I would have to say that I do not respect the Campus News bulletin being used as a medium for propaganda by the administration. As with most issues, there are two sides to this debate, both with sound positions and grievances that disagree more in their assumptions than in their rhetoric. If the administration would have students simply disregard the union position in favor of that of their own, which it has suggested by presenting only one side of the issue, I have to begin to wonder if the goal of an RPI education is to have students blindly accept spoon-fed propaganda from those in power rather than actually think as an independent member of their society. I have been following the ongoing debate over unionization, and neither have I respected the accusations and name-calling that both sides have exhibited both in The Poly editorials and in today’s “official statement.” Those that file charges, go to court, and distribute propaganda have not, it seems, learned the benefit of friendly, constructive negotiations. On the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, our president spoke of the incredible “community” that had been exhibited in the wake of terror. I have to ask, what community? Do we not have division here instead of unity? Are we not committed to our own individual interests instead of those of our neighbor? It is easy to put on a facade of unity when attacked from without, but can we remain united when faced with conflict from within? I would very much appreciate a response.

John Westbrook