Colorless history
To the editor:
I would like to add a few thoughts to Ericka Schiche's (March 6) column on her cynicism about Black History Month.
While I would agree with her points about the omission of many important accomplishments blacks have made to this country, I think her focus gave the false impression that "white" history receives much better treatment. Let's face it, most people don't know much about history, regardless of skin color. Last week in an English class, I asked the instructor if I should assume readers would know who Alexander Hamilton was in a paper I had written. She asked the class if they knew who he was. Only one person knew (and that person happened to be black).
My point is that people of all races are woefully ignorant of historical figures. To treat this as a black issue is divisive and ignores the shortcomings of ALL Americans in regards to the study and understanding of history.
As to her point about the stoplight and its unaccredited black inventor, I would just say I don't know who invented the steering system in my car (without which I couldn't steer through the light), who invented the gas pump (without which I couldn't gas up my car and move through the stoplight), or who invented the CRT (without which I couldn't send this e-mail). All I know is that their inventions improved my life regardless of what race they were; shouldn't that be the true lesson of Black History Month?
John Schloz
junior, electrical engineering
Unfortunate fees
To the editor:
This semester, I am fortunate enough to be a member of the Tutor's Program in the college of my major. In order to receive academic credit, however, I have to pay the university for three additional hours on my fee bill. That's a surprising twist, and after reading your editorial, "Speak out now, or it will cost you" (March 4), I might add, a very provoking one, too.
Under the current plan, I actually pay the university for the job of tutoring lower-level students who, noticeably, are often struggling. It's a job I enjoy mostly. In fact, this type of enjoyment cost tutors $126 each this semester. By the way, in fairness to the administration, I will mention that the hours are not terribly demanding, thus allowing for that second part-time job I'll need next semester when the General Use Fee nearly triples.
If the administration is successful in its bid for this extraordinary fee hike, student fees will drastically increase from about 80 percent of tuition costs to over 140 percent! Simply stated, this weighted fee level is unprecedented at UH. It also surpasses that of every college in the state (public and private), and most colleges in the nation.
In short, this hyperinflation of student fees is unwarranted and unjust. Furthermore, the lack of clear analysis by the administration of its impact seems exceeded only by its contempt, or total disdain, for student well-being.
As for the future of the Tutor's Program, I know it will price itself out of existence for at least one volunteer tutor -- I can no longer afford that enjoyment. As for the future of the university, well, maybe President Goerke would like to come by the tutor's office for a brief session (while it's still free, sir). A fee hike will hurt UH enrollment -- both present and future.
Scott A. Birdsong III
senior, economics
candidate --
social sciences, position 1
My 2 cents
To the editor:
If the kids who spoke at Tuesday's General Use Fee forum are destined for government service (or even the Students' Association), then God help us all.
Brad Lamonte
senior, mathematics