Coverage of Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath lacks sensitivity, mocks suffering of thousands

Thank you for exposing Hurricane Katrina for what it is: a farce. Many “major” newspapers might go for the sob-stories about “serious issues,” like the apparent lack of emergency response or the hardships of displaced citizens.

The Diamondback, however, has taken the high road, and delivered a stunning expose on the harassment of students with the name Katrina. The front-page graphic of a “Hello, my name is Katrina” name tag and the ditzy quotes evoke the true spirit of the Katrina disaster.

Who can forget, also, the wonderful editorial cartoons? Certainly, exploiting the death and misery of thousands and likening it to our own crime wave does not offend – nay, it is entirely necessary to reveal how overblown this hurricane situation has grown.

Kudos to you for holding high the spirit of journalism. You truly are a newspaper for the students – I certainly know I don’t care about people off in some place I’ve never been.

Sardonically yours,

Brian Smith

Sophomore

Physics

Criticism of Rose’s priorities is unfair and offers no alternative solutions to crime problem

Andrew Rose just can’t win.

In a recent editorial, Rose is criticized for making safety a priority. Faced with a recent surge of crime on the campus, he has made reasonable alterations to his initial campaign plan in order to improve student safety. Instead of applauding his efforts, The Diamondback criticizes him as if he is abandoning ship on all other projects. In actuality, it sounds like he’s just taking on one more task for his administration and for the students.

Here’s my question: If Rose had decided to stay the course and not focus on this immediate issue, what would The Diamondback have said? Clearly this paper is great at denigration, but no solutions are ever offered and the idea of “constructive criticism” is negated. According to the article’s title, leaders should stick to their priorities.

Since when was safety not a top issue? And for those who may believe that safety was not a top issue, what is the problem with making it another top issue?

Kevin Yeh

Junior

Psychology