Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Opinion
 

Letters to the Editor

Can you tell me how to get to journalistic integrity?

To the editor:

In Friday's column, "This column is paid for by readers like you" by Christian Ochoa he stated, "No longer will my loveable, blue monster sing ‘"C" is for Cookie' or indulge in the decadent pleasures of cookie goodness." Although it's true Cookie Monster no longer sings that song, he still eats cookies on the show.

I think it's terrible to state a lie in saying that the cookie monster has been deprived of his favorite meal, when that isn't the case. 

These writers really need to check their facts before they ramble on about the injustice that Sesame Street is doing. 

Noé Alonzo Erazo
English freshman

Bridge over troubled water

To the editor:

In response to Jim McCormick's Wednesday opinion column, "Don't expose Houston to plague": the pool in question was drained and cleaned over a month ago. A new pumping system was created to ensure that water does not accumulate in the pool. The grass is mowed and the grounds are being routinely maintained. The doors to the pool property have been secured so that no unauthorized personnel can enter the area.

The reason the pool area has not been demolished is that it is a future building site and any temporary solution, such as digging up the pool and filling in the hole, would be expensive for such a short term. Faced with budget shortfalls, it was decided to sanitize the pool, which is the most fiscally responsible solution, and leave it in place until it is time to build. That way, the work and expense only need to be incurred once.

The University area is sprayed regularly for mosquitoes during the summer, and maintenance and housekeeping personnel work to limit standing water. My research indicated the last bubonic Plague epidemic in the U.S. occurred in 1924-25 in Los Angeles. Thereafter, there were 10-20 cases a year. 

Andy Blank
Executive Director
Residential Life and Housing

Letters to the editor are welcome from all members of the UH community and should focus on issues, not personalities. Letters must be typed and must include the author's name, telephone number and affiliation with the University. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, language and space. Letters may be delivered in person to Room 151, Communication; e-mailed to dclettrs@mail.uh.edu ; or faxed to (713) 743-5384.