Thefts indicate disrespect for campus property

Dear Editor:

This past Saturday night, after working a lovely night at the Grillé, I went out to get my bike to ride home. Unfortunately, in its place I found a deformed monstrosity. Somehow, the back wheel of my bike had been hit, bending the frame drastically. The wheel no longer rotated. Upset, I hoped someone would claim responsibility or at least offer an apology. None surfaced, and today I spent $50 replacing the wheel on a five dollar bike (ironically, the cost of repair was almost exactly how much I made that night at the Grillé). Although this incident is a minor one, it is not uncommon. Last semester, while I was abroad, my old bike, which was being used by a friend of mine, was stolen from the Campus Center.

The disappearance or mutilation of bikes is routine at Macalester. Lauren Costley ’04 had her bike stolen last semester. Last year Kit Hill ’05 had his bike stolen from under Dupre. Emily Hume ’04 had two bikes stolen within two months. I also know of people who have taken bikes that are not theirs simply to ride to a party, abandoning them afterwards. For many upperclassmen who live off campus and cannot afford cars, bikes are our only method of transportation. Bikes are our sustenance, our best friends and confidants.

There is a larger issue at hand then simply protecting bikes on campus. There is a general lack of respect for property in this community. We all have the responsibility to maintain and respect our campus and it is our privilege to be here. Light bollards, contrary to popular opinion, do not exist simply to be knocked over. These objects are here for a reason: to keep us safe. That is what our money goes to. Breaking personal or community property always has a price, even if you may not realize its immediate effect. We are no longer in the innocent days of rolling in Reader’s Digest money. The endowment has been significantly reduced. The more money we spend on the repair and maintenance of community property the less we have to pay our faculty, keep periodicals in the library and maintain a wider scope of departmental options.

Secondly, destroying or stealing property is not rebellion. Irresponsible and immature, yes; rebellious, no. If you must do something rebellious go to QU in Saran Wrap and we’ll all act like it’s never been done before. The consequences of this act, at the very least, do not affect the community (other than being an eyesore or an unpleasant reminder of how QU is used as an excuse for other, less than noble purposes). But that is another issue. So, please, if you damage something, whether accidentally or purposefully, at the very least be accountable for your actions. Only with collective responsibility can this community retain its sense of trust.

Amy Margolies ’04
 

“Morning After Pill” a misnomer for Emergency Contraception

Dear Editor:

I would like to thank The Mac Weekly for covering the arrival of Emergency Contraception (EC) at Winton Health Services. It is important, however, to make a clarification. While Emergency Contraception is often called the “Morning After Pill,” this phrase is misleading because EC may be used up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected sex or failed contraception. The sooner a woman begins treatment, however, the more effective the pill is at reducing her chance of getting pregnant.

Rachel Fletcher ’06
 

Subtitle not appropriate for opinion article

Dear Editor:

The subtitle of my article published in last week’s Mac Weekly leaves me bewildered. I have difficulties convincing myself why the article needed a subtitle in the first place. This title does not even attempt to translate the Ga language. Furthermore, I realized that the online publication totally neglects my title. Part of the reason for the title in Ga was to begin discourse that respects the fundamentally different experiences we have. The sub-title does seem out of place to the “craftsmanship” of my work. The Mac Weekly’s interpretation, I understand, is an interpretation that anyone has the right to make. However, I feel it is important for the reader to identify who is saying what. Peace.

Senam Gbeho ’04