Cord constantly courts controversy

Dear Editor,

I applaud thee, Mr. Benedict J. Harris. Thus far, the issues of this year's Cord have been brilliant. Key articles from each issue have been the talk of the hallways and classrooms at Wilfrid Laurier University.

One literally cannot walk through the Concourse without hearing someone bitch, cry or laugh about what has been written in this school's prestigious paper.

Yes, Mr. Harris, I do believe you have successfully discovered the secret to publishing a prosperous paper. What is the secret, you ask? As if you didn't know. Controversy - a clash of opposing views.

Whether the controversy be inflicted by yourself, the high and mighty Benedict J. Harris (spitting on the Golden Hawk), or by one of your lackeys (congratulate Mr. Tony Tsai on the Cord Feature on the Greek houses), it is what makes people agitated and angry. More importantly however, controversy is what makes people want more.

Mr. Harris, I commend you because you are instrumental in the running of a business and you truly do know how to fulfill the cycle of supply and demand.

But how could you not, with Laurier strictly being a school of business and economics and all (for those of you who missed that last bit of sarcasm, please feel free to write back in anger - that is, of course, what Benedict would want).

Jack Chong

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City of Waterloo asks for too much

Dear Editor,

I recently learned of Waterloo's rules and regulations that each and every one of us is responsible to know! The only reason that I found this out was because I got another parking ticket from not knowing the infractions that apply within the city.

I would like to pass on my newly attained knowledge to readers of the Cord. I picked up a booklet titled, "It's (Y)our Neighbourhood Guide," published on behalf of Joan McKinnon, our city of Waterloo's mayor. It addresses the rights and responsibilities that as citizens we must uphold ranging from noise by-laws to garbage collection.

First, I would like to bring to your attention that "whistling and singing are restricted between 11:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 9:00 p.m - 9:00 a.m. Sundays." This clearly shuns any freedom of expression.

Furthermore, we are expected to know that "parking is not permitted for more than three consecutive hours on a city street unless otherwise posted." Those of us who can't afford the ever-increasing parking permits are subject to park on side roads.

When I asked the clerk at the city of Waterloo what to do, she answered by saying that "it's a risk that you have to take." What the hell is that?

I'm already risking at least $20,000 in the hope of getting a good job that will provide me with a better future. I don't quite think that I need any more risks.

I bet you didn't know that "parking is not permitted more than 0.15 metres (six inches) from a curb." With the way these rules are enforced, I wouldn't be surprised to see a by-law personnel officer out on Bricker St. (or any other street for that matter) with a ruler!

We all know that winter is approaching. Let me direct this by-law to those of you who are renting a house. If your roof top slopes towards a sidewalk, you and not your landlord could be responsible for shoveling the snow and ice off your thirty foot steeply slanted extremely icy roof. This must be done every day before 9:00 a.m.! I have a tough time scraping ice off my windshield let alone a roof top!

The city of Waterloo expects too much of its citizens if the only place to get this "helpful handbook" is at the city hall. When asked, the clerk said that all these rules and regulations are listed in the local newspapers and in all university papers, including the Cord! Well, you know what I'll be looking for when this paper reaches my hands!

Jason Kipfer