Editorial too critical of AMS sustainability coordinator
Dear Editors,
RE: “Need for sustainability coordinator unclear,” (Journal, Jan. 17, 2006).
I found it rather disappointing that of all the developments in student politics these days, the one thing you found it worthwhile to criticize was the eminently reasonable proposal to create an AMS sustainability coordinator. Not only does the creation of this position make sense, it is long overdue.
Coming from someone who has been both a volunteer committee chair and a full-time AMS staffer, I cannot stress enough how much more effective I was in the latter position. Contrary to what your editorial asserts, giving existing groups more money is not the answer. What our campus environmental advocates really need are the organizational resources, legitimacy and time that only a 12-month paid position can provide.
It is also worth mentioning that for some time various groups at Queen’s have been urging the istration to create their own Office of Sustainability. It makes it that much harder to make this argument when the AMS itself is unwilling to foot the bill for an environmental watchdog of its own.
If we are indeed serious about addressing the sustainability of AMS services—and ultimately our campus’ embarrassing environmental record—creating this new position would represent a strong first step.
Gord McGuire
ArtSci ’06
Liberal values not ‘Canadian values’ to all
Dear Editors,
Over and over again, I am told that Liberal values are Canadian values. Does that mean that I’m not Canadian, simply because I don’t vote for them? Individuals have their own values. It is ironic that the Liberals are the party that bashes the Republicans to score cheap political points more than any other, yet they use the same tactic the Republicans employed in the last [U.S.] election: accuse anyone who disagrees with you of being unpatriotic. So much for Liberal tolerance.
Tony Cape
ArtSci ’05
Congratulations to Grant Bishop
Dear Editors,
I realize that this may not be the most appropriate forum in which to do this, but I would like to take a moment to write the editors at the Journal and publicly extend congratulations to outgoing Queen’s Rector Grant Bishop for the job he has done in the last year and a half. Last year, I had the honour and privilege to serve as campaign manager for one of Mr. Bishop’s opponents in the rector election. I say it was an honour because it gave me the opportunity to get to know Grant very well. It was a poorly kept secret amongst our campaign team just how much respect and iration we had; not just for him personally but also for his talents, his commitment and his service to the students at Queen’s. Whether it was in his capacity as EngSoc president or as rector, Queen’s students have been extremely fortunate to have Mr. Bishop as a representative.
As an alumnus of Queen’s University, I would like to take this moment to extend to Grant a heartfelt congratulations, and best wishes in all of his future endeavors. The Queen’s community has benefited greatly over the years from Mr. Bishop’s commitment and devotion. He has left a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.
Congratulations again Grant. You are truly one of Queen’s finest.
Bryan G. Cowell
ArtSci ’05
issions should not consider athletic ability
Dear Editors,
RE: “Leaving the best athletes behind?” (Journal, Jan. 20, 2006).
I was ittedly shocked to find on the front page of the Journal an article lamenting the fact that Queen’s athletes “are judged by exactly the same standard as every other student” in the ission process. I couldn’t believe how this was supposed to be a bad thing.
Queen’s is, first and foremost, an academic institution, not a stadium, and if athletes want to come to Queen’s, they should get here because of what they can offer academically, not athletically. I would never expect my chances of getting on a hockey team to be increased by mentioning to the coaches that I’m really great at writing papers, but this is exactly what the athletic staff of Queen’s expects of issions: he or she is not as smart as everyone else, but he or she can throw a ball damn far.
I am not arguing that sports do not have a valuable purpose, but that this purpose should not interfere with what should be the primary aim of all educational institutions, namely academics. Sports should have a place at Queen’s, but not one that works to dilute the academic quality of Queen’s student body.
Brendan McCutchen
ArtSci ’07
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