The recent Veishea review done by President Jischke’s office tackled some issues and made a lot of different statements on a lot of different things. Yet, in the end, resolved jack (an ebonics term meaning not a damn thing).

Sure, the Veishea Review Council talked about the exclusion of different groups from the parade and other activities.

And, yes, the council did discuss the fact that the Veishea Committee was not very strict with their deadlines.

But it still seems as if the council left many a stone unturned.

There was mention of the Uri Sellers murder, but basically it was called a tragedy and that was it.

Nowhere does it mention what effect this would have.

Not on any line does it mention the things that could have prevented an incident like this from happening.

What the committee does mention is that there are some issues concerning greek life and alcohol that need to be addressed on this campus.

AHA!! There it is, they hit it right on the head. There are many problems that need to be addressed in the greek system — particularly dealing with alcohol.

We all know that Veishea is a celebration of Iowa State, its history and its students. However, a large part of the problem with Veishea has nothing to do with Iowa Staters. It does have to do with the people that come into town and have nothing to do with Iowa State.

These people come into town for one thing — to party. They come in for the big three: get drunk, get laid and get arrested (not always in that order). Now ask yourself what page in the “Invisible Visitor’s Guide to Veishea” might help them accomplish these three?

Probably the part that talks about the greek parties that are going on during the weekend.

Okay! Hold on before all of you who belong to some fraternity or sorority get upset; I’m not blaming you for the things people do when they are drunk. But those who throw the parties do have some measure of responsibility.

Think about this: If someone passes out at a party at your house, who is held responsible for that? You and your housemates? Please correct me if I’m wrong.

The Veishea Review Council brought some things out in their report, but the weird thing is that they didn’t offer any real solutions. The greek system has a responsibility that they may not be aware of. When the members throw parties they are responsible for what happens there and, to some measure, what happens to people after they leave.

It is just like a bartender who doesn’t cut off a patron when she or he becomes too intoxicated. If that person is in a car accident after leaving that bar, the barkeep can be responsible.

Let’s face it, greeks do lots of things during Veishea. Many of them serve on the organization committees. Some would even say that Veishea has become a greek event. After all, their presence and impressions are scattered throughout it.

Since some people in the greek system want to put so much into Veishea, how about taking a little bit out — like the alcohol. It could be your biggest contribution to next year’s Veishea and Veisheas to come. You owe it to your school.

If you don’t do anything about it, who knows what may happen? Take some responsibility and help change the opinion of greek life.

As pissed off as you may get at this statement, it has to be said. A recent editorial and a letter published in this here award-winning publication have gotten under the skin of a lot of people in the greek community.

Apparently, many people are ticked (actually pissed) off about what was said in the editorial. They feel as though it attacked the greek system and in some ways it did. I can understand their anger and defensive attitude towards what was said. But I must say (basically since I wrote it) that the editorial was not meant to upset anyone. It was simply stating a point that some people happen to have about the issue. So if you were upset by it, all I can say to you is. . . oh well.

I know that the greek system breeds leaders and instills leadership qualities in its members. This is great, and it is what the system should be noted for. But not a single solitary person can deny that in circles of college life, fraternities are recognized more for their drinking and wild parties than for their work in the community. And, some of the biggest parties of the year are thrown during Veishea.

So honestly it is possible to blame a lot of problems on the greek system. It is a part of the attraction of Veishea to out-of-towners. A lot the babes, brew and fun can be found on Fraternity Row. So can a lot of the mischief.

It is unfortunate that this is true, but it is and I didn’t make it that way.

So don’t sit there and get mad, get up and do something about it. I’ll even help if you want me to.

Peace!

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Rhaason Mitchell is a senior in journalism and mass communication. He is the opinion editor for the Daily.