Cutting Louie's hours hurts students

I am extremely disgruntled at the recent abuses heaped upon the student body of the University of Arizona.

I am referring, of course, to the "Louie Situation." The Memorial Student Union has seen fit to amputate more than two-thirds of the operating hours of Louie's Lower Level.

The reason given for this atrocity is that Louie's is not profitable during these hours due to the large operating staff. I realize that the sole purpose of the university, as laid down in the original land grant, is to make money. However, in this instance, perhaps an exception can be made.

With its large tables and spacious spaces, Louie's is a great study area that is used by hundreds every day. It is also a great place to play cards. More on the practical side, Louie's is wired for satellite and has a large-screen television, as well as several smaller ones. It's too bad Louie's will be closed before any Arizona basketball games come on, especially during the NCAA tournament. Actually, Louie's will be closed before any major event comes on. Also, what of the students who work at Louie's? Instead of 80 plus hours a week, Louie's is now going to be open a pitiful 25. Most of those starving students will be fired.

To the powers that be, I beseech you to consider the situation a little more carefully. To the patrons of Louie's, let your voice be heard.

Save Louie's! Don't let the man keep you down.

By Andy Sparks (letter)
Arizona Daily Wildcat
March 5, 1997