[ Golden Gater Online - October 23, 1997 ]
Keep driving, sucker
As a native San Franciscan, I am surprised at Sam Cohen's recent column regarding parking at SF State. Parking is a citywide problem, not just a university one. As a current staff member in the department of athletics, I might add I am irritated and concerned at his rash attempt to find a solution to an eternal problem by proposing that "we" need to get rid of sports, the Department of Kinesiology, and the Creative Writing Department in order to create parking spaces for the so-called "poor students." First, I would like Sam's definition of "poor." Is it "poor" as in pitiful? If that is the case, then he answered his original question as to why SF State is below other CSU's in quality. Perhaps he meant "poor" as in no money? Fees have not gone up in a while, so I am sure that the money students are saving by choosing SF State over Stanford of Berkeley (by the way has Sam ever tried to park in Berkeley?) could be used to support a ten-story parking structure. I'm sure will fill his needs.
As a former driver and present MUNI rider, could Sam be any more snobbish? MUNI may have its problems but it gets me to work on time every morning. My greatest pleasure is to cruise along on a bus watching frustrated clueless people like Sam drive around with crazed stares, stalking people as they walk to their cars. I would love to be on the jury that has Sam's case after he has plowed down some unsuspecting motorist for daring to get out their keys before they reach their car.
Mr. Cohen, if I were you I would consider leaving earlier for school. I know that many students stay up late after watching "The Real World" all night long. But in the real world of parking pandemonium, real people plan ahead.
Denise Hall
Department Secretary
Department of Athletics
[ Golden Gater - October 23, 1997 ]