I cannot help but be astonished by the insensitive, looking down-the-nose stereotypes that oozed from the pen of Greg Rivara onto the pages of The Northern Star on June 28. Without further ado I ask why in the name of Leslie Holmes’ de-clad tower does snobbish excrement such as appeared in the aforementioned column seem to meet an acceptable standard for a college newspaper? I challenge Mr. Rivara to take stock of the circumstances that permit him to enjoy his existence among his fellow aficionados of academe here at NIU. I don’t claim to be conversant about Greg Rivara’s methods of financing his education, but more likely than not, his no doubt hard-working parents are picking up the slack where government financial aid leaves off (should’ve joined the Army like I did and got the good stuff). Maybe if Mr. Rivara had to work for every last dime (and believe me you do in the military) of tuition and various other expenses real and imagined, he might not be so quick to pooh-pooh those who give an hour’s work for an hour’s pay. Perhaps Mr. Rivara was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but we “real-world” types know that is the exception rather than the rule.

In rendering credit where it’s due, I admit that the last two paragraphs or so were an honest attempt at giving these down-to-earth working men an accurate representation. However, taken in context with the rest of the story, they fell far short of the intended effect. These “dumb guys” at “the top of the stupidity chart” are probably raising a family, paying off a car or a house or any combination of the three. What, pray tell, is so “stupid” about that? I’m certain Mr. Rivara’s American Dream is as big as anyone else’s. Why then must he elevate his olfactory apparatus (stick up his nose) at others trying to achieve the same?

I address this paragraph directly to Mr. Rivara. One thing you should realize about all people is that many have learned or will learn sooner or later (as I myself have–many times) is that “pride goeth before a fall.” Can you say the same?

James C. Nerstheimer

Freshman

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