Your Letters
The author of the best letter in each issue will receive a pair of free tickets to see the film of their choice at the Phoenix.
Dear Sirs, You really are a bunch of toss-headed wankers. Yours, Tom Hill, Deputy Editor, Cherwell
How eloquent. But then, what do you expect at two o'clock on a Saturday morning? Because at a time when most of us are desperately trying to find someone to pull in a rapidly emptying Turtle or just tucked up in bed, some particularly sad individuals are emailing abuse to people they don't even know as part of a conflict which, from where I'm standing, doesn't even exist. Anyway, because I feel really sorry for you I'm going to give you the cinema tickets so you can see what life in the outside world is like. All you have to do is come down to the OxStu offices and pick them up. Come on, I dare you...
Dear Oxford Student,
As Oriel students we are a little tired of our college constantly being demonised in the Oxford press. We would just like to point out that Oriel is not at all the way it is portrayed, that is to say, it is not made up entirely of right-wing maniacal OUCA lunatics. Although we feel that we have been misrepresented, on the recent topic of our disaffiliation from OUSU, we agree wholeheartedly that it was a terrible idea. The vote on this matter was carried out in an entirely underhand manner-a very large proportion of students had no idea that the vote was taking place at all. The phrasing of the motion also made it all the more likely to be passed. It is definitely not an accurate portrayal of the opinions of most Oriel students, and since the vote emotions have been running high. So in conclusion, Oxford Student, we only ask of you one thing-don't hate us, please.
Ascension Day, 2001 Sir,
It was nice to read an article in support of the Catholic Church for once. As a fellow Pope-and-Mary-worshipping evil papist set on overthrowing good, English Protestant values, I was encouraged by the unusual tolerance of your paper towards views other than those held by the majority (in Britain at least). I would like to make a certain point clear, though, that in regard to to the Church's homophobia. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, we are all created, in our totality, by God. Christians are therefore called to love everyone, whoever they are. Whilst the practice of homosexuality may be proscribed, the state of being such is not; for as a creation of God it cannot be flawed. We are all called to certain tasks-homosexuals to celibacy (as are priests, monks, and nuns). However, this is simply because sexual relations with someone other than one's spouse is a mortal sin. Therefore, pre-marital or extra-marital sex, homosexual or heterosexual, are equally wrong. As most Catholics (as human beings) are guilty of the above, no true Catholic could be described as homophobic.
Yours in Christ, Adam Kendry, New College Catholic rep.
Dear Sir,
I would like to express my admiration and appreciation of Alicia Rhodes article
'Girl Interrupted'. Her thoughtful, sincere and moving writing reminded me so much of the months I too spent at the Priory under the care of 'The Fat Controller': her experiences and feelings seem to be have been so similar to my own. It is refreshing to read so frank an account of one of the greatest taboos anywhere, mental illness, and I am sure I am not the only one to have been comforted and inspired.
On the other hand, 'Ruby's Rules' are driving me round the twist (metaphorically
speaking)- I've never read such a pile of cliched, cynical, tedious rubbish anywhere. Doesn't stop me reading it though, I suppose....
Yours truly, Name withheld
Please tell your sports editor(s) that although they believe Matt Le Tissier "was in fact born in Guernsey on 14th January 1968" he was in fact born in Guernsey on 14th October 1968. Yours, Steve "I was there when Matty scored" Williams, St.Anne's.
1st Jun 2001