Give the Council A Chance

To the Editors of The Crimson:

In the song entitled "Dirty Laundry," Don Henley portrays the news media as a group who like to "kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down." To me, this phrase exemplifies perfectly the Crimson's attitude towards the new Undergraduate Council.

Not only has the Crimson failed to articulate any type of agenda for the new government, it has gone out of its way to be cynical and destructive. At first, it criticized the entire concept of a student government, and case serious doubts on the motives of those who wanted responsible student leadership. Then it mocked the election process by giving almost all of its coverage to the Lampoon's Joe Delta and Lowell House's "mellower at party." It even ignored the heavy turnout and many fine candidates, and instead focused its coverage on organizations to whom the idea of public service has no meaning. Now, the Crimson has decided to make fun of the very people who have indicated that they are willing to work to make this new council function effectively.

What angers me the most is the Crimson's laziness. Where are the editorials stating undergraduate needs? Where are the editorials with suggestions on how to run this new organization? It is easy and trendy to be cynical, but it hardly qualifies as "good journalism." Beyond that, I fear that the Crimson's attitude may destroy any chance for effective student leadership on this campus. The Crimson should not be adding to campus apathy, nor be helping to create a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom. To do no would be counter-productive, and not in keeping with the Crimson's tradition of excellence. Michael Flamm '86