Miami Student

Issue date: 2/5/08 Section: Editorials

OPD, prosecutors must be tough on lawbreakers

Recently a parent sent in an emotionally charged letter (Jan. 25, "Butler County Prosecutor, OPD mishandles case") expressing extreme disappointment because his daughter pled guilty to charges of underage consumption. He obviously thought the charges were unfair and made vicious attacks upon the Oxford Police Department and myself. While I understand a parent wanting charges dropped against their child, such is not good cause for maliciously attacking those who are merely enforcing the law.

While I don't enjoy reading

unfair and untrue misrepresentations about myself, particularly from a person who has never talked to me, I accept it because I hold public office. However, I would like the students, parents and citizens of Oxford to

know that the Oxford Police Department is comprised of very hard working men and women who are fair-minded, even-handed and dedicated to public service.

It is true that law enforcement-including myself-is often "tough" on underage drinking. By enforcing the law it operates to deter others. Our hope is to protect some would-be offenders from misjudgments and potentially tragic situations that can lead to injuries and fatalities.

For example, some might think that enforcing speeding or jay walking laws is trivial. In a split second a breach of those laws can result in instantaneous tragedy. Jaywalking might not be a big deal in and of itself, but occurring at the wrong time and in the wrong place an inattentive driver may accidentally injure or kill a pedestrian crossing in an unexpected part of the street. While the driver ultimately might be at fault and bear liability, we can't take back the injuries that might occur to a pedestrian.

I regret the angry parent doesn't understand the depth of problems presented by underage drinking. Enforcing the law, in the long run, protects us all. Whether it's jaywalking, speeding or underage drinking there is a reason behind the law as to why it exists and it often has to do with the safety and well being of people-including the violator.

I understand a parent's frustration in not being able to get charges dropped against their child but an emotional attack upon law enforcement is not a lesson in maturity. Most Oxford police officers are parents too. The men and women of the Oxford Police Department care deeply about the students of Miami University as well as the citizens of Oxford. It is my hope that students understand the significance of law enforcement's responsibilities in a world that often does not appreciate the difficulties police face on a daily basis. They serve to protect.

Robin Piper
Butler County Prosecutor

Community poverty needs demand larger focus

Despite the demonstrated inadequacy of Miami University's wages to meet our workers' basic needs, the university's response to our call for a living wage has been clear: "not now, not here." Most recently, at ASG's annual State of the Student Body address, President David Hodge said he was disappointed in SFS for bringing up "our issue" at yet another public forum. In response, we would like to remind Hodge that poverty is a
community issue and that all students were invited to the forum and encouraged to ask questions. Even while the president commended students for embracing the issues that confront Oxford as a community, the issue of poverty in our community remains unresolved, unexamined and apparently unwelcome.

When and where is it acceptable to discuss poverty at Miami University? In the last calendar year, SFS has given proposals to the president and ASG for the creation of an official committee to examine and research the problem, but both were denied. Staff members who are critical of university policy are excluded from the Classified Personnel Advisory Committee (CPAC), an advisory committee for classified staff that remains undemocratic, despite proposals from staff and students. Finally, the history of labor relations at Miami University has been plagued by union-busting, unfair labor practices, intimidation and an anti-union lawyer serving a nine-year term on our board of trustees. These events have kept both staff and students from having a real dialogue with the university on the issue of poverty.

If we are to take anything from the student address, it is that the future of our community depends on an $80 million Bicentennial Student Center. But while new redbrick buildings may signify moving ahead for some members of our community, others have been left behind, searching for extra work and cheaper medications-jumping through hoops for public aide and struggling to provide for their families. So whether or not Hodge approves, great leaders have taught us that justice deferred is justice denied, and we are calling for economic justice in our community.

Benjamin Kuebrich
Graduate Assistant,
Department of English
kuebribd@muohio.edu

'Police Beat' unethical, distorts justice and law

It seemed as if The Miami Student conscious suddenly went amiss last week. The Jan. 18 Police Beat, "Oxford resident experiences hallucinations, sees 'snakes,'" reported about a student that was clearly suffering from some sort of mental problem. Seeing the article in the paper, I thought to myself how appalling. Instead of supporting the student in what is clearly a time of need, The Student made a decision that will surely lead to the student feeling alone, ostracized and the message is clear: Those with mental illnesses are pariahs here at Miami University.

I don't know if I am the only one, but it often times feels like Oxford is being run through martial law. On a Friday night, the Slant Walk is no longer a means of getting from one side of campus to the next, but a place for interrogation by the eyes of one of Miami's finest. I ask in what other community this would be acceptable? This brings me to one of the major issues I have with the Police Beat; it seems as if the column is a total perversion of whatever judicial system we have left in this town.

I ask the editors, what happened to innocent until proven guilty? And to take that a step further, who are you to decide on the consequence of a peer? Back home, the local paper states an allegation of a crime, and not some ridiculous story about how they urinated all over themselves and other heinous details. Why the need to be so dramatic? It seems as if the punishment for any violation is not only some sort of legal trouble but also ridicule. Clearly, there are probably more than three to four legal violations throughout a week, but one of The Student's writers decides which he or she finds the funniest. This practice appears to have disastrous results.

I do not believe that this method of embarrassment is productive. As college students, we struggle to earn respect as "true adults" on a daily basis; if anyone were to open up the newspaper it would appear we deserve every stereotype.

Corbin Rayfield
rayfieca@muohio.edu

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