Thumbs up / Thumbs down

Published: Monday, June 1, 1998

Monday, June 1, 1998

Book reading

a big success

Thumbs up to the English department's annual Marathon Reading which took place two weeks ago. This event not only promotes literacy, but this year it promoted a book that was socially conscious - educating those listening as well as those reading. Ralph Ellison's novel titled "The Invisible Man" demonstrated "a protagonist - a nameless, young African-American male in search of his identity" in a world where African Americans are not socially or politically recognized. This event was student organized and student supported, yet it brought the community together with the students. And who can top a surprise appearance by the legendary civil rights and political activist Rosa Parks? This event spoke to many different people and should be supported in the years to come.

Unacceptable standards

Thumbs down to double standards presented by high-ranking state and governmental officials. "Do as I say, not as I do." Does this sound familiar? On April 10, a county sheriff named Charlie Byrd was pulled over by a fellow officer after driving under the influence of alcohol, yet he was let go without punishment. This was not his first violation either. An open whiskey bottle was laying beside him, and when he was asked to submit to a sobriety test, he declined. Byrd, a sheriff for 12 years, will be running for re-election in June.

Useful service implemented

Thumbs up to the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center for now offering students the option of scheduling appointments by way of the web. Students can request appointments at the page 24 hours a day, and messages will be picked up from the web page 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The address is http:/www.saonet.

ucla.edu/health/appointments/request.html.

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down represents the majority opinion of the Daily Bruin Editorial Board. E-mail suggestions to thumbs@media.ucla.edu.