Letters to the Editor
By You, The Reader

I am obligated to provide commentary on a concern expressed by Sarah Levin in the April 2 issue of The Stylus regarding loud, obnoxious, inconsiderate neighbors, since my roommates and I are often unfairly included into this category. First off, let me be clear in saying that this is not a direct response to Sarah, but rather a general commentary on the issue. In fact, being that my roommates and I live on campus, our argument might seem entirely irrelevant, so please also consider this a response to Chelsea Craddock’s article from some time ago, in which she listed her No. 1 survival tip for the new semester as purchasing sound reduction headphones to ignore the rock band songs that can be heard coming from our room, 704 Perry.

The reason we play amazing rock band concerts at 1 a.m. is not to prevent our neighbors from doing homework, or getting much needed rest, but it is to boost the morale of our fellow students so they can thrive in completing their homework, or sleep soundly knowing they have heard one of the greatest rock bands ever. Considering the brutal acts that come to Brockport every year, and to whom BSG pays exorbitant amounts of money, we feel it is our duty as a rock band to provide free and awesome concerts to those willing to keep their windows and hearts open.

We feel if this is an issue for some who don’t like sweet music and good times, you should also be considerate of our needs. While you are up doing laundry or using the elevator to go anywhere before noon, we are trying to sleep. Nobody forced you to take 8 a.m. classes and if somebody did, then they should be ostracized and punished, not us. We just want to spread good music and love across campus, and apologize to anybody not willing to open their arms to us.

Also let it be known, that this is an open challenge to anyone for a “rock off.”

Steve Seedhouse, Steve Wowchuk, Jeremy Fadden, Aaron Boyer, Eric Valcin, Chris Brown

The very idea that a politician should not be held responsible for his or her actions is contrary to ethics in general. If a politician shows no respect for the vows they have given to their spouse, how can you expect them to be honest in the position they have sworn an oath to uphold? Former Governor Spitzer has lied as Attorney General and he has not changed as governor. He bullied Wall Street by trying cases in the press instead of the courtroom. As governor, he continued to bully people by withholding money that was already allocated by the Assembly and Senate.

When our county clerk led the fight to stop issuing driver’s licenses to people without proof of citizenship, Heir Spitzer threatened to fire all county clerks who resisted his agenda. Spitzer, how do you fire an elected official?
It is unfortunate that Spitzer was exposed for the only thing that he has done to protect us from government run amock. Spitzer exposed the predatory lending practices, which are not only allowed, but promoted by the Bush administration. It is an amazing coincidence that a few days after his letter was published he was exposed as “Client 9.”

The following are a few words he wrote Feb. 13 to The Washington Post: “Not only did the Bush administration do nothing to protect consumers, it embarked on an aggressive and unprecedented campaign to prevent states from protecting their residents from the very problems to which the federal government was turning a blind eye.” As you can see, he made no friends with these statements.

But I return to the issue at hand. We must hold elected officials to a standard that we ourselves demand. Would you ever trust your spouse after discovering a multi-year affair like this? How would you feel about your father if he did this? All of a sudden it looks and feels different when it is in your home. Why do you hold people close to you to a higher standard than the elected officials who take oaths to uphold the law? I believe that you can’t have double standards. Do you?

Tim Bates

I am writing in regard to the Elections Commissions’ decision to disqualify Darnell Pierce and Michelle Ford from the race. I feel by doing this, the Election Commission is depriving the Brockport students of a fair democratic election. Although Pierce and Ford violated some of the election rules, it was proven they did so without intent. By disqualifying them from the election, Brockport students are left with only one choice for president and vice president. This is a shame and disgrace to our democratic system. It reminds me of Iraq run by Saddam, where he won every election, simply because he was the only person running.

How can this government be respected if they win by a technicality? As a junior transfer student to Brockport, I remember my first weekend at Brockport and many of the orientation talks I attended. At every talk and performance, Darnell Pierce received the biggest ovation. Also during that weekend, I partook in a scavenger hunt around campus, and Pierce was actively involved in this hunt and was very open and friendly. After talking to him during this scavenger hunt, I will admit that I felt much more comfortable being at Brockport. I remember calling home the next day and raving to my parents about how cool our student body president was, and I am sure most of the student body would agree with me.

While I Pierce and Ford broke the rules, I feel as though because it was an honest mistake, they should be allowed to run in the election. By not letting them run the Elections Commission is breaking the rules and depriving the students of a fair and competitive election. Considering so few students vote as it is, I must say it is a shame that if Pierce and Ford are not allowed to run, they will be losing one, if not many, potential student voters. I ask the Election Commission to reconsider their decision on this issue.

Dan Nedwell

As childish and absurd as this may be — I feel that it is only necessary that I respond to one of the previous Letters to the Editor from last week’s Stylus concerning loud neighbors. I am, in fact, one of the “not normal” downstairs neighbors.

Typically I wouldn’t feel the need to respond, but because face-to-face communication is apparently out — why not? Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am one for respect. I don’t care much about anyone, or what they care about me as long as I am treated with respect. Well, the story that my kind upstairs neighbor told was extremely compelling, however I must tell my side of the story.

It was a Wednesday night, yes. Midterm week? I didn’t think so, but sure, we’ll give them that. What is on Wednesday nights in Brockport? Ask any junior or senior and I bet you’ll get the same answer. $2 pitchers at C and S. Some friends of mine and I made the executive decision to gather up $6 and walk to the bar. While my friend and I drank, my roommate did not. After a while we decided it was time to come home. When we got home, I had remembered that earlier in the day I made a CD with all songs from back in the day — 1999 - 2001 and we popped it in.

We listened to the music, laughing and singing to some of our old school favs when there was a pound on the door. I answered the door to find the police standing before me.

The cops said hello and I asked what the problem was. The female officer asked what was going on. I giggled to myself and swung the door open to show my roommate and our friend sitting on the couch pretty much in the dark with the music on. The police officers said they were called to my apartment on a noise complaint from my neighbors.

Now, I was mad. Calling the cops? I get it, you weren’t happy that we were loud. My neighbors could have just walked down the 10 steps, knock on our door and said,“Hey. We have to get up in the morning, can you please turn down your music?” Instead — they wasted energy to look up the number to call the cops. Their excuse? “We shouldn’t have to come downstairs and tell you to turn your music down,” they said. “And besides, who goes out on a Wednesday night anyway?” A college student in the town of Brockport?

Yes. We did bang on their door — we needed this resolved! Our neighbors went on to say that this happens every week and that it’s been an on-going problem for five months. They claim they have come down “all the time” to tell us to be quiet and I will assure you — they have not.

To give my neighbors some credit, they did come down once, on the night of my 21st birthday. But, let’s face it — it was my 21st. I should have been given a freebie.

Finally, as to the references to not caring about what kind of “sex things or drugs” we do in this apartment — you’re right. It is none of your business and totally irrelevant.

Courtney Osgood

“Wanna get Relaid?” Seems like quite the offer, and it might even peak your interests if somebody posed this question. But wait — is this the slogan for the Relay for Life?

I admire those who devote the time to help the College at Brockport chapter of the Relay for Life. For those who gave their time to “Paint the Campus Purple,” I truly give you my gratitude. Fighting cancer is a cause that is so near and dear to my heart. I literally carry it with me wherever I go.

I have lost several loved ones to that terrible disease, one of whom is my Aunt Nancy, who I never really got to know. She was diagnosed with cancer before I was born, but still took on the responsibility of becoming my godmother. She did this knowing that she might not even make it long enough to see my first birthday. She didn’t. However, she took the necessary steps to make sure it was a special day for me.

During winter break, I finally got the opportunity to pay back the respects that she deserves. I now sport a purple ribbon on my left shoulder blade, with my Aunt’s initials inside it. It is a constant reminder, and tribute, to a special lady who I never got to know.

Last week, I was able to share that tattoo with people I didn’t even know. It was “Paint the Campus Purple Day” at Brockport, and to motivate people to support the cause, there were shirts given to anybody wearing the color.

When I approached the table, I uncovered the tattoo from underneath my shirt to show. I received a T-Shirt, which I was prepared to wear in honor of those I’ve lost, and those who continue to battle.

However, it wasn’t until I got to where I was going that I realized the design of the shirt. Across the front it reads “Wanna Get Relaid?” Apparently, those in charge of the shirt design decided that they needed repulsive, sexually explicit material to sell such an amazing cause. Apparently the honor, prestige and respect that the Relay for Life program has aren’t enough.

As a college student, an advocate for the cause, and a survivor of those who have lost their lives to cancer, I can’t put into words the amount of anger that I have from this marketing plan. To those who actually placed the order, wrote the check and marketed these shirts, I have only one thing to say: You really should be ashamed of yourselves. You have spit on the Relay for Life organization, and all of those who it supports and honors.

I still plan to walk in the Relay, because of what it stands for, and for those it serves. However, if I’m expected to wear this shirt, that’s one thing I can’t do. Those who made this shirt have acted in unbelievably bad taste, and I just wish you would have thought with your heart on this one, and not your wallets and ruthless minds.

Michael Thayer

Editorial: Student housing is now online

Luettger: Guitar Hero — a way of life

Seef: Fire safety hits close to home

Craddock: Manners, karma and random acts of Feeny

Jennings: Campaign takes focus off important issues

Letters to the Editor