After awakening to a brief commentary on Veishea by Michael Gartner (Pulitzer Prize-winning Ames Tribune editorial columnist), I was caused to consider the future of the event. In light of this year’s murder and the riotous melee of years past, one thing seemed certain: the biggest binge weekend of alcohol consumption in Ames must end.

I’m not calling for the curtains to close on SOV or trying to rain on the parade or Taste of Veishea. I’m not suggesting that the opportunities for student leadership should be lost or hoping that events like Harambee or the Cultural Festival are held at another time. I am, however, advocating a change of focus away from alcohol.

How many of us heard our friends talk about “getting trashed”? How many of us were harassed by inconsiderate, inebriated out-of-town guests? How many of us did something stupid or acted irresponsibly ourselves? How many of us are frantically trying to recover from classes skipped or class work left undone?

Some might argue that an affirmative answer to the above questions is not directly related to alcohol — it’s simply the nature of the weekend. To these individuals I respond: it is not the irresponsibility alone that I am concerned with, but the overwhelming ambiance of alcohol that leads to such irresponsibility. Too many people are consuming way too much alcohol and that atmosphere breeds misbehavior. Murder and riots cannot be discounted as isolated incidents. Such things seldom (if ever) occur on any other weekend in Ames.

Many might claim that Veishea is a time to get together with old friends. That’s fine and, indeed, an important facet of the event. However, hundreds of students spend hundreds of hours preparing activities on campus and in the local community. Rather than reveling at an off-campus site, let’s bring our friends to the fun stuff fellow students have planned.

I am not attempting to take a universal stance against alcohol. Anyone who knows me is aware that I’ve thrown back more than a few frothy beverages in my four years at Iowa State. I am, however, concerned with the future of a spectacular student-run event that many have turned into a reckless weekend of alcoholic overindulgence. Ames Police shouldn’t have to award over 500 citations to really drunk recipients.

Perhaps the focus could return to the original intention of Veishea: applauding the efforts of Iowa State University’s past, present and prospective students, faculty and staff.

With awards presentations and an array of activities that encompass the excellence of our university, shouldn’t we show it off to those who are most important to us: our families? In the future, let’s celebrate Iowa State — not intoxication.

Andrew P. Krzmarzick

Senior

Philosophy