Amidst the cries denouncing commercialization and the opposition’s shouts of “go home,” yesterday Beardshear Hall weathered its second McDonald’s protest in the past two months.

The protest came despite the university’s decision earlier this week to dump a proposal that would have allowed McDonald’s to open a restaurant in the Hub.

John Scriver, a rally organizer, told the crowd of about 100 people gathered at noon, “We’re still having our rally because commercialization without representation is our cause.”

Scriver said Iowa State is not for sale.

“Our buildings aren’t for sale; the Hub isn’t for sale; the Union isn’t for sale; and our buildings’ names are not for sale. We’re not going to stand for this any longer,” he said.

Rob Ruminsky, another organizer, agreed.

“The fact is that we shouldn’t have to be here today. But every time the administration tries to sneak a decision like this through, concerned members of the Iowa State community are forced to jump through hoops like circus animals to make their opinions heard by the ivory tower behind us.”

Not everyone at the rally was protesting commercialization. Several Government of the Student Body leaders expressed their opinion of the noon rally while eating lunch.

John Hamilton, College of Business senator, walked in front of the protesters with his lunch in hand — a McDonald’s value meal.

Hamilton said, “We won’t be having a McDonald’s in the Hub. I think it’s too bad. I think a lot of students wanted it, and because of a vocal minority they won’t get it.”

Adam Gold, GSB president, was sitting beside several of the senators.

Several other students opted to “protest the protest” by handing out McDonald’s hamburgers to anyone walking by Beardshear Hall.

Dan Hecker, sophomore in history, said he got out of class and heard the music playing by Beardshear Hall. He said he decided to check it out.

“I decided it was a worthy enough cause to see it through to the end,” Hecker said.

Bob Dohmen, a freshmen in pre-electrical engineering, said he was at class and heard the noise.

“I think if people don’t want it, they won’t eat there. It should be the people’s choice, and now they don’t even have that decision,” Dohmen said.

Despite occasional shouts from the crowd, the protesters welcomed many speakers to the microphone.

Tony Smith, professor of philosophy, was one faculty member who voiced his opinion about commercialization without representation at ISU.

He said the university community should reflect on what they have learned from this experience.

“It seems to me the only thing that can counter the drive is a mass grass-roots movement. A bunch of students got together and formed a special movement, that is a profound lesson,” Smith said.

Smith said the commercialization on campus does not stop with McDonald’s pulling out of the Hub. He said the Coke sign in front of Hilton Coliseum and the Nike shoes worn by the ISU basketball team are both examples of corporate commercialization on campus.

Allan Nosworthy, GSB graduate student senator and member of the September 29th Movement, said echoed Smith’s remarks.

“I want to make one think clear from the beginning. If I see a Ronald McDonald walking around this campus, I’m going to have a problem.”

After applause from the audience, Nosworthy continued. “We have enough clowns in this building [Beardshear Hall] to put the Ringling Brothers/ Barnum and Bailey Circus out of business.”

Nosworthy said the issue surrounding McHub ended quite quickly; however, the Catt Hall issue is ongoing.

“Why is it issues that are identified with Europeans whites seem to be addressed quicker? This isn’t about color lines, it’s about power, and who we’re going to give it to,” he said.