Letter to the Editor

We Deserve Better from YouTo Whom It May Concern: I have taken up another effort to fight for a paper that is fair and professional. I have seen some fairness and professionalism in the paper, mainly in the reporting of sports. The writers in that category understand that we want the information presented professionally. However, as many of you know The Clock seems to have its own agenda, which leaves the majority of the Plymouth State community ignored. The student paper is not in place to advance personal agendas. "The Clock and the facilities thereof are not to be used for the personal advancement or pleasure of any member of the staff or any individual member of the Plymouth State community." This is a quote directly from the constitution of The Clock, which is on file with the student senate and student activities office for every organization on campus. I have had numerous conversations with students on both ends of the political spectrum h ere on campus and have discovered we have at least one thing in common. We have all expressed an extreme dissatisfaction with the school paper. We, as the body of Plymouth State, want a school paper that represents the majority of the students and faculty with professionalism, dignity and a sense of respect for all opinions. The paper has ignored its own constitution time and time again. "The goal of journalism and journalists should be to seek the truth and print it in an unbiased manner, a feat not easily reached, particularly in student media." I find it very convenient for The Clock to write in a statement that would fit into their agenda. We deserve better. We deserve better from the editor as well. The constitution says, "The duties of the Editor-in-Chief are as follows... assuming responsibility for its content..." Its time you take your responsibility seriously and give us a paper that is professional and unbiased. Stop pushing your own agenda; we don't want to hear it in the paper. My last argument for the reformation of the school paper is also supported by the constitution; the school newspaper is not to discriminate. I have seen entirely too much of this, especially in the political aspect of The Clock. We have a voice. I know many of you are not satisfied with the paper and the direction it has taken. Don't be silent anymore. Write. Get involved. Make your voices heard. If we stand together and no matter the differences we can not be ignored. Don't let them intimidate us any more. We, as the Plymouth State community, have a right to read a school paper that is written respectfully. It's time to see a change, because we deserve better.

Mike Neveln