Stance on Rent Control Shocking

The Crimson's decision to endorse ballot Question 9 on Election Day was disappointing and shocking ("Vote Yes on 9", Opinion, Nov. 4, 1994). This proposition to end rent control in Massachusetts was flawed from the start in its zeal to abolish, rather than reform, the existing system.

In the staff's desire to attack "free-loaders" who exploit the loop-holes of rent control, it ignores the fact that elderly residents, artists and students (including me) depend on rent control for their housing in Cambridge.

If, as you state, the "right to property" is sacrosanct, then why advocate a proposition which will throw people out in the street? Although the polls are now closed, I'm quite amazed at your decision. Jonathan Cook '96