lent when using our Brian McDonald bmcdonald@elon.edu Columnist meal plan option at such places like the College Coffee Shop or the Octogon Cafe? Also, how, when there are only two people in line can the coffee shop still screw up the orders? Did you all follow decision 2000 to pick the next President of the United States? If so, you realize that it is one of the closest presiden tial races in ourcountry’s history. If not, you should be ashamed of your selves. As I am writing this before the final outcome, I can only state that many of you who say there is not a reason why you should have voted, should turn off “Friends” and watch CNN or MSNBC more of ten. Almost every decision spoken of, affects you now or will affect you in the future. Speaking of politics, should we really care about the DUI that Gov ernor Bush re ceived 26 years ago? It should not have an affect on the election in my opinion. Do we let the fact that Gore smoked pot in the 60’s take over the news programs? And, even though I have already voted democratically this year, I must say that it is a little suspicious that the news on Bush’s past came out only 4 days before the election took place. Finally, I would be remiss for not responding to J. McMerty’s let ter to the editor two weeks ago ask ing the campus community to con centrate on the future. Instead of presenting new evi dence and comments on what con tinues to be the shadily organized process to change the name of the college, I will only say that I was saddened to read his letter. His attack on a student’s right to free speech and comments against the idea of university was seen by many as disrespectful - even if he is tiring of what he sees as exaggeration (it is free speech Jason). Before I conclude, I would be remiss if I did not thank the faculty, staff, and students for their appre ciation and agreement of my hon esty and comments regarding my trilogy of‘university’ articles. That’s all for this week. Look out for future articles where I will write what many of you are thinking. We all have much to be thankful for Lauren Bigge The Pendulum So what are you grateful for this year? Thanksgiving is only a week away, after all. I don’t like holidays because the concept of spending “quality time with the fam ily” makes me want to run and hide, but reminding yourself of the good stuff in life, no matter how big or small, can help save your life. Last year at this time, I was miserable. My college life was not going so smoothly, I was trapped in the middle of an ugly divorce and someone I loved deeply and had been close to for the first 20 years of my life died suddenly. On the armiversary of her death this year, someone else I love was being treated for a suicide at tempt. He told me he found his way to a hospital after massively over dosing on pills because of me and two other people he loves. So as far as the big stuff goes, I am grateful that I’m not going back to my hometown again for a funeral. I’m grateful for the memo ries of my loved one who passed away, for the love and loyalty from my friends and some family, and for the knowledge that my pres ence in their lives is a major part of what makes life worth living. I’d like to be able to say I’m grateful that I know exactly who I am, what I want to do with the rest of my life and I’ve found my one true love (if such a thing exists), but the fact is I don’t have those an swers yet. Instead, I am grateful for the education and awesome experi ences I’ve been having at Elon COLLEGE on my life’s journey to find the answers. As for the smaller things, it helps to remember them when you are in need of a daily mood booster. A positive attitude is one of the best defenses you can have against this often cruel, cynical world in which we live. I look forward to getting cards in the mail from my mother every week as well as little surprise presents from friends now and then, or getting email from friends I haven’t seen or talked to in a while. I like knowing that I don’t have to deal with a roommate, that my schedule allows me to watch “General Hospital” practically ev ery day, and that I can unwind by listening to my CDs whenever I want. I enjoy sitting in the sun at Fonville Fountain when it’s deserted and looking around at this beautiful campus, just reading and/or think ing. Now I know people at this college complain a lot and get de pressed, and often with good rea son. I’m as guilty as anyone else is of complaining and being a depres sive type. However, as Thanksgiv ing approaches, remember that we all have so much for which to be grateful. Just being alive and a part of the Elon College community are more than enough reasons to give thanks. Letters to the Editor can be mailed to CB 7012 or dropped off at Moseley 233. All letters must be received by noon Monday.
Elon University Student Newspaper
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Nov. 16, 2000, edition 1
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