The comically ignorant comment editor!

“Another day at the office” is comical in the level of ignorance it displays. As a participant in the November 5, 2008 Student Day of Action, I can attest to the fact that, as the author suggests, UMSU did in fact organise a rally outside the Administration Building. This was clearly advertised well in advance of the last press deadline for The Manitoban's editorialists in the November 3 edition. The statement that UMSU is dogmatically dedicated to reducing tuition fees is also off-base. The students’ union continually canvasses members, and has even publicised polling commissioned professional public opinion companies, as part of provincial and national polls. These different forms of canvassing all show huge and student public support for not just a freeze, but fee reductions as well. I also notice that UMSU is making concrete suggestions for everything from university spending priorities (more course sections and faculty and staff, less pet projects and wage increases for senior administration) through provincial policy (reduce tuition fees for students as has been done in Conservative Newfoundland, reduce student loan interest rates) to federal action (lift the cap on funding increases for Aboriginal students, increase transfers to the provinces for education to the level before funding were made in 1990s.) This information all stems from cursory research online, and just caring a little bit about conveying accurate information. I had a great time at the day of action, and I know we were heard by senior cabinet members in the provincial government, as well as our University. I know that UMSU will follow-up with continued lobbying and policy proposals, as they should. It's unfortunate that The Manitoban aspires to no greater standard than the mainstream press, with its uneasy relationship to the facts, and fact-checking. I expect better from my student media. One rhetorical question for the The Manitoban: who's the dogmatic curmudgeon now? I have a hint: his last name is Silicz. <em>Allan Easter</em>