C.C. reader. ([Middletown, Pa.]) 1973-1982, November 06, 1980, Image 2
Page 2 Drink Responsibly For the past few years, Penn State has had the growing reputation of being known as a "party school." This is true. Very true. What possesses individuals to drink to the extent of total inebriation? What is their purpose? Is there anything to be gained by this foolish practice? Of course not. While it is true that students are here to have a good time as well as to get a quality education, this does not mean that drinking to great proportions is condoned. Many students are here -- not to learn -- but to see how much and how fast they can quaff an assortment of alcoholic beverages. Indeed, these are the same students who disrupt others who are here for more ethical reasons. These are the same students who traverse the campus with all the grace and dexterity of Gerald Ford. Although these students are a minority, their number is rapidly growing and actions against them must be taken. If the situation is allowed to steadily worsen, the integrity of the university is at stake. Let's not allow the prestigious tradition of Penn State to be destroyed by a few thoughtless fools who overindulge. If we must drink, it is up to us to drink responsibly and encourage others to do likewise. Remember, it took 125 years to establish a respectable reputation. Let's not ruin it now Published biweekly by the students of the Capitol Campus of the Pennsylvania State University in Middletown, Pennsylvania. The C.C. Reader has the following four-fold purpose: [l] to keep students informed about their campus communityal to provide editorial comment on issues lacing the campus community; [3] to serve as a forum for student poetry, photographs, short stories, graphics, and other creative endeavors; [4l to serve as a learning mechanism for all students interested in the journalistic process. This includes reporting, editing, layout, typesetting, and paste-up. All students are urged to express their views by contributing to the C.C. Reader. Editor-Elect - Susan M. Snell Photography Editor - Mark W. Clauser Activities Editor - Linda Lightner Contributing Editor - William J. Neil Sports Editor - Kenneth Aducci Cartoonist - Joe Horvath Copy Editor - Alice M. Coon Staff - Dave Caruso, Mike Kondor, Gary Pellett, Darrell Reider, Kevin Spiegel, James Seda, Keith N. Gant . z Dr. Elizabeth Winston, Dr. Donald Alexander Faculty Advisors The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and are not necessarily the opinions of the students, faculty, staff, or administration of the Pennsylvania State University. The C.C. Reader welcomes letters from readers. Letters intended for publication should indicate the writers college affiliation, if any. All letters must be signed by the writer. Unsigned letters can not be printed. However, a writer's name may be withheld upon request. Letters should be legible [ preferably typewritten, double spaced]; and any material that is libelous or does not conform to the standards of good taste will be edited and/or rejected. PERPETvAt- CALEND4O, cc. reader Pennsylvania State University Capitol Campus Route 230 Middletown, PA 17057 Office W-129 Phone -- [7171944-4970 Editor-in-Chief Harry H. Moyer LETTERS POLICY Thursday, November 6, 1980 Editorial /Opinion -- William Neil Vandalism Condemned In recent weeks several stop signs on our campus have been stolen, with only bare, twisted poles left behind. In addition, a brand-new directional sign, erected to point the way to various buildings on campus, was stripped of its individual placards. Such blatant acts of vandalism, though obviously criminal under any circumstances, are particularly reprehensible when you consider that they occurred on a college campus. For a college, supposedly an institution in which mature adults gather to seek an education, to be subjected to such destruction is inexcusable. Though everyone would like to assume that it was the work of outsiders, it is much more likely that the "pleasure seekers" were Capitol students. Granted, with the everyday stress that is so much a part of college life, students find the need to "let off steam" every now and then. However, there comes a time when we must distinguish between playful pranks and outright destruction. To use violence as a means of releasing tension is, as evidenced by observing the remains of the signs around campus, nothing to be proud of. There are several theories as to why these acts of vandalism took place. First, they may have been committed by students who had had a bit too much to drink. This view holds the hope that, in a normal state of mind, the persons responsible would not have declared open season on all road signs. Secondly, the destruction may have been done in a - methodical fashion to "get back at Capitol" for some past disagreement. This theory is a worse reflection on the guilty party, since the persons responsible went about their task knowing full well the extent and seriousness of their actions. The third and perhaps saddest theory is that the vandalism was committed "just for the hell of it." In this case, people destroyed public property simply because they had nothing better to do with their time. Hag our society regressed to such a point where college students, the "cream of the crop," the future leaders of America, get cheap thrills out of stealing road signs? Whatever the reasons behind such destruction, be it drunkenness, revenge, or just plain stupidity, it is sad testimony to the members of the campus community. Hopefully, it isn't asking too much of our citizens to respect the property of of others. Letters to the Editor Wumke's Editor Good day to all students, faculty, and staff (even Provost Gross!). I'm back again because I heard through the grapevine that you all missed me. Well, rest assured that I'm alive and well. Seriously, though, I was unable to appear in the last issue due to extenuat ing circumstances (my favorite bureau cratic phrase). I'd like to let all of you in on a most heart-warming story I heard recently in a local establishment. I made a remark to a "townie" that residents of this area don't appreciate the benefits (both cul tural and economic) that Capitol Campus brings to Middletown and surroundings. Whereupon he quickly assured mle that he himself had never -- and would never -- put down a C.C. student. His family still remembers Capitol Campus stu dents' volunteering hundreds of man hours of their personal time in aiding victims of Hurricane Agnes in June 1972. Student Longs To Belong Capitol Campus students make to achieve this goal, one would find the A sense of belonging has always been traditional college insignia accouter a primal need of Man. This "sense of ments including bumper stickers, belonging" can be found through one's sweatshirts, hats, and beer mugs. affiliation with family, friends, commun- The fact is that Penn State Capitol is ity, and social institutions, including not a homogeneous unit; Penn State school. Ah yes, school. Capitol is made up of a heterogeneous To bring my point closer to home, the set of different programs but only one of students of Penn State Capitol Campus these programs has a personality of its do possess a need to feel that they own. "belong" to this school. And if one were continued on page 5. . . to closely examine the attempts many Editor Back It made me teel more than a little proud to be associated with a school which produces that kind of good deed. So, you see, some natives do think a lot of us -- even if they rarely come right out and say it. I was pleased to learn a few weeks ago that SGA has finally taken away appropriations from some long-defunct campus organizations. Now that money can be used for the benefit of at least some students. Only four more campaign issues to resolve, kid. Now for the bad news. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly deplore the recent theft of four glass pitchers by students from Thirsty's Tavern. I hope whoever did it is reading this. To the thieves: Thirsty's is one of very few bars in the area which actually welcome Penn State students -- and now a few people might blow it for all of us. Because of you idiots, we are now forced to put down a continued on page 5. . . C.C. Reader -- David Caruso