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Sunday, November 28, 2004
Should University students pay fees?

As classes begin, every October, there’s always a question students seek an answer for: should they pay fees to get taught? In our country, University students have to pay a considerable amount of money, two or three times a year, in order to ensure they can attend classes. The amount is not the same for everyone, having some of the pupils the right to a scholarship – those who prove they cannot afford normal conditions. However, many students still claim their fees are too high and show their discontentment in several ways. Despite that, there are those who agree with the payment.

On one hand, there are students who say that fees give them «greater responsibility», almost forcing them to attend classes. They also call it «an investment in their future» and sustent «the richer pay more in order to help the poorer». These students claim that the fees they pay are but «a tiny proportion of University costs».

On the other hand, those who are against fees defend free education for everyone. They say «paid education is acceptable when conditions are good», clearly protesting against the way this Government has dealt with the situation. Students also say prime-minister Santana Lopes should focus his attention on their problems rather than «buying old submarines for a useless army».

In brief, it all comes down to the need of attention students have fairly felt, for many years. Successive Governments have ignored the many problems Universities have to deal with, every year, beginning with the quality of teaching, but also questions that have to do with equipment and, most all, frustration when looking for a first job. If those problems were solved, many of the protests would surely disappear. And, yes, fees are too high, though they seem to be inevitable, in the next few years.

Damon at 11:58 pm

Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Inspiration (lyrics for a song)

Inspiration
Inspiration
Comes from the waves
Sound and sea
Sound and sea
Yeah, sound and sea

There’s a window
There’s a window
Where shadows play
Dusty paintings
Dusty paintings
It’s a pity
Such a pity
When glass breaks

Trash romantic, old young man
You can call me all original names
I am numb as the bad dreamer’s throat
In a moment of screaming

Inspiration come
Inspiration come come

But I try
To write poetry
Even if it doesn’t rhyme
Even if it doesn’t sound like Whitman

It’s poetry
From the woon of my throat
I am inspired
I am inspired
By the waves of your hair
And the sea
And the sea

And the sea
I want to dive
Into the sea
Then words will come
So easily

Inspiration
Inspiration
Comes from the air
I am the heir
Yes, I am the heir
Of a jelly occupation

There is a hope
There is a hope
That I inspire you too
That’d be nice
It’s a pity
Such a pity
That every morning has to come

Damon Durham.

Damon at 9:10 pm