It is almost impossible to explain the feeling twenty-two students of Mac felt yesterday. As nineteen students made there way up the steps of the Queen's Park subway station, someone started chanting: "HEY HEY, HOH HOH, BILL 160'S GOTTA GO!" As they emerged on to the sidewalk to Queen's Park they were met by cheers and chants from about fifty other students from schools such as Jarvis and Central Tech.
I was one of the twenty-two students protesting Bill 160 on Queen's Park. I can't count the amount of times a shiver went down my spine, from the sheer excitement, and enthusiasm.
Out of the 230 students who signed the petition to protest, only fifty students actually collaborated outside the school. As they made there way to the Finch bus stop more then half filtered off to, make a detour to McDonald's, or home.
The few that did go had one of the most interesting learning experiences of their lives.
After they'd tired of constant chanting and waving signs, they sat against a statue on the lawn of Queen's Park. Munching on hot dogs from a nearby vendor, they were enjoying the peace and quiet. Suddenly, in the distance, they could hear a roaring chant. It came closer, and when they stood up to investigate, at least a hundred students were coming around from the back of the building. The Mac students started screaming and waving their signs around, and the strangers returned the gesture. All of a sudden the cement courtyard of Queen's Park was filled with eccentric protestors. Students from all around Toronto began chanting: "KILL THE BILL!!" and "HELL NO TO 1-6-0!" Mac students were suddenly rejuvenated. Every student from, every school that was taking part were wailing with every ounce of energy.
And of course, in the great Mac tradition. Mac students behaved themselves in an appropriate and enthusiastic manner. In my opinion, the protest was productive, and something no one will ever forget. Mrs. Taylor, and the rest of the staff: Put your minds at ease. The protest was safe, and enjoyable. Now it's your turn.
FREAK
The student walkouts that have been occurring in the many schools across Scarborough are pointless if not counterproductive.
Some people say these walkouts were in support of the teachers. Some say these walkouts are for the rights of the students. Some say it was a little bit of both.
The teachers have stated that a strike is the last resort in trying to get rid of Bill 160. I haven't heard of any student action prior to a walkout that may have helped remove Bill 160 (except for several skits which are a good form of protesting).
Another thing that went against both the teachers and the protest of Bill 160 is the fact that the government can use this walkout by saying that the teachers are manipulating the students to side with them. Even though the teachers aren't manipulating us, the government can say this and those not involved in education will possibly believe them.
There are also those who left the school to protest who don't even know what Bill 160 is all about. Some actually said they wanted to miss school and that's why they were "protesting" with the others.
Students, before walking out on Friday, think about the consequences of a student walkout. Protests of this sort aren't necessarily productive or efficient.
Smutton
The FIREBALL show took place last Wednesday during last period. It promoted the Engineering Faculty of McMaster University. It included videos, demonstrations, and audience participation.
However, there was only one demonstration about fire: heating a metal rod with a blowtorch to show that a heat-resistant material works. There was also only one demontration about balls: freezing rubber balls in liquid nitrogen to alter their physical properties.
The students who attended the show were fascinated by the demonstrations of the possible uses of liquid nitrogen, as well as student volunteers trying to untie themselves from each other, and by the videos and minor pyrotechnics that we saw. The show concluded with the McMaster host lying down on a bed of nails.
We all got a personal survey that we could use to find out how good our chances are of becoming an engineer. The show was very informative, and brought up many points to consider about our future.
Nonviolent Lashing
As most students know by now, our education system is in danger of massive funding cuts by our high school drop out Education Minister, John Snobelen. Our teachers have tried to protest and lobby and more recently our students have attempted a far less organized and less well attended (about 25 kids) ploy with the same result; absolutely nothing.
Do we still live in a democratic society? With all of the protesting and media coverage, our government still does nothing to satisfy the teachers. I myself did not participate in yesterdays walkout slash protest because I think that at this time, it is counterproductive. Those who did are only showing that they can give in to mob mentality and "stick it to the man", when they, in fact, don't know the issues. I support the few who actually know what's going on and don't just want a day off school. I do, however, applaud anybody who tries to make a difference with our government, but I urge them to consider that there's a time and a place to do so.
Write a letter to Mr. Snobelen or Mr. Harris stating your cause and hope that someone would take it in heart, like I hope you are doing with this article.
Edge-U-kashun iz goood.
