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Bon Appetit story encouraging, well reported To the Editor:

It was encouraging to read Kao Lee’s Oct. 21 news story on Bon Appetit’s efforts to bring “responsible eating to Macalester.” Bon Appetit’s actions are a part of a growing awareness on our nation’s campuses of the desirability of local produce and organic ingredients. For example, for several years Yale University Dining Service has featured local and organic food in its Berkeley College Dining Hall in conjunction with the Yale Sustainable Food Project.

As a former editor of The Mac Weekly, I am impressed by Kao Lee’s reporting and writing on this topic. The reporting presented considerable factual background and a genuine range of viewpoints. The writing flowed smoothly and succeeded in being both unobtrusive and lively in style.

Edward Lief ’72

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Mac Weekly made “the right call” on MCSG budget story

To the Editor,

While researching other college newspapers for an academic project, I came across your Oct. 21 article, “MCSG Funds Running Low: LB Members Call Lack of MCSG Communication Unacceptable.” Let me just say, well done! Too often student government leaders become lazy or complacent with regard to funding and student fees, and it’s important to push for full disclosure and financial accountability. These are the equivalent of tax dollars, and The Mac Weekly made the right call in researching and publicizing the account status.

I’m not a student at Macalester College, and I’m not aware of any backstory or other circumstances, but as a newspaper editor myself I know the importance of political and financial reporting such as this. Y’all are on the right track.

Marcus Funk

Trinitonian News Editor,

Trinity University

San Antonio, TX

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Mental illness should no longer be ignored

To the Editor:

Hey. Pay Attention.

Mental illness is a bitch. You don’t need staggering statistics to tell you that. You’ve heard stories, read novels, seen the romanticized institutions in the theater and you can figure out all on your own that it is something you distinctly want to avoid. So you avoid it. Period. And avoid the issue entirely because it is too, well, depressing to talk about. Silence doesn’t make the problem go away and at least half the time it makes it worse. This silence needs to end. Right now.

Next week we will work to break the silence. From November 6th to the 12th Macalester is sponsoring Mental Health Awareness with support from all parts of campus. Events will include art exhibits, brown bag discussions led by Cheap Therapy, and a Mac Cinema showing of “Girl, Interrupted” followed by a Cheap Therapy-led discussion. Winton Health Services and the Psychology Club will be tabling with information on how to identify and cope with mental health issues. Exciting and stimulating participatory events such as group art and political advocacy can also be found in the basement of the Campus Center during lunch.

You’ve seen symptoms in your friends, perhaps even wondered about yourself. Let’s stop ignoring the pink elephants doing the tango in the middle of the room. We’re all entitled to go a little crazy sometimes. If we’re entitled to it, why aren’t we talking about it?

Jess Hasken

Sarah Baum

Annie Jacobson

Mental Health Awareness Planning Committee