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Opinion
 

Staff Editorial

                            Matt Dulin                             Tony Hernandez 
                Jim Parsons             Dusti Rhodes           Blake Whitaker

Textbook prices: the usual suspects are at it again

CalPIRG, a public research group based in California, released the second part of its comprehensive study on the role of publishers in skyrocketing textbook prices. The results reaffirmed what the first report found and what many students have known for some time: The bulk of the blame for high prices falls on the shoulders of publishers.

It's infuriating knowing that students, many of whom struggle financially to receive a quality education, are being exploited by greedy companies that constantly devise new ways to line their coffers with our and our families' hard-earned cash.

The University has done well to include copies of all core textbooks in the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library, but that's not enough. Students need to make their voices heard on this issue. Write your congressman, e-mail administration members nd send letters to publishers letting them know you're on to them. Just don't vandalize the property of any offending companies -- that's illegal (although we can't say we wouldn't laugh).

For starters, you can check out the CalPIRG report at www.maketextbooksaffordable.com/newsroom.asp?id2=15618.
 

Pool was great, but has overstayed its welcome 

The outdoor swimming pool on that south side of campus, which has been closed since 2002, won't be around much longer.

Finally.

Associate Vice President for Plant Operations Dave Irvin said the University may use the area for new housing, possibly removing the pool in a year's time. It's certainly positive that the administration is trying to cut costs by taking out the eyesore and beginning new construction at the same time, but it seems as if the ghost of the once-pleasant oasis has lingered for too long.

UH is undergoing changes that we hope will lead to it being recognized in Texas as the world-class university it is. And just as the clothes make the man (or woman), the face of a college campus can tell a great deal about the character of the school.

It's been a good run, pool, but we can't say we'll be sad to see your skeleton removed.