The Water-Method Man

Oct. 3, 1969

Consumers Union

Edt. Offices of Consumer Reports

Mt Vernon, New York

Dearest Sirs:

From one nonprofit organization to another, let me tell you that you are noble and good and a great consolation in the face of creeping capitalism everywhere!

Where experience permits me an opinion, let me say that I am in complete agreement with your 1968 uncoverings concerning false advertisement all around us. You are to be congratulated. Keep giving them hell! Don't ever be bought!

However, I beg to differ with you in regard to Sears, Roebuck & Co. Most of your listings for their products and service range from 'fair' to 'good'. I have great faith in your research, and I'm willing to admit that your sphere of sources is far greater than my own. But I feel I should add to your findings this consumer's reaction to a certain Model X-100 Standard-Plus vacuum cleaner. Have you ever looked into that mechanical wonder? Well, go pick one up under the Sears Easy Payment Installment Plan.

You do such healthful, splendid work that I would hate to see this oversight hurt your reputation.

Yours in nonprofit,

Fred Trumper

Fred Trumper

918 Iowa Ave.

Iowa City, Iowa

Oct. 3, 1969

The Business Office

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa

Dear Business:

I'm afraid that this month I'll be forced to assume the $5.00 Penalty Charge for late payment of tuition.

However, although I accept this $5.00 charge, I will deduct $5.00 from my tuition bill as a refusal to pay the newly added Recreation Fee (also $5.00), a school expense for which I am not willing to assume responsibility.

I am a graduate student, I am twenty-six years old. I am married and I have a son. I am not at the University of Iowa for 'recreation' of any kind. Let them who recreate pay for their own fun. I'm not having any fun at all.

The only reason I'm telling you this is that I thought there might be some misunderstanding on your part when you eventually receive my payment of tuition. You see, it might look as if I have ignored the Penalty Charge for late payment. That $5.00 I will pay; it is the other $5.00 that will not be included in my check. (Which I will get to you soon.) It is confusing, there being several $5.00 figures involved, but I hope I have made myself clear.

Seriously,

Fred Trumper

(student ID 23 345 G) Fred Trumper

918 Iowa Ave.

Iowa City, Iowa

Oct. 3, 1969

University of Iowa