Broky idea already in practice
This letter is in response to Rebecca Broky's proposed designated-driver program. While it is a great idea, there is already a system in place. Designated Drivers of Tucson provides free rides home for those who would prefer not to drive home from a bar. People can drive to a bar and then call us to take their party and their vehicle home safely. Keep in mind, this is not a taxi service - we take people to their homes and in their own vehicles. Several bars already sponsor the absolutely free program, including Gentle Ben's, Guido's, IBT and Club Congress. The service runs from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and can be reached at 591-0327. For those who would like to volunteer or learn more, they can go to www.ddaoftucson.com. The service is not used to its fullest potential, and we would like to increase awareness. Thanks.
Paul Miller
Volunteer driver
Resident Assistants need to be heard
I was happy to see articles in the Wildcat about the issues in Residence Life; however, upon reading them I was disappointed to find little was actually covered. The fact is, Residence Life has many problems that must be brought to the open and addressed. It is the goal of Residence Life to please the residents. The most effective way Residence Life can do this is through the resident assistant. The structure of Residence Life becomes a farce when RAs are told they matter and yet there is not enough supervision or support for their endeavors. RAs are told they are hired because they are capable, responsible people who will teach, serve and care throughout the year. RAs remain attentive to the lives of their residents while balancing schoolwork and their own affairs. Every day, RAs are in direct contact with residents, and because of this, they see the effects of Residence Life policy, both good and bad. They have feedback that could help the system, but their voice is unheard.
In addition, there is little recognition for all the work RAs do. What are the effects? A silent resignation among RAs that what they do is undervalued and yet that is just the way it is. Unfortunately, all residents must bear the brunt of the effects of this faulty system, not just the RAs. The article states that "For Residence Life officials, their main focus is not ensuring all RAs and CAs remain happy. Rather, they say they are focused on providing the best service with limited resources to the thousands of UA students who live in residence halls." This distorted focus has caused Residence Life to lose the very objective it seeks; they need to recognize that the resident assistants are their most valuable resources; otherwise there is no point to the position's existence. To Residence Life: You have had a troublesome year; the best way to change is to listen. To the residents: You may not have seen what a truly positive experience living in a residence hall can be, and for that I am sorry. And to the resident assistants this year: I know where you are coming from, and what you are dealing with, and you should know - you are doing a good job.
January Terry
History and sociology junior
Disrespectful people to blame for riots
I am writing in response to a statement made in the article, "UA Community Examines Riot," which was published April 13. It stated that the responsibility for the violence and damage that occurred on Fourth Avenue following the basketball game was that of the bars. I happen to think that it was the responsibility of those individuals who took part in the destruction. It is the individual who walks into a bar, orders a drink, and the individual who fails to drink responsibly. The actions of that night were those of people who had no respect for others; they are to blame.
Kim Fielding
Family studies and human development sophomore
Athletes deserve to go pro
I understand the disappointment that many Wildcat Basketball fans have expressed concerning the high number of players who are leaving college to pursue their dreams in the NBA. I believe that Finley and the rest of the Wildcat staff have raised a host of valid points. However, I do believe that one important point is missing. The comments have established that these players are far more than college students, they are upper-class athletes. Programs such as Lute Olson's attract basketball players who strive for excellence - players with a dream and a damn good chance at going pro. With this in mind, it must also be understood that playing for an additional year or two in college carries with it the implicit threat, albeit small, of being injured. Aside from ruining the season, these injuries could dash their hopes of becoming professional basketball players. Moreover, as Finley has so pointedly expressed, these athletes are not paid for their efforts, and injuries are also likely to be uncompensated. Professional athletes, on the other hand, have contracts. These contracts likely provide some kind of continued pay or other form of compensation if a player is injured. With this in mind, I can hardly criticize or question the decision our beloved athletes have made. In fact, I fully support it and wish them the best of luck.
Louis M. Grossman
UA law student
