ASUA dismissals did more harm than good

The firing of Associated Students of the University of Arizona officials Jan. 10 demonstrated what many have feared since Mr. Bernsen took office last April: Mr. Bernsen lacks the ability to put the mission and goals of an organization (ASUA), above his own personal agenda. As a result, Mr. Bernsen has delivered a calamitous blow to Arizona Students' Association, one of the UA's strongest student-driven lobbying groups, leaving students severely underrepresented in a time of dire need.

As last year's ASUA treasurer, I had the personal privilege of working with two of the ASA directors on numerous projects throughout the course of the year. Their professionalism and work ethic were second to none and, based on my experiences, I find it hard to believe that their dismissals were directly related to their job performance.

Although the truth will ultimately play out in the end, the damage these dismissals have caused the students will not go unnoticed. Fortunately for ASUA and more importantly the student body it serves, an organization with such a deep-rooted history of representing the concerns and wishes of UA students cannot be defamed by the imprudent actions of one individual.

Ryan Jennings
UA alumnus

Students need to get into the game

As a former student, I know the impact the student section can have on our teams. The magic at McKale seems to have faded over the last few years. Maybe the fans who attend year-in and year-out are just getting older. Needless to say, the seating method for the students has left some seats unfilled. As it is, this is a very important home stand for the Cats. We are all proud of the 21 straight trips to the dance and I know we would all like to keep that going. You can help. We need to turn McKale on its heels this week. If you have ever been to a SWAC game, you know they treat it like a party. Dancing in the aisles during deadball periods and timeouts is the norm. Not Duke-type, choreographed dancing, just free-for-all dancing. And singing together. Get with the band and find what songs they will play and pass out the words. It really helps loosen up the players. Forget the other team. Our guys need help. Somebody get a sign made that says, "we are all in this together," and let the old fans see it. Maybe they will get the message and stand.

You can make a difference. The students at the UA have always made a difference. We need to change up some things for this year's group. Come ready to party this week.

John Campbell
UA alumnus

UAPD should give up search for goalpost climbers

In response to "Police use video stills to search for fans who climbed goalposts" (Jan. 11): I'm glad to see that UAPD has wisely chosen its priorities. The UA is at the top of the nationwide list of campus crime, yet campus police are worried about some kids who celebrated atop goal posts after a fluke win over a division rival.

"Someone might've been hurt." Since when do cops sound like my mother?

If Wildcat fans were encouraged to cheer their teams on in standard collegiate fashion, some titles might be won.

Let's face it: Football fans are segregated to the Zona Zoo section instead of being allowed to infect the entirety of Arizona Stadium with spirit, as is the case at every other field in the country, where whole towns explode on game day. Being from the Midwest, I've seen couches burned in intersections over less.

After being priced out and confined to the noninvestor/nongeriatric sections, Arizona students are subjected to homeland security for celebrating the one shining moment in an otherwise oafish season?

We act like word doesn't get around. Athletes crave energy. How great can the recruiting be when our top prospects find out that, during the fourth quarter, they'll get all the thump and rattle of an art gallery opening?

Should we whip UCLA so soundly again this fall, I'll make sure to drop my shorts from the goalpost, so Big Brother can get a good look at my nice white butt.

Craig Grau
journalism senior

Revise spring semester's start date

It is ridiculous that the UA started the spring semester on Jan. 11. A three-day school week and then a three-day weekend? What's the point? Either make the first week of the semester substantial by starting on Monday or begin classes the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. As our friends back in our hometowns enjoy an extra week off, Wildcats have to hit the books as students and faculty get shafted yet again when it comes to vacation time.

Victoria Harben
journalism sophomore