Barring guns in bars
As Don King would say, "Only in America." In this case however, he would be more appropriate in saying "Only in Arizona."
It has come to my attention that the Senate is considering a disgusting and foolish bill. This bill would allow Arizona gun owners to carry their guns into any of Arizona's many bars.
That's great, because only law-abiding citizens have guns, right? Despite the protest of police departments, bar owners and many other prominent Arizona figures, this bill has the support of many Arizona senators.
This is an outrage. There is no reason for people to be allowed to carry their guns into bars. I call upon ASU students to write to your [legislators] and urge them to kill this dangerous and unnecessary bill.
--Sam Kossack,
ASU student
SPM article appreciated
I just wanted to say the story on ASU students who practice witchcraft/paganism/wicca [Feb. 17 issue of SPM] was very well written. It was honest [and] open...
We don't always see that in the media. Thank you.
--Michelle Hermary,
citizen
A bravo for "Boos & Bravos"
I just got finished reading "Boos & Bravos" (my fav) and I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful ... afternoon laugh. I agree with every one of them.
--Deanna Lea Donaldson,
ASU west staff
Hanson column has a point
As much as it pains me to say it, I have to agree with Mr. Hanson's appraisal of the literacy situation here at ASU ["ASU reading habits dwindle"]. I've certainly had my share of "The PowerPoints are on Blackboard, just make sure you show up for the tests" classes. But while I do acknowledge it and agree, there are always exceptions to an apparent rule.
I would like to mention the history department as a non-example of the slacker-esque courses Mr. Hanson cites in his editorial. This semester, I'm taking two 100-level history classes and have been incredibly gratified by the experience.
In one of these classes, there is no textbook, but three actual (and very good) books -- a novel, a memoir and a non-fiction case study, for which we are required to draft papers and answer essay questions on exams. The other history class is similar; though there is a textbook as required reading, it is supplemented by two memoirs and a course packet, all resulting in some serious independent thought and, of course, essay writing.
Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate a challenge-free class as much as the next person, but I'm in college. That means something. So thank you to those instructors still willing to stand up to the whiners in the back of the room complaining about having to read and write and think on their own. I know there are still some of you out there.
--Jenn Antrim,
ASU secondary education and social studies student
