This letter is in response to the two columns by Andrew Seitz and Rob Zeis on Tuesday, April 14. First off, I would like to say that I find the attitudes of both of these people deplorable. A lot of people have put a lot of time and effort into saving Veishea this year and all that either of these writers can do is criticize them for not-so-perfect work.

Both writers say that as adults living off campus, the university has no right to make them give up their right to drink a beer. Apparently, both of these gentlemen are responsible citizens, so why should they have to be punished just because a bunch of freshmen don’t know any better than to suck on the end of a beer tapper for three days straight?

If you want your rights then listen up. With rights come responsibilities. When it comes to Veishea, that means setting an example. Sure, you want to rebel; you want to look cool. It’s cool to be oppressed. You want to make a statement, and damn if this university can make you stop drinking for 48 hours. And if Veishea turns into a disaster, well, you did all you could, didn’t you? I mean, you didn’t go out and riot; you didn’t stab anyone; you did your own thing and had a good time, right?

We value our freedom and independence and guard it ferociously. That is a virtue and one of the things that helped create this country. Now it is time to value society and the common good as well. We can’t keep saying that it’s someone else’s fault. DPS, the Ames police, the County Sheriff, the Highway Patrol, Peer Security, Student Security, hall directors and resident assistants should not have to take responsibility for the actions of the immature, ignorant mob of drunks that materialize in Ames over Veishea. Unfortunately, they do it every year, and every year it seems to get worse.

You can fix this problem. Take some initiative, set an example and take some responsibility for yourself and for your friends, if they really are your friends. Or sit back on your couch, drink a cold one and complain about how the university is screwing you over. After all, it’s not your problem, is it?

Brad Zingula

Senior

Political science