Letters to the Editor

9/4/08 7:00pm

ZipCar program on the right track

To the Editor:

I was proud to read that Rice is subsidizing the first carsharing venture in Texas ("Carless No More," Aug. 29). I live in Washington, D.C., a booming ZipCar market. Just like in college, I don't need a car often, but it gives me great peace of mind knowing I have ready access to one when I do need it to transport something, to get somewhere beyond biking range or to leave town. At Rice, I actually chose friends who could drive me to dinner on weekends, or take me to Target once a semester. And I remember being stranded Thanksgiving weekend when car owners drove home. Access to ZipCar is just what Rice students need for a little freedom. Although you will have to plan ahead, cars might be available for that midnight romp to Galveston. Two cars is just the beginning - as more students use them, the program will grow. I recommend that ZipCar expand to include a pickup truck (it is Texas, after all) which even car owners might find useful for hauling stuff. Rice Zipsters can also use their membership in other cities - it's cheaper than renting a car. I had better reserve my car now for Homecoming this fall.

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Sheffy Gordon

Jones '98

Test score not worth neglecting values

To the Editor:

Upon my return to Rice, I noticed that the purity test had resurfaced in the Thresher's Backpage ("The 2008 Backpage Purity Test," Aug. 22), which revives memories from my Orientation Week. From my experiences as an undergraduate, it was far more popular to tout how low a score can go rather than how high a score can be kept.

College represents a time of exploration and adventure, but knocking a point off a purity score does not necessarily equate to positive experiences. Actions have consequences that reach beyond the here and now of an individual. Granted, many successful individuals have shrugged off mistakes in their lives as youthful indiscretions, but public disavowals do not wash away the regret that lingers in an individual's conscience.

However, as students of a top-tier university, individuals here should have the intellectual capacity and the emotional maturity to discern the risks involved in pursuing temporary gratification.

Many items on the test seem laughably prude or inconceivable. I understand that everyone has different perspectives on what belongs in which category, and I do not intend to share, let alone impose, my judgment on each individual question. Individuals do evolve and grow in their roughly four years in college, but they ought to establish their principles and hold to them according to their own judgment without questioning the judgment of others. We may fail at certain points, but it is the struggle that matters.

Leonard Chan

Lovett '07

Baker 13 requires off-limit spaces

To the Editor:

On Labor Day, I ventured back on campus to study at the Brochstein Pavilion. This building offers a great view and quiet study atmosphere both to students and the public. Unfortunately, I was confronted with those obscene depictions characteristic of Baker 13. I understand that this is a great tradition for Rice University and a medium of free expression for its students, and I am in no way calling for the end of this activity. But considering that this pavilion is one of the most visited buildings by off-campus visitors, has this tradition gone too far? I suggest that certain buildings be declared off-limits for Baker 13, mainly those most visited by the public. After all, do we want the first experience at Rice for a visitor to our great university to be marred by such racy gestures?

Luke Gilman

Lovett '06

Stadium dinners an inconvenience

To the Editor:

This has got to stop. Not for the first time, the Rice Athletics Department has succeeded in causing many members of the student body a major inconvenience by effectively forcing all students to travel to Rice Stadium in order to eat dinner. With the serveries all closed in order to complement the home football opener, students were left with little recourse other than either preparing their own food or going to a restaurant.

On Friday nights, students are exhausted. Moreover, this is the first week of classes, when people are still trying to figure out their plans for the semester. After classes end, many students simply want the convenience of their local servery and a chance to stop and catch their breath from the week, and not to have to make a 15-plus minute sojourn for something that they have paid through the nose to have close to home.

Please do not misunderstand me in thinking that my frustration stems from a lack of school spirit. That is not the case. In reality, I just feel that this is a cheap tactic that doesn't really benefit anyone. There is a large contingent of students who show up only for the food and couldn't care less about football. I'm sure that the team doesn't want apathetic fans, so let's discard this "close the serveries" idea and start thinking about the university beyond the stadium.

Ian Jones

Martel College sophomore

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