Letters to the Editor
Library conversations distract others
It’s nearing the end of the semester, and most people are frazzled with overwhelming workloads. The thoughts of ever-impinging deadlines for procrastinated papers and projects are always looming in the background of our minds.
With this said, it is no small surprise that the library is much busier early in the morning and late into the evening.
However, here’s my beef: Why, oh why, must people feel it entirely necessary to have full-on conversations in full volume right in the midst of other students who are trying ever-so-desperately to study and get their own delayed work done?
As much as you think everyone within earshot would love to hear about how your roommate wakes you up at the crack of dawn, or of your weekend fishing trip, I hate to break it to you, but we don’t!
So, as a fellow procrastinator, I’m asking you—no, I’m begging you—when at the library, please institute that little bit of common courtesy that your mother taught you and take the conversation elsewhere.
Or perhaps you could jump onboard the whole text-messaging phenomenon and share your story that way. Then, you won’t even have to talk! 
Shannon Christensen
junior
Lancaster, Calif.
Student body elections need to be more open
In light of the [recent] elections, I think it is appropriate to know how our [student body] officers are elected.
The only candidates allowed to run for office have been hand-picked by current student body officers and approved by the [faculty adviser], Sean Tippetts.
Apparently, BYU-Idaho leadership doesn’t believe students [here] possess adequate intelligence or integrity to be allowed free and open elections. No wonder most students don’t know who the officers are or even care, for that matter.
Isn’t it a bit ludicrous that we even spend money on elections, when those who are permitted to run are already hand-picked by the powers that be?
How can any opinions of dissent or change happen when every officer shares an opinion chosen by the administration? Any opinions other than those of the administration will not even be considered.
Students on this campus will continue to live with problems like the ongoing issues of married student insurance, student housing monopolies, parking and ambiguities in Honor Code enforcement, without power or voice to suggest or implement improvements.
Jared Malan
senior
Shelley, Idaho
