SA would 'exert a negative influence on the newspaper'

To the Editor:

I write this letter because I am disturbed by what I read in Stephen Marth's article in the Oct. 29, 2008 issue of The Spectrum, regarding SA's attempt to assert control over the Spectrum, "Talks between SA, Spectrum show little progress over fee". I would like to start by saying that as much as I think SA is a corrupt organization that squanders much of their multi-million dollar budget on stipends, cell phone bills, and trips to Toronto for their staff, this is not an explicitly anti-SA or pro-Spectrum rant. I believe, too that The Spectrum is at times a colossal waste of ink and money, and the writer who am I choosing to defend in this letter, Mr. Marth, in light of his recent editorials has proven himself to be both ignorant and intolerant ("All or Nothing, Sept. 15, 2008).

With this pretext, I still feel obligated to write this letter defending The Spectrum in this matter. This newspaper, gives us thrice weekly unbiased information on our Student Association and the programs that they run. They are not afraid to express criticism when it is necessary. The Generation, as glorious a magazine as it may be, is unable to provide the type of check on SA that we need as it only runs once a week. Visions is the vehicle for SA propaganda, (I use this word intentionally) and with its expensive glossy pages spews endless information on SA without ever questioning its parent organization.

At virtually all of our student events, whether it is the Distinguished Speaker Series, a football game or any of the numerous small events that daily occur, SA is given a continuous opportunity to toot its own horn. To allow the board of the Spectrum to be taken over by the Undergraduate Student Association would leave us with no ability to watch over and criticize our student leaders and their actions.

If SA held half, or the majority of the seats on the Spectrum [Board of Directors], they would exert a negative influence on the newspaper. Gone would be editorials such as Bryan Engelmann's a few weeks ago about his ridiculous experience in dealing with SA at Fall Fest or any such criticism of our student government ("SA it with me: unqualified and unprofessional" Sept. 29 2008).

In many ways our campus and the Student Association are a microcosm of the country we live in. We, the citizen, should be provided with all sides of a particular issue regarding our government (SA) and the free press should under no circumstances be inhibited. Visions, is pure propaganda, The Generation is ill equipped to provide a formal balance against SA.

The Spectrum can, will and has previously taken on this essential responsibility. Despite Mr. Grollitsch's and Mr. Martin's assertions that they just want "meaningful representation on the board" Ms. Sciandra is correcting in saying that this sets "The Spectrum up for future problems". The Spectrum is not, nor should it be, a "mouthpiece for SA or anyone else". If this takeover is allowed to occur that is precisely what it would become.

Sincerely,

Mark Boonshoft

Junior History Major