We have here what I consider a very serious breach of journalistic ethics. That is, not only a considerable misrepresentation of quotes, but a vague statement slapped into my mouth. The obscure quotes attributed to me in the story about students switching from Simon to Dukakis not only did not come from me, but I wasn’t even consulted. The fact I didn’t agree with any of the reasons given for my change of mind makes matters all the worse. What kind of professional situation is this?

I changed my mind because of the criteria Simon gave me on one of his first stumping tours of Illinois. Those qualifications were: Someone who will stand up and fight for the average citizen; someone who will fight on the right side of the issue, no matter how unpopular; and someone who is electable. It began to look more and more like Sen. Simon would not be able to meet the last criteria he had set. I was very disheartened by that. Without losing my incredible respect for him, I began to look for someone who fit these. Babbitt, who was my other choice, was already gone. So, I chose Dukakis, who is very close to my own views and fits all three criteria—having proved on Super Tuesday he is electable.

As for the national sales tax suggested by Babbitt, I very much supported it. It was progressive and only charged a tax on luxury goods (VCRs, televisions, cars, etc.). It excluded food and medicine and would boost national revenue incredibly.

It seems odd that a newspaper of whatever stature would print things without checking sources. What we have here is a Campus Enquirer.

Thomas A. Elkins

sec., NIU young dems