Letter to the Editor

Adressing campus security

Response to “Increasing the policing," Oct. 24:

Simply because there have been threats made against some educational institutions does not necessarily mean that the University of Manitoba requires an increased police presence. I think it is important for people to feel safe, but putting more police on campus and/or arminsecurity services will accomplish nothing.

Furthermore, security services are "sworn law-enforcement officers who can and will enforce the laws in relation to campus" yet they are not accountable to students or staff. This is fucking ludicrous and UMSU should be working to ensure Security Services are accountable to the people they are "sworn" to protect.

The way it is now, if you have an altercation with a member of Security Services and wish to file a complaint, well you gotta goto the head of security services. I believe this is a conflict of interest. But to the head of security services they will say, till their blue in the face, that they will handle complaints. But the issue here is not whether they will take the complaint, but the simple fact that students and staff have the right to oversee security services.

I would also encourage students and staff to stop and observe security services if they are ever using force. We should not put our heads down and act like misconduct in any policing institution is not a problem, but stop, observe and raise your voice if you see a problem.

Beau Burton

God forbid you ever have to walk a mile in her shoes . . .

So today I came across Stephen McCreary's article "Sympathy for the Devil" and I have to say I am rather unimpressed.

While I can appreciate diverse opinions, some opinions are simply not justifiable. If McCreary really believes that young women (often times exploited children, i.e. 16 year old girls) in these types of difficult situations are comparable to "the devil", or that he, as an educated young male,is in a position to pass judgements on these young women, he is seriously mistaken.

I'm sure it's very easy for him to feel morally superior since there is no possibility for him to ever be in such a situation, until he has had the experience of being a frightened,young, pregnant girl then his point is invalid. McCreary also states that people "should stop hiding behind a phony veil of compassion and come out and declare what they really want :legalized infanticide." - come on, is that a joke? "a phony veil of compassion",lol. I suppose it's difficult to recognize compassion if you are incapable of such feelings yourself.

I don't believe that anyone is arguing for "legalized infanticide". I would bet that if people came out and declared what they "really wanted", they would say that they would like for everyone to have a nurturing , supportive environment, where they don't have to be afraid.

Thanks,

Nicole Kristensen

P.S. I would also like to say that I usually love reading The Manitoban, your doing a great job:D!!!

Manitoban graphics offensive

I am a student at the University of Manitoba. This letter may be used by some as a means of entertainment, and laughter, but it should not.

I have reviewed your publication, and I was disappointed by it. In regards to the latest issue. Vol. 95, issue No.11, Oct 31, 2007.

Specifically regarding the choice of images in the newspaper, I found it highly offensive and grotesque. Pg. 14 and Pg. 19. If you only knew how much pain this has caused me.

Due to your publication I am considering leaving the University of Manitoba, as it is not an environment and a body that is not conducive to my progress and spiritual development.

Yours Truely,

Syed Atif Haseebuddin