LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

OP/ED

The Michigan Daily - Orientation n Edition - 11


Let market decide which
stores should be able to stay
To THE DAILY:
I feel that your recent editorial, Starbukiza-
tion of A2 (05/12/03), is a sincere but incorrect
assessment of the situation. First off, if it is true
that local stores support local activities at a
greater rate than chain stores do, then surely
that is a good thing. However, that really should
not be the main issue here. Your editorial
speaks of local stores as if they were some
sacred thing to be protected and that we some-
how are much better off if local stores are still
around. The truth is that if local stores truly
made us better off than chain stores, local
stores would not need protection. Consumers
will generally shop at the store that makes them
the best off. Your editorial mentioned that
"commercially operated stores may be easier on
the average student's wallet," and that chain
stores are "drawing in customers with low
prices and more selection." This would imply
that consumers are actually better off shopping
at a chain store because consumers can buy
more for less and choose from a larger selec-
tion. You suggest that the local government
needs to step in to save local stores, but that is
not the will of the citizens. The citizens have
spoken with their wallets, and they have said
they prefer chain stores. If the government were
to step in and somehow subsidize local stores,
the government would only be stealing from its
citizens and giving the money to a group that
cannot earn the money on its own. The reason
why local stores cannot earn this money on
their own is because they do not serve the
needs of their customers as well as the chain
stores. Instead of keeping local businesses
open, a etter course of action is to let the mar-
ket decide. This way, those stores that make us

better off survive, and those stores that do not,
fail.
DAN KRAWIEC
LSA junior
Governor's remarks distastef ,
she should apologize
TO THE DAILY:
I am a graduating senior, and I am thoroughly
disappointed and upset about the outcome of the
commencement ceremony. Gov. Jennifer
Granholm's remarks in her speech were inappro-
priate for a day of celebration. Being called poten-
tial "total losers" and reminded of the terrible
economic crisis facing graduates damaged all the
graduates' sense of accomplishment and joy.
Granholm should issue a statement of apology to
the graduating class of 2003 for her remarks. I
only get one college graduation day, and mine was
dampened by her rude behavior. Thanks, Gover-
nor. You know, being elected to office does not
guarantee success. There are some who have been
elected to office that you have never heard of and
will never hear of. Some are complete and total
losers.
NATALIE MORAN
Alumnus

Welcome to campus


Sleep Time
Q 2 Sheet Sets (Include flat and
fitted sheets & pillowcases.)
Check with your college to see
if you need X-long sheets.
Q 1 Comforter or Quilt (Choose
either poly or down-filled.)
C 2 Duvet Covers (if you chose
a down comforter.)
C 2 Blankets (It's always good
to have an extra one.)
C 2 Pillows
C 4 Pillow Protectors
C 1 Fitted Mattress Pad
C 1 Accent Rug
Snack Time
C 1 Bottle/Can Opener
C 1 Water Filter Pitcher
C 1 Dorm-Size Refrigerator
C 1 Blender
C 1 Coffeemaker
C 1 Pasta Pot

Need It
C 1 Clock Radio
C 1 Telephone
C 1 Fan
C 1 Photo Album
C 2 Extension Cords
C 1 Surge Protector
C 1 Flashlight
C 1 Door Mirror
C Over-the-Door Hooks
C Batteries
Clean It
C 2 Laundry Bags
C 1 Drying Rack
C 1 Hand Vacuum
C 1 Stick Vacuum
C 1 Compact Iron
C 1 Cylinder Hamper

Wash It
C 6 Towel Sets
C 1 Electric Toothbrush
C 1 Magnifying Mirror
C 1 Blow Dryer
C 1 Robe & Slippers
C 1 Basket Case Shower Caddy
Study Time
C 1 Bulletin Board
C 1 Desk Lamp
C 1 Desk Organizer Set
C Floor Lamp
C 1 Bed Rest
C 1 Lap Desk
C 1 Butterfly Chair
C 2 Packs of Hangers
Store It
C 1 Storage Trunk
C 2 Under-the-Bed Storage Containers
C 1 Storage Set
C 1 CD/DVD Tower
C 1 Set of 4 Bed Risers
C 3-6 Milk Crates

Count on us throughout your college career for
everything you need for school and campus life,
including new and used textbooks, class and
dorm supplies, insignia clothing,
and much more.
Michigan Union Bookstore
530 S. State Street
phone# 734.995.8877
email: bksumichiganunion@bncollege.com
www.umichigan.bkstore.com

To shop or locate a store near you, call 1-866-568-7378. SHOP LNT.COM ANYTIME