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St. Cloud State University
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Commentary
Walkout indicates many students confuse priorities
Published:
Thursday, March 6, 2003
Yesterday SCSU students participated in a national war protest "Books Not Bombs," to draw attention to the anti-war sentiment in the United States, particularly among college students.
The protest involved students walking out of class at 11:15 a.m.to meet with other protesters on the Atwood Mall. Many protesters carried flowers and wore red arm bands as a symbol of solidarity.
Needless to say, the rights of students have come a long way since Vietnam protests and the Tinker decision in 1969. Today students are able to exercise their constitutional rights without so much as an eyebrow raised in objection.
As many students marched against war, a small counter protest formed, singing "Proud to be an American." Both groups were welcome proof of the freedoms we are able to exercise in America.
However, there was something disheartening about the "Books Not Bombs" protest.
Many students who walked out of class Wednesday morning took what was meant to be a sincere political statement and minimized the event by using it as an excuse to skip class and fraternize.
The Anti-war Coalition went to a lot of work to organize the protest, and the students who used the march for the sole purpose to get out of class served only to disrespect and insult their peers with their presence.
These students perpetuate the self-involved, disrespectful and disinterested American stereotypes that fuel the hatred and anger toward the United States in other parts of the world.
Before people can discuss war or peace they need to sit down and discuss an important issue called respect. Respect for one another as people, respect for each person's view points, respect for the university as an institution, respect for one another and respect for the Constitution of the United States of America that is so often taken for granted.
Those who behave maturely and respectfully, whether they believe war or peace is the solution, are those who can shape the impression of Americans made on other people in other parts of the world.
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