Don’t fear these days
These days it’s hard to not be afraid. We are worried about the future. We are scared out of our wits. Even before the threat of Anthrax and terrorism, there was much to fear. Remember Mad Cow disease? What about AIDS? It’s appropriate that Halloween is coming up. It’s an entire holiday devoted to fear. Little children dress up in hopes of scaring people and getting candy. We should be afraid of razor blades in our candy apples, but we’re worrying about Anthrax in our letters instead. We as college students worry about school. We worry about finding jobs. It seems like we had enough on our plates before terror struck. Now, rumors are scaring us from going to work, opening our mail, and flying in airplanes. Enough is enough. This Halloween, let us not be afraid, no matter what sort of ridiculous e-mail is going around. Don’t let the bully down the hall scare you from telling him to turn his music down. Don’t be afraid to go to a Halloween party. Don’t be afraid to speak up, because living in fear is a waste of time. Some fears are healthy. It’s ok to be afraid of heights. But when it gets to the point where you’re afraid to drive anywhere or you’re afraid to go shopping, it’s time to say “enough is enough.” We keep hearing the government say that by showing fear, we’re doing exactly what “they” (the terrorists) want. If you’re not afraid of the Boogie Man you shouldn’t be afraid of Osama Bin Laden. This Halloween, dress up, go get some candy, and most important, have fun. It’s the best distraction there is.
Upon reading your article “Tourism will not be missed,” I couldn’t help but feel your ignorance towards tourists in the Virginia Beach area. I am from the north, where things move a lot quicker. Up north they drive to get somewhere, here they drive just to drive. Not being from this area, I was personally offended by this article, especially the part where you stated that you “really just wanted the retards to go home.” Those retards are the ones that make it possible for most businesses to operate. They have probably supplied you with a job, at some point. I think you should reconsider what you said. Tourism plays a huge part in keeping Virginia Beach in the great shape that it’s in today. If you don’t like it, then why are you still here? You’re in college now, you’re free to go. You chose to stay. Also, the part about buying “touristy items” such as T-shirts or cups of sand that read “Virginia Beach,” causes me to wonder if you’ve even left Virginia, gone on a family trip or even been outside this country. Let me explain. Some people aren’t as fortunate to live in such a beautiful, well-developed beach. Therefore, when they get the chance to visit, they like to buy a keepsake to remind them of their trip. So if you and your buddies took a surfing trip, say to California, you mean to tell me that you would travel all that way and not bring back one item that had the location on it? Overall, I found you and your article to be very ignorant and naive. Being from this area, you should be proud and want to spread a good word. Negativity spreads like disease, and with this kind your only hurting yourself and the place you call home.
Sincerely,
Jackie Griffin
Corrections
In the previous issue, Matt Tefft’s name was incorrectly spelled on page 1 in the article “VII parking lot attacked.”
The E-mail address of Susan Yancey was incorrectly identified in “Developing leaders important to Circle K.” The correct address is smyancey@vwc.edu.
Alacia Earley was improperly identified as the Habitat chapter president in “Habitat builds homes for others in need.” Earley is co-president of the chapter with Juli Boles.
"What is a campus issue that you would like to see addressed and why?"
"The increasing amount of violence. Someone is doing some really stupid stuff, like someone stole all of the dryerase markers on my hall." --Martine Green, Senior
"Parking. It is too small. That is all that I can think of." --Stephanie Hirtz, Junior
"I wish that they would do something about the rock parking lot. Maybe pave it. It is so disorganized. The other day I saw someone get stuck in there because her car was blocked in." --Kendall Eakes, Sophomore
"I would like to see improved recreation and leisure equipment in the grill. I am glad to see the Marlin Wheels program though." --Brian Bostian, Freshman
"I’d like to see different activities in the grill and maybe trays to carry food on. Maybe different games besides ping pong and the pool table." --Ingani Franklin, Staff
Photos and Interviews by Sara Steil