Letters

Sorry, that’s not how science works

(Re: “Are great minds working to achieve a great future,” 4 March 2002)

Gerberi has a distorted understanding of how science operates. The vast majority of scientists have research programs that are directly oriented towards answering socially-responsible questions such as how to cure disease, prevent ecosystem degradation and improve the human situation. It is totally unrealistic to suppose that there is a simple answer to any of these complex questions that will magically reveal itself if scientists only buckle down and apply their research “to the greater good”.

Instead, scientists set realistic goals and ask questions that are answerable and contribute towards answering these larger questions. To use Gerberi’s own example, mate selection in one species of fish acts as a model for mating systems in general, answering questions of how or why they evolve, their impact upon reproduction and survival, and on a broader scale, how they affect ecological persistance of a single species and its associated community.

For someone who feels that “useful”, narrowly-defined research is so vital, I wonder if Gerberi also proposes to disband U of T’s academic programs in languages, people of colour, fine art, history, women, etc. that aren’t “productive and beneficial” according to a highly simplified viewpoint? Obviously, ethics need to be considered in every research program, but great minds of all kinds need, and have a right, to pursue for research that is individually interesting as well.

Claire Hirst
M.Sc. student, Zoology

Varsity comics are still vulgar and tastless

I find the comics in the Varsity to be very vulgar, disgusting and way too graphic. If these comics are a way to attract new readership well you’ve sure fooled me. What’s with the obsession over masturbation and nudity? Surely there are more intelligent ways to make readers laugh at comic strips. I need only point to the witty humour of Dilbert, Ziggy, Peanuts and more comics many of us know and love. Surely there are people at U of T that the Varsity can recruit to come up with equally intelligent and humorous comic strips.

Comics like Varsity Happenings only go on to show that the Varsity continues to insult the intelligence of its readers. I’m glad that there’s another levy on the spring ballot regarding the Varsity so that I can have the chance to take my money out. Either that or clean up the back page.

Doron Berger

And you thought SAC was dull

(Re: “We had beer but we didn’t open it…” and “The case of beer was a political statement,” letters, 4 March 2002)

My apologies to Matt, the Varsity, and readers for failing to research Matt’s correct given name. Attempting to use this “factual error” as a basis to generalize that my letter was “rife with factual errors” is an insensitive and fallacious approach to my concern.

Refusing to acknowledge that alcohol is offensive to one’s religious beliefs clearly demonstrates the stubborn and snub attitude Mr. Parker had at the SAC AGM. Requesting some respect for my faith is certainly not an attempt to dictate the way you live your life. It is a positive and respectful gesture you could have honoured for a few hours while at the AGM.

I should clarify though that the beer was thrown out because of legal, not religious, issues. I refuse to reduce the fact that beer was consumed to an Ahmad vs. Parker observation. Many students and directors can attest to the alcohol consumption. In fact, The Varsity should have several pictures of the hysteria following your distribution of the “to-be consumed” alcohol bottles. I hope the Varsity acts appropriately and prints the pictures so that students know some of their elected directors and representatives were attempting to represent them under the influence of alcohol [a picture appeared in the March 7 issue].

“Many at SAC” do not have a problem with any students voicing their opinion. If disrespect and refusing the Chair’s orders are what you define as “life,” then you certainly did inject it into our meeting.

I wish for Mr. Parker and Mr. McAuslan to be straightforward with their concerns and possibly refer to certain examples as evidence for their rather rude and empty accusations. Accusing the SAC executive of dictatorship and the board of hypocrisy is a manifestation of ignorance as to the operations of SAC. All directors and executives have one vote. Whether a director or executive has more is to the will of the individual who proxied his or her vote.

Mona Ahmad
SAC (UTM)

Just say no to Graditude
(Re: low donations to Graditude.)

I was so happy to hear that the Engineering Faculty was 1000% (or about $27000) short of their projected dollar amount for Graditude. Undergrads should not be asked to pay for improvements to university facilities— facilities that can then be used to attract new students who will subsequently be burdened with de-regulated tuition (and also asked to give to Graditude). The university should pay for their own facilities. The same argument applies for the new Varsity Center. If you have extra money, give it to the United Way.

Paul Chiarot
4th Year Engineering