I am replying to Jamie Leighton’s letter about the JLS being “out of touch.” I came to NIU this year, and I didn’t know anybody. I met a few people and then I joined the JLS. It’s turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

I was surprised at the willingness of the other members to listen to what I had to say. They also don’t care about how you look, what you wear, etc. They care about the ideas in your head. This idea might seem strange to a few people, but it is what true friendship is based upon.

Jim Fabris is not the president of the JLS mainly because there is no president. To have leaders, there must be followers—that alienates people and doesn’t create equality. Anyone who goes to a meeting has just as much opportunity to have their voice heard as Jim or any other members. And as for the Elvis Costello and Hegel bit, well, that’s what makes Jim so adorable (I’d like to point out that Jim has never quoted Hegel in my presence).

The “fate of SCOPA president, Rene Lilly,” was an insult. Paula Radtke states that Rene “was not a strong leader…” I would be insulted if the likes of Paula said I was not a strong leader, when she herself is the weakest leader I’ve ever seen. What has Paula done for the students? Rene has fought for lower tuition and equal rights for students. She helped to bring us the Political Awareness Fest.

The JLS makes great attempts at keeping in touch with the students. The greatest problem we have in keeping touch is that other students try to stop us—either by tearing down our literature or by spreading untrue rumors about us. Also, I think The Northern Star must run several articles a week about the JLS. One has only to pick up a issue to find out what we’re doing. We also make great attempts to get other students views on subjects and try to understand them.

The JLS stands for freedom. We recognize that everyone is an individual and entitled to be treated as one. The world is in a great state of confusion and chaos because people are not taking the time to understand one another, and they’re not standing up for themselves. If you are afraid to stand up and be heard, we will stand up with you. You are not alone. The time has come for change, and it can be done—if you want it bad enough!

Joe Krueger

Philosophy

Freshman