As our troops wage the “Shock and Awe Campaign” over in Iraq, antiwar protestors here in the US are waging their own operation: Shock and Appall. The recent vandalism of the military recruiting office (“South Campus military recruiting office vandalized,” March 25, pg.1) is one such vile action in the protestors’ campaign.
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 BayState 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 testament to the ineptitude of all protestors to control and organize their actions effectively. It is ironic that protestors are turning 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 (AKA the war).” Even to the least logical among us, this 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 Sadam but object to him being forcefully removed from power. How else do you remove someone from power? A vote? Protest? Well, Sadam 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 protestors are frustrated with the fact that 70+% 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?
John Spisak ENG ’03
617-515-7460
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