Letters to the Messenger

Sign Me Up!

Today I had to handle some financial aid drama, and as I waited (and waited, and waited) in line, I noticed a copy of your November paper. First of all, I particularly liked the article on Mumia. It was a very well written, and an informative piece. While I was already familiar with Mumia's story, it gave me new insight to the case, and motivated me to want to take some sort of action.

Anyway, my point for this letter is that I am interested in becoming involved with the paper. I am a skilled writer, and also familiar with basic layout. I have a background in student affairs, and like to speak up on important issues. I think that is one of the reasons I became immersed in your paper today. It was the articles on Mumia, Badillo, Giuliani, CCNY and CUNY.

Those issues are right up my alley in terms of what I like to be educated on as well as educate others.

-Dawn Marczak

Dickmeyer's Done

I just completed reading the Messenger, which I found quite interesting. I am totally happy that the Mayor of New York was not able to get his way on this one [charter revision].

I'm a graduate at this time and once worked in one of the offices on campus. Yes, Mr. Dickmeyer is running the school, [see "CUNYCard Quashed," December 1999] and in his hideous way is trying to undermine the new President. Yes, he would love to see the new President make a blunder and fall down.

I have had it up to my neck in seeing how the white establishment controls everything. When they can not get someone of color, they then turn to someone who tries to be like the establishment, place them in control, and use them to get rid of the people of color. This is how it has been in the school system for 15 years.

So to see that this Mayor did not win on the charter revision, or to see Dickmeyer not have his way, makes me elated. Yes, if the Mayor has his way, believe me, all people of color would be thrown to the dogs.

Lastly, on campus there are many who have never gone through the merit system. They are given a job on a platter, tenured, and paid while others have to fight for their positions on campus. The majority of these Professors know each other and (are) doing some very underhanded work. They are receiving these high paying positions as professors, and teach only 1 to 2 days a week, their salaries over $70,000. They hold these positions, and they drain the system, and get away with it. I truly hope this new President will not allow underhandedness to succeed. Positions in this college should be given to those who truly have gone through the system, not because you know someone.

-Anonymous

Vice President Dickmeyer resigned in December. More juicy details in the next issue.  --Editors