War on some drugsSgt. Barnwell was quoted by Michael Massey yesterday as saying “We crack down on drugs every day. N.C. State has a no-tolerance policy on drugs.” This statement is a fantastic representation of the current state of our drug policy, in that we do not truly have a “war on drugs,” but rather a “war on some drugs.” After all, Alexander and Bragaw allow for alcohol possession for those 21 and older, and all others in possession of alcohol on campus get little more than a slap on the wrist. This is not only hypocritical. It is stupid, given that alcohol is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. The No. 1 cause of death was tobacco, which is also used widely across our campus.

The grand total for deaths cause by ALL illicit drugs (this includes indirect deaths involving suicides, homicides and motor-vehicle injuries, as well as HIV and hepatitis infections from shared needles) only makes No. 12 on the list.

I’m not sure why we continue to allow the use of these DRUGS that are killing so many of us each year, while we continue to invest so much money into prohibition of other drugs that are much less hazardous to both the user and those around them.

I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that the tobacco and alcohol industries have contributed millions and millions of dollars to various congressional and state campaigns.

Matt PotterJunior, Political Science

Alcohol editorial missed the pointAs far as I’m concerned, Thursday’s Technician view [“Loosen the collar”] missed the point about the impending alcohol regulations. The argument that discredits the new laws on the basis that “people make mistakes in their younger years” and that the new punishments could “ruin a person’s life for making a decision while so young” is exactly the justification that established the minimum-legal-drinking-age laws in the first place.

Instead, college students (as the stereotypical abusers of alcohol) of all ages should attempt to restore a reputation as good decision makers, when it comes to consumption of alcohol and other affairs. Too many years of carelessness and tragedies have led the lawmakers in this state to conclude that young people 18 – 21 are eligible to vote, adopt children, accumulate massive debt on credit cards, fight overseas in the armed forces, go to federal prison and make all sorts of crucial life decisions, but are incapable of making the choice to drink alcohol.

The fact that the number of alcohol-related accidents among college students remains so high (despite minimum-age laws and agressive enforcement) is no surprise. Perhaps this is because the University refuses to acknowledge the necessity to provide a safe social environment for all college students. By banning alcohol consumption on most parts of campus, University policies have pushed parties away from campus, forcing students to drive in potentially dangerous situations. I think the public would rather see a University that promotes the safe consumption of alchohol in residence halls and the Wolves’ Den than the illicit parties in residential neighborhoods that occur these days.

Now would be a good time to reestablish a drinking culture that encourages moderate behavior, rather than naively trying to suppress it altogether.

Matt HazardJunior, Aerospace Engineering

Students don’t give enoughIt’s disappointing to hear a current student “embarrassed” by a school that’s not only giving her a great value on an excellent education, but one that is building an outstanding athletics program.

They’re too tired, you say? Impossible. All the people I came across in the athletics program during my four years work tirelessly at putting together athletics programs who not only encourage athletic excellence on the court and field but also promote academic excellence in the classroom.

It’s a weak argument that alumni fail to give our athletes inspiration. It’s quite the opposite. While the student section is getting wasted, booing fellow students on the field, and being all around “hospitable” toward each other, the alumni are paying large amounts of money that go towards scholarships and facility improvements. Yes, there are exceptions among students in that section; however, I’d say a top-of-the-line stadium would inspire me just a little more than the guy in my math class booing a play. N.C. State has a loyal alumni base that is very interested in the welfare of the University and, surprisingly, YOUR education!

I’m incredibly proud of where I come from, and where the Wolfpack is going. If you aren’t proud of your school, that’s too bad. But one suggestion: although you are completely entitled to your opinion, please try to research and get facts before writing a column that so deliberately puts down a University that has done so much for you as a student.

Jennifer EdwardsAlumna

Newspaper a laughing stockThat was one of the most unintelligent and ridiculous article I have ever read. Rather than having some girl make asinine points with no relevance to her column, why doesn’t somebody proof this garbage before it is published and made a public mockery of. As a current alumnus of the University, yes I am disappointed and embarrassed by the demise of our football program but even more embarrassed and ashamed that we have trash like that gracing our “beloved” school newspaper. N.C. State students are not the only readers you have. The schools mentioned that we “admire” so much are reading your masterpiece and having a good laugh. Great job guys.

Ward WarrenAlumnus

Alumni give a lotMeghan, we can add your lack of insight and general incompetence to the list of things that are disappointing about being an N.C. State student. Thank you so much for dumbing down college athletics to the point where nothing makes any sense. I would like to remind you that our “selfish” alumni are the ones who are in part responsible for the existence of our athletic programs and scholarships, via the Wolfpack Club, and THROUGH DONATIONS. But we won’t bother wasting time with blatant disