Issues and Analysis

It was disappointing that more [unclear: peopl] not come forward to write articles for " cation Fightback News," the weekly supplement printed in Salient during the [unclear: capaign]. Yet I cannot see how this can be tributable to the tenor of the campaign. The invitation to write was repeatedly [unclear: m] There were only two articles rejected: [unclear: b] of which I wrote myself and never [unclear: found] space to print.

As for the PSA involvement, all I can is that everyone who worked on the campaign will know of the large amount of and energy put in by many PSA [unclear: membe] But Alf's claim that this meant a "[unclear: Marxi] analysis, has me beaten. Quite frankly, [unclear: I] haven't a clue what he is talking about [unclear: a] I would be very pleased if he could be [unclear: m] specific. Most campaign workers will probably be very annoyed if he doesn't (I hope he is not objecting to the fact that "Marxists" were allowed to speak at forums.)

"Let us have an informed debate on [unclear: th] relationship between the state and the [unclear: unversity]. Let us not confuse primary, [unclear: secodary] and tertiary education," suggests [unclear: al] Excellent idea. But again, I hope he is [unclear: n] suggesting that I write the articles on [unclear: botl] sides all by myself The questions Alf [unclear: rai] ses are, contrary to what he thinks "I" or hers might say, extremely relevant.

Alf claims that the campaign was [unclear: dely] planned" and "rarely discussed in to structive manner in Salient". I am happy say this has not been the opinion of [unclear: anyoelse] I know, from students to the leaders other education groups. As it happens, I manner of people were involved in the [unclear: nning], and execution of the campaign, think they did a bloody good job. I also know there was always room for more [unclear: he]

In summary then two points stand out. Firstly, it is naive to think that if we [unclear: spe] and act nicely towards the Government, [unclear: y] will be nice back to us. For students to stop making a fuss about education cuts in the strongest way they can would be just what the Government dearly wants.

Secondly, (and I make this remark [unclear: ful] in the spirit of pursuing a much-needed de bate) it is a bit difficult to fathom the reasoning of someone who criticises the short coming of something whose overall objectives he agrees with, yet who did absolutely nothing to help make up these [unclear: shortcom] while the opportunity existed. Where [unclear: were] you all term, Alf?