Spring Break
Grow up, idiots!
Feana Kotter
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Tuesday night, SGA president Sam Pfister announced plans to raise $5,000 to help Barbara Martin purchase better surveillance cameras. While the intentions behind the funds are kind, it is not the responsibility of Western Illinois University students to fund security for a private residence.
It is unfortunate Martin has been so needlessly antagonized by students in the past, but there has yet to be any proof the recent fence vandals attend Western. A casual glance at this paper's police beat section clearly shows some people who get in trouble with the local police are not Western students.
The answer to this recent rash of idiotic vandalism is for local law enforcement agencies and Western students to cooperate. Rather than expect students to donate money to pay for Martin's camera system - and every other act of vandalism - perhaps the Macomb Police Department could hire the four new officers they so adamantly demanded and have them patrol the intersection of Adams and Lafayette streets instead of sitting in the Pace parking lot.
Students can alleviate rising tensions between city and campus by refusing to act like selfish asses after a night of drinking. After almost four years here, I am still amazed at the lack of control and maturity some of my peers exhibit because of alcohol. Streaking down the street is harmless. Destroying personal property is inexcusable.
If you see someone vandalizing property, whether it is a campus fixture or a fence, do not walk past. Call the police or, with a group of friends, carefully approach the ignorant vandal and remind him/her such deeds are why all students have been branded with a negative image.
Perhaps student volunteers could work in tandem with the Macomb police to actively patrol the area near Martin's home during busy bar nights. If students know they are being watched, the probability of vandalism will drop.
The problem will not be solved with a camera. The despicable students who willingly commit acts of vandalism will not stop until the rest of us decide we have had enough of stereotypes and blame.
Instead of using money to pay for the inconsiderate people who maliciously destroyed Martin's fence, we need to stop this cycle. It is not our duty to provide security for Martin - that is the job of the police her tax dollars pay - but it is our responsibility to stop fellow students from acting like children.
It is unfortunate Martin has been so needlessly antagonized by students in the past, but there has yet to be any proof the recent fence vandals attend Western. A casual glance at this paper's police beat section clearly shows some people who get in trouble with the local police are not Western students.
The answer to this recent rash of idiotic vandalism is for local law enforcement agencies and Western students to cooperate. Rather than expect students to donate money to pay for Martin's camera system - and every other act of vandalism - perhaps the Macomb Police Department could hire the four new officers they so adamantly demanded and have them patrol the intersection of Adams and Lafayette streets instead of sitting in the Pace parking lot.
Students can alleviate rising tensions between city and campus by refusing to act like selfish asses after a night of drinking. After almost four years here, I am still amazed at the lack of control and maturity some of my peers exhibit because of alcohol. Streaking down the street is harmless. Destroying personal property is inexcusable.
If you see someone vandalizing property, whether it is a campus fixture or a fence, do not walk past. Call the police or, with a group of friends, carefully approach the ignorant vandal and remind him/her such deeds are why all students have been branded with a negative image.
Perhaps student volunteers could work in tandem with the Macomb police to actively patrol the area near Martin's home during busy bar nights. If students know they are being watched, the probability of vandalism will drop.
The problem will not be solved with a camera. The despicable students who willingly commit acts of vandalism will not stop until the rest of us decide we have had enough of stereotypes and blame.
Instead of using money to pay for the inconsiderate people who maliciously destroyed Martin's fence, we need to stop this cycle. It is not our duty to provide security for Martin - that is the job of the police her tax dollars pay - but it is our responsibility to stop fellow students from acting like children.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Joe
posted 11/08/07 @ 11:36 PM CST
As a proud Alumni of WIU I am disappointed with the judgment of the SGA in this situation. This is absolutely ridiculous for two reasons:
1) How on earth is it the responsibility of SGA to fund security improvements for a local resident. (Continued…)
concerned alumni
posted 11/12/07 @ 9:11 AM CST
I too am a proud alumni however at this time I feel the reputation of Western is being tarnished by the childish actions of the current student body. yes the SGA should not have to raise money for a security system for a Macomb resident. (Continued…)
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