In the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't matter whether the fault lies with professors, the publishers or the kings and queens of Coop-land.

What matters is that students blindly dish out the cash, complaining, but not really bothering to do anything about it.

After repeatedly bemoaning the Coop's sorry prices, one student retracted his criticism at the thought of rebelling against The Coop.

"I must admit I haven't comparison shopped, and I would hate to condemn the Coop before looking elsewhere," stated a member of the class of '98 who requested anonymity for fear that he might be expelled from Coop-land forever.

Others feel that it is the University's responsibility to protect them from the tyrannical monopoly.

This is why The Coop's prices continue to dumbfound us, and why the store will continue to thrive in Cambridge, along with student angst and complacency. Thank you, the manager says, herding you toward the door, and would you please form a line in front of the register.