St. Louis attractions should remain free to all
Rosie Githinji, Alestle Opinion Editor
by Rosie Githinji, Alestle Opinion Editor
The city of St. Louis is considering a bill that will require any non-residents to pay for what used to be free.
A bill has been introduced that would require payment to get into the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum if you are not a resident. At the moment, the bill does not say if “residents” will include only those from St. Louis city, St. Louis County or all of Missouri. It is being sponsored by State Senator Joan Bray from University City and may gain popularity if something is not done soon.
On of the best things about living near St. Louis is that there are so many attractions that are free, and for a college student, that is one of the best words someone on a tight budget could ever hear.
Allowing people into the zoo or the art museum for free may not be smart from a revenue standpoint, but people who patronize these places spend some money on other things that are overpriced from drinks to gift shop items to the movies at the Science Center. People who go to the zoo will pay extra to watch the sea lion show and some of the exhibits at the museum cost money as well. It is not like everything is free for patrons.
It is a wonder the bill was proposed at all, since administrators of the zoo and the Science Center are saying they are dedicated to keeping these attractions free for all visitors.
If the bill was proposed to help these establishments increase revenue, then charging money just to get in would deter a lot of people who would otherwise go to these places for whatever form of entertainment they offer. If those people have to find other sources of fun or entertainment, then they may not bother leaving the house as much. It would be much easier to stay home, sit on the couch and watch television since that is already something we already pay for anyway.
If you didn’t vote, don’t complain
Rosie Githinji, Alestle Opinion Editor
by Rosie Githinji, Alestle Opinion Editor
With the primary elections going to the polls today, one may wonder why they should even bother to vote.
Most people don’t think they can make a difference in who may or may not be elected. But one of the problems with that school of thinking is that if you don’t vote then you have no right to complain about how you think the government could do better.
I have already voted, and it was weeks ago. But for those who do not choose to vote early, then the polls are usually open by 6 a.m. and close around 6 p.m.
Why not vote? If you are unhappy with anything from local government to your student body representatives then when you are given the chance to vote, do it.
If people continue to think they cannot do anything to change politics then nothing is ever going to happen to change it.
Voting does not take long, and then you will have free range to complain about what you don’t like about the state representatives or county reps. If you don’t care enough to voice your opinion through voting, then those of us who do take the time to vote shouldn’t have to listen when you are complaining about your political problems.
