As our troops wage the “Shock and Awe” campaign over in Iraq, anti-war protesters here in the United States are waging their own operation: Shock and Appall. The recent vandalism of the military recruiting office is one such vile action in the protesters’ campaign (“South Campus military recruiting office vandalized,” March 25, pg. 1).

However, this behavior is hardly limited to this incident. This past weekend, I was witness to many more. Along Massachusetts Avenue, numerous slogans had been spray painted on the sidewalk, many of them profane in nature. Even more appalling was the incident I saw: a female student tearing down a yellow ribbon from a tree on Bay State Road. I was so shocked by the incident, I could not think of a single intelligent thing to say to such a person. Although I understand the need for civil disobedience, I cannot even begin to comprehend the need to vandalize property or exercise such flagrant disregard for other’s opinions.

I am aware that these are the actions of a select few morons. Regardless, it is a testament to the ineptitude of all protesters to control and organize their actions effectively. It is ironic that they turn to violence and destruction as a means to protest the violence and destruction of war.

Furthermore, I am utterly baffled how political correctness became such an integral part of protesting. I don’t know how many people I have heard say, “I support our troops, but I don’t support what they are doing (A.K.A. the war).” Even to the least logical among us, this is a bit of an eyebrow raiser, a contradiction of thoughts if you will. It is odd that one would cast aside reason only in an attempt to appease a greater crowd.

You say that you do not support Saddam but object to him being forcefully removed from power. How else do you remove someone from power? A vote? Protest? Well, Saddam has stripped his people of the freedoms necessary to do so. In reality, you are inadvertently protesting freedom of speech and self-government as well as the war.

I am sorry that you protesters are frustrated with the fact that more than 70 percent of America is against you, but you need to refrain from petty destruction. You should also get your thoughts straight. What are you really for? Do you really support free speech?