Pedestrians should take out longboarders

I would like to submit an open letter to those individuals in the UA community who have taken to riding longboards around campus in a severely misguided attempt at looking cool to their fellow students. While it is certainly every individual’s prerogative to choose his own means of transportation, however goofy-looking or impractical it may be, longboarders seem to have forgotten that the operative word in “”sidewalk”” is in fact “”walk.””

Today, for the third time in as many semesters at the UA, I witnessed a longboarder deck a completely innocent pedestrian trying to get to class on time. I say enough is enough. To all our petroli-wearing brethren not coordinated enough to ride real skateboards, please be advised that your sidewalk tyranny will no longer be tolerated. Bipeds should not have to live in fear any longer.

Fellow foot soldiers, stop the dodging and darting away from these commuting menaces. Next time you hear the dull rumble of a longboard coming-up behind you, stick out a stiff elbow and rise up against those who wish to make walking unsafe for the masses.

Students unfairly targeted by unscrupulous petitioners

In regard to the humane farming article in Monday’s paper, I would like to clarify a few things for UA students: First, I think it is wrong for this group to target UA students to sign their petitions because they are “”more sympathetic”” and pose “”little opposition”” to sign. Less than 2 percent of America’s population is directly related to production agriculture, and with a primarily urban population attending our school, it is unfair to them because they’re not familiar with most or any farming practices.

In addition, the “”humane farming”” campaign should be disregarded due to the fact that the legislation they’re proposing doesn’t really affect Arizonans. The number of commercial swine and veal operations in the state of Arizona is nearly zero. There are

only seven primary states that produce veal, and none are located on the West Coast. While swine production does exist in Arizona, it only accounts for 1.3 percent of all crop and livestock commodity cash receipts. This group is currently targeting Arizona only to set a precedent for when they propose this legislation in other states that actually have substantial amounts of swine and veal farms.

Finally, the organization’s entire purpose lacks credibility and reality. Veal and swine farmers are practicing methods that are humane. Farming is a business; it is not economical to handle their “”products”” inhumanely. The space given to sows is proven to be more effective and safer for the mother and piglets; furthermore, it is backed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Veal practices also hold high standards on how their product is raised, following the veal quality assurance program. This program ensures that veal calves are cared for with ethical management practices that will result in a safe, wholesome, consistent quality veal product for the consumer.

As students, we must not accept the way radical groups target us because of our unfamiliarity with every issue. Maybe it’s time we don’t sign every petition that comes our way; it’s possible we could be doing more harm than good.