February 25, 1995

Two weeks ago the Fraser Valley Regional Library Board banned all free commercial publications from their libraries. This may seem strange. Why would they prevent the distribution of information ina place where literacy is sanctioned and supposedly revered above all else? Perhaps because the board didn’t like one of these free newspapers - specifically, the free lesbian and gay newspaper Xtra West . They said they didn’t like it because they were afraid that children would read it - but what they really meant is that homosexuality is bad, and wrong, and not normal - and that they wouldn’t want children (i.e. teens) to think that this is a socially acceptable

lifestyle.

Now, due to a recent public outcry, the Library Board has rescinded their ban on all free newspapers- including Xtra West.

Good news? Perhaps, but this just brings us back to where we were before.

Although the ban on free

newspapers has been reversed, these papers are still not back on library shelves.

It behooves us that these sentiments are still rampant. We hope that by reading this you will understand that being gay is not about making a decision; we hope that by reading this you _ will

February 25, 1995

The Other Press is Douglas College's autonomous student newspaper. We've

been here since 1976. We aim to serve the students, staff, and faculty of Douglas |,

College with a newspaper that informs them of things happening at the college, across Canada, and around the world that affect them. The Other Press is a full member of Canadian University Press, a collective of Canadian student news- papers, and believe in its constitution and Statement of Principles. The Other Press will not print anything the staff considers racist, sexist, homophobic, or in bad taste. Yet we also hate censorship. And, once in a while, we lose it completely and go golfing. One time, we snuck two extra people on the course, and almost got kicked out by the ranger! Whoo, it's draining livin’ on the edge... Anyway, if we're not doing any or all of these things to your satisfaction, or even if we give you chills up your spine with our fabulous publication, please let us know. You can mail a letter to us at Box 2503, New Westminster, B.C., V3L 5B2, or drop it in our mail slot at Room 1020, Douglas College, or you can fax us at 527-5095, or you can call us at 525-3542, or you can just drop by and tell us in person. We filter our water. We pay our phone bills. We like you... come visit.

Coordinating Staff

Production - Jason Kurylo News - Paul Andrew Sports - Candice Lee

Arts & Entertainment - 7rent Ernst Photography - Zeebo Editorial & Opinion -vacant Features - Jammy Coombes Graphics - Marce/ Martin Creative - Niki Kaloudas Distribution - Jim /rving

Contributors this issue

Laura Pottie, Daniela Zanatta, Zakk, Kevin Sallows, D.G.Black,

; =

Byrun Steadmann, Lesley Moore, Simon Savage, Marnie Kurylo, Sean P Veley, Charlotte Holst, Zak Kremler,Laura Miller, Ken Spittel, Manjit Brar, who wrote this???, Pat Parker, T.L.C., Bill

Bixby's Grade Three teacher's longtime gardener,and a lesbian.

Employees Advertising & Accounting - Marion Drakos Production Resource - Scott Simmer Editorial Resource - Angela Chiotakos Subotnick lf you're interested in helping with the creation of this publication, we

heartily encourage you to come down to the Other Press office, or phone 525-3542. It's the right thing to do, and a tasty way to do it...

The Other Press

understand that homosexuality is NOT pedophelia; we hope that by reading this you won’t assume that every gay wants you.

We hope by reading this you will understand that our society still cannot fully embrace otherness.

By publishing this Queer Issue we can_ provide information to you so you can make an informed opinion:

’ Not one based on fear, distrust

and ignorance.

At least you can get the information here - ‘cause you can’t get it in the library.

An Ode to Scott

re: "Douglas encourages student debt," from the Feb. 8 OP

Dear Mr. Simmer,

After having read your above article, and as part of my job includes promoting the Douglas College Mastercard, I feel compelled to respond to some of the points your article raises.

First, I believe that the article sells the students of Douglas College short by implying that over-burdened students are not mature enough to make an informed decision on their own regarding credit and cannot be trusted to handle a credit card properly. This of course stereotypes all students by the actions of a select few. In fact, there are many students who now hold credit cards and are managing the credit as well as any other card holder.

As noted in the article the Douglas College Mastercard has existed since 1989. However, up until our recent efforts to market the card to students, there has never been a concerted effort to promote the card. As this was the Foundation’s first attempt, I was unsure what to expect. Therefore, when over 575 students applied for the card during the week of January 30 - February 3.,. I was quite surprised. Discussions with the marketing company suggest that this is one of the best responses received in

' quite awhile. Needles to say, I think this

demonstrates that Douglas College students have a strong interest in the program and in supporting their own institution.

Kalynka Cherkosh, the student you quoted in your article, makes a good point by stating that often it is difficult for students to acquire credit. One of the most important benefits of applying

, fora Douglas College Mastercard is that students have the opportunity to acquire

this credit while also helping other Douglas College students; a benefit not available with any other card.

In addition, the contract that was negotiated between Douglas College and the Bank of Montreal ensures that students, faculty, and staff who hold a Douglas College Affinity Mastercard

FEARD THE ONE AQOUT THE LITTLE DUTCH BOY WHO PUT HiS FINGER IN A DYKE... SLAPPED Hi!

if you've got an opinion, we'd love to hear it! try to keep it under 300 words, and send it to the other press, room 1020, douglas college,

700 royal avenue, new westminster, b.c., v3l 3t9 tell us you love us, tell us we suck...

just, for pete’s sake, TELL US!!!

receive a number of other benefits that are not available with standard credit cards. Some of these benefits include:

* First year annual fee waived (currently at $12 per annum)

* Interest rate on outstanding balances 1% below rate charged on standard Bank of Montreal Mastercard

* $100,000 in travel accident insurance

* Card registration service

* First Home Dollars - 5% of purchase can be accumulated towards a Bank of Montreal mortgage on a first home (up to $2,500 maximum)

In addition, cardholders have the option of applying for the Air Miles Affinity card which allows them to collect one air mile for every $20 spent on their card. Douglas College Mastercard holders then, not only have the satisfaction of supporting the student financial aid program but also receive a number of tangible benefits themselves.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to respond to your article. Should you, or any of your readers have questions concerning the Douglas College Mastercard program, please contact me in the Foundation office (Room 4002) or by phone at 527-5360.

Sincerely,

Alana Frymire Community Resource

Development Assistant

{Although it's not regular procedure, we're gonna print Scott's reply:} Alana:

Thank you for responding to the article entitled “Douglas encourages student debt” which ran in the February 8 issue of The Other Press. I would like to share with you some of my personal opinions which run concurrent with this theme of student debt.

It is not difficult to roam around Douglas College and hear various stories of the different, new and exciting ways Douglas college students ‘max’ their credit cards. I bet you that 8 out of 10 DC students commonly carry a card balance of above 80% of their card limit.

I’m not suggesting that DC students are completely irresponsible children. Heck, my first card was from Petro Can which I convinced myself I’d use properly, ‘only so I won’t need cash, easy to account for’ blahh blahh blahh. I got the card in the summer of 1992 and just finished paying it off. I don’t consider myself a nitwit (although others might...) It’s a simple fact that MOST students are not properly educated in the responsible use of credit. It’s not taught by anyone, you learn by pumping hundreds of hard earned dollars, made by making coffee and waiting tables, into collection agents who call you at eight o’clock at night.

I won’t argue that students aren’t interested in credit cards. I mean, when you’ re in school and don’t have enough cash from your $7 an hour job to take your girlfriend out to dinner, who would turn down a chance to BUY NOW, PAY LATER? It’s just not the same as if you are making $45,000 a year and need to whip out a card to pay for groceries.

Royal Bank just made over a billion dollars in profit last year. As hard as it is to build a credit rating, it’s even harder to buy your way out of debt when you are still in school. Graduated? Got a good job? Got money to blow? Great! Grab a Douglas College credit card and support your school with your good fortune of having expendable cash. If you are still in school, barely making it with your part time job, take your Interact card and spend the money you have made already.

I'd rather take a stand-by student flight to Montreal, pay the $380. It’s 20 hours of work. OR I could buy only $50,000 (2,500 miles times $20 per mile) on my Douglas College credit card and get there the Airmiles way. Banks think we’re dumb. They count on it to make money. They will be making as little of mine as possible, thanks.

Scott Simmer

letters continued on page 23!!!