Tony M. Nyphot
So the teachers are complaining...again! Well, we have a message for all the teachers; times are changing. The spoiled and pampered NDP days are long gone. Mike Harris is a man with a plan. We are all 'biting the bullet' to try and make a better future for Ontarians. Right now, we are spending money we don't have! It's time to cut back. Aren't you willing to take a few minutes of prep time cut to save millions of dollars?
Perhaps the key faults in unions themselves should be discussed. They are fatally flawed for several reasons. Although they are there to represent 'the people', they are headed up by a select few that often are out of touch with the workers. Many teachers, even at MAC, justifiably, do not agree entirely with the union; work would otherwise be difficult to find. So, they must go along with even the most rediculous decisions. Striking has never brought good to anybody. In the corporate world, strikes often cause the company to go bankrupt, so instead of taking a 10% pay cut, workers in effect get themselves fired. In last year's CUPE strike, a motorist was killed because of striking road maintenance workers. Is this a profitable exercise?
Another thing, the people of Ontario (including some of the teachers themselves) elected the PC government to establish laws and policies for all of us, including education. The people, however, did not elect the teachers' union, so why do they try to change the government's policies? The duty of teachers' unions is to negotiate contracts for the teachers, not to alter existing government protocol by changing laws.
A wise principal once said, "Don't walk out" So teachers, grow up!
The Perfectly Sane trio:
Seriously Syko
Muhamed Bahar
Natural Killer
This week in the "Happy Room," many MacNews writers enjoyed the tastiest snack food on the planet ...... The almighty RAISIN!!!!!!
Thanx to Nony LaSouris for bringing the raisins in.
Smutton
The people that think walking out of class will actually change anything are really weird. I'm pretty sure that if there was a survey done of all the people out there, half wouldn't even know why they are walking out. It is a fact that Bill 160 will affect us all in one way or another, but I think you should voice your opinion in a more civilized manner. Phone, E-mail, write to your local MPP or John Snobelen. It's important to say what you think but walking out of class is just an easy excuse to skip.
PE
You always said
You would protect me
But in the end
You wound up dead.
I still wish
I could talk to you
But my heart was broken
As easily as a glass dish.
I see you in my dreams
Where we played
I was a gymnast
Doing my routine on the beam.
They say don't get mad, get even
Nut I still and forever love you
So I couldn't take that route
'Cause someday I'd like to see you in Heaven.
I hear the ringing of the church bell
Every time I think of that day
But I know the man who killed you
Will get his retribution down in Hell.
My brother was killed by a drunk driver. I'm still bitter and I still hate. I'm just asking that if you drink, please don't drive. If someone you know drinks, and then wants to drive, don't let them. Save their life; protect them, and the rest of society. Not drinking and driving does save lives. If the drunk driver had followed this advice and the law, my brother would still be alive today. Please don't drink and drive...
Sister Without Brother
If you were at the dance on October 2nd, you probably thought that it was either great or that you would have more fun staying home and watching Seinfeld. Sure the video dance was missing... videos, but for all you guys who are into visual stimuli or simply hot babes wearing close to nothing dancing on tables, THIS WAS YOUR NIGHT! The music hyped up after a while, as did the entertainment.
Six tables lined the front of the dance- but I only noticed one. Closest to the door was a table which, at times, was the dance floor for four bodacious girls alternating with others in their group. No matter how dry the beats were, these femmes fatales danced their hearts out! The only problem was that when a slow song came on, these beautiful and thus unapproachable girls would be left alone to sway like palm trees on a deserted beach.
At only one moment in the dance did a guy in a white tank top have the courage to get down with these babes. Other than that, the rest of the guys (like me) were chicken.
They, like me, were probably too entranced by these anonymous angels to do anything. Surely I'm not the only guy who noticed them; these girls should each have at least 10 guys to their name. Little old me probably wouldn't stand a chance to any guy man enough to please them like they deserve.
To anyone who at least knows the name or even the shoe size of any of these girls, I beg of you to share this info with the male population at MAC. I can give you the an exact description of each of them as they are in my dreams every night. Each glistened like some delicate flower in the morning dew. One was in leopard print, another wore a belly chain, and others wore various crop tops and open-backed tops. Lots of face glitter. They resembled the Spice Girls. They all had curves like brand new Vipers...
So please, if you can give me their names, drop them off in the MacNews mailbox. I'll give money in exchange for some info! Just tell me the indentities of my Dancing Queens!
Curious Guy