If ever two opposing groups have talked right past each other, they'd have to be Students Against Sweatshops and the UA administration, headed by UA President Peter Likins. They talk to each other, they talk to students, they talk to assorted labor rights groups, but apparently no one is listening.

What both SAS and Likins need to do, instead of holding numerous closed-door meetings, is call a public forum at which Fair Labor Association and Worker Rights Coalition spokespeople as well SAS members and Likins can speak directly and openly to each other and to students.

Last week a WRC member came to campus and spoke with SAS members and non-affiliated students and Likins, but in separate meetings. What did the WRC official say? UA should withdraw from the FLA and become a sole member of the WRC. Surprise!

Next week, an FLA representative is coming to campus and he'll likely do the reverse - advise the UA to remain in the FLA. The Wildcat's news desk could probably write the story before it happens.

"FLA member advises Likins to remain in FLA," the headline would read. And students and SAS members and Likins would all be terribly surprised, again.

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