As Veishea approaches, sentiments about the no-alcohol pledge are resurfacing.

Some of these opinions illustrate the reasons behind why there isn’t alcohol at Veishea now.

For example, the Quick-E, “Pledge or no pledge, I’m getting reeaal liquored up this Veishea … ” strikes me as an immature statement, especially coming from a senior.

Apparently, to this individual and countless others like him or her, Veishea is a beer-fest and nothing more.

If this is true, how does getting inebriated at Veishea differ from any other weekend people get super-polluted? It is all in the name of Veishea, that long-standing tradition of Iowa State.

When Veishea was started in the 1920s, the students did not have a beer-fest in mind. They wanted to show-off our college with displays and activities and show our community spirit through floats and a parade.

I’m sure they did not, in their wildest dreams, imagine Veishea would degrade into a beer-fest generations later.

I don’t hear anyone lamenting the loss of cherry pies, giant Twister, department demonstrations, the parade or the concerts if we lose Veishea.

We lost the right to drink alcohol because the reasons for having Veishea had changed from showing off the campus to showing off how much the student body can drink.

I am also not supporting the no-alcohol rule. I think it’s ridiculous that legal adults cannot consume alcohol.

However, by defying the rule by bragging, “I’m going to get hammered on Veishea despite the rule—so THERE, Jischke,” you are only proving the rule is necessary.

Quit bragging about how much you can drink — no one’s interested.

Emily Woline

Junior

English and secondary education