Liberal bias ok with this reader
Regarding F. Stuart Smith's letter in the Vol. 1, No. 2, edition: For Mr. Smith to threaten the withholding of financial contributions because the newspaper does not reflect his political convictions shows a very poor attitude on his part, and I feel ashamed that he is even connected to the university. He has a right to disagree with the perceived bias the publication has, and express his opinion, but to tie money into it is very childish.
I understand Mr. Smith's point about a "liberal" slant. Most periodicals do have a liberal bias, as journalists are usually coming from an academic standpoint, rather than maybe a more "practical" one. I'd especially expect this from a university, whose whole foundation is that of education. It's only natural that, when coming from an education-minded position, ideas tend to be idealistic and champion the underdog. And you know what? I prefer it this way than the other way.
A university is not just about cranking out a license in which to launch a money-making career. It's also a place where new ideas are cultivated, open thinking is nurtured, and the question of "how to make this world a better place" is a primary consideration.
As I find myself working in my two-career life, which is ruled somewhat by the almighty dollar, I find these articles refreshing. Maybe, if Mr. Smith placed a little less emphasis on his purchasing power, he would too.
Julie Ronci Sipes
Ormond Beach, Fla.
Please ask for money less often
Yes, your new Florida State Times is a great idea - good articles, well-written and interesting.
You ask for donations, as every organization does. I know fund raising is important, but doesn't have to be so constant and insistent.
May I suggest the use of newsprint for a newspaper-like title? The Christian Science Monitor does a wonderful job with color on the much cheaper paper.
Ruby D. Fielding
Lady Lake, Florida
Governor likes FSU research
Your article on second-hand smoke in the July/August 1995 edition of the Florida State Times was extremely informative. I am pleased to learn that my alma mater is a leader in this important research.
Maryland has the fourth highest cancer death rate in the country. Each year, cancer accounts for 20 percent of all deaths in the state and costs Maryland $1.22 billion in related illnesses, disabilities and health care. I led the effort in the 1995 Maryland General Assembly to ban smoking in the workplace. As a result, Maryland now has one of the strongest smoking bans in the country, which protects 95 percent of the state's workforce from exposure to second-hand smoke. I commend FSU for helping to spread the word about the dangers of second-hand smoke, and I hope the Florida Legislature will continue to pursue efforts to protect the citizens of the state from environmental smoke exposure.
In addition, I enjoyed reading about my recent meeting with Loranne Ausley Ellis, executive director of the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism, in the same edition of the Florida State Times. I truly am a proud alumnus of FSU and, in spite of living in Terrapin territory, I continue to root for the Seminoles.
Keep up the good work at producing an informative and entertaining alumni publication. I look forward to future editions. Go 'Noles.
Parris N. Glendening,
Governor of Maryland
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Letters to the editor will be published in full to the extent that space permits. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, grammar, relevance and taste, but not for content. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Address letters to: The Editor, Florida State Times, 121 Westcott, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla. 32306-2034; or fax them to 904-644-6546; or e-mail to mleonard@westcott.wes.fsu.edu