Letters to the Editor

Quality Control in KDC

I recently was in The Quill office cramming last-minute for a test. My thought process went something like this:

“Mozart... 38th Symphony is in D. K number 505. 1st movement is Andante and Allegro. Second movement is BARK BARK BARK BARK BARK.”

This is not the first time my studying has been interrupted by a small dog barking in the Women’s Collective office. I spend a lot of time at the LGBT Collective office and the Quill, being a sometime contributor to both. Luckily, I have the option of studying elsewhere; I wonder how difficult it is to deal with a yappy dog on production night at The Quill, or how confidential a young gay man feels when the same dog wanders into the LGBT office (followed by his owner or any of the other Women’s Collective members whose turn it is to dogsit) when he’s looking for support?

Some time later, heading to my exam, I descended the stairs of the BUSU building. On my way past the BUSU office, I see the same tiny dog staring at me. Thankfully, he was silent for once. I have seen this same dog wandering Forbidden Flavours and SUDS, unaccompanied and unleashed in a food-serving establishment. He pretty much has free reign of the building. I know several students on campus that are incredibly allergic to dogs. One would love to be more involved in campus clubs, but cannot spend time in the building. Apparently there are also a large number of students who have a phobia when it comes to dogs. Have there been no complaints about the impact of turning the Students Union building into a kennel, thus making it difficult for some Students to be in the building?

If not, I can only surmise that, being that the dog belongs to a member on BUSU council, that students do not feel that their complaints will be heard or resolved. This is further evidenced by the “cute” sign that hangs in the window of the BUSU office: “BEWARE OF DOG”. For me, I just find it annoying and unprofessional to deal with a loudly barking dog when I’m in a place of business such as The Quill.

Sincerely, Brett Bews

Does no one Care anymore?

I am writing today to tell you how embarrassed I am to be a part of this week’s issue of the quill. This week you printed an article about BUSMEA winning the Presidential Excellence award, which I am a part of and proud to be so. Next to our professional and honourable article is the Around Campus... section where students blatantly admit that they don’t care about the student union and their upcoming election. Is this something we are proud of? Are you trying to promote the fact that our student body does not follow their own politics? On page 6 there is a comic called Purrfect Strangers that is absolutely horrifying. What kind of a newspaper prints something so vulgar? This is extremely inappropriate and definitely sends out a negative impression about BU. Lastly, the amount of profanities used is just plain offensive. I found the eFF my BU life article to be the icing of the cake in terms on inappropriate content. I am absolutely embarrassed to be pictured in this issue and I believe that his degrades Brandon University. This is content coming from an internationally recognized academic institution and it should reflect that. Not the opposite.

Sincerely, Michelle Thompson

Help orphanage in Haiti

Since 2003, Open Doorways from Beausejour, Manitoba has been fund-raising to build an orphanage in Haiti. Construction was to begin at the end of January in the community of Deschapelles, a two-hour drive north of the capital city Port-au-Prince, but the devastating earthquake on January 12th briefly put the project on hold. Although Deschapelles was not affected, the orphanage will consequently be built to withstand such natural disasters.

The construction has now begun but we need help with monetary support as the cost of building has increased. The orphanage will be home to a minimum of 30 children. They will receive love, proper nourishment, clean water, clothing, medical attention, the opportunity for an education and spiritual care.

Being the poorest nation in our western hemisphere, the needs in Haiti have always been great and are even greater since the earthquake. In working together, we will make a difference in bringing hope for a brighter future and dignity to some of its orphaned children and also its people. The orphanage is bringing employment opportunities to local folks not only during the construction phase but with its daily operation once built and functional.

To make a donation, cheques are payable to Open Doorways Orphanage Inc. and mailed to the address given below. Donations can also be made on-line at our website www.opendoorwaysorphanage.ca where more information on our project is available. Official tax receipts will be issued.

Organizing a fundraising event for Open Doorways can also be very rewarding in generating funds. We make presentations to schools, churches, community groups/organizations and businesses. It would be an honor visiting your community.

Open Doorways has a volunteer Board of Directors and we’re sincerely thankful for all help given towards the completion and operation of our Haitian orphanage project. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sharon Dugard, President and Founder Open Doorways Orphanage Inc. Box 405 Beausejour, Manitoba R0E 0C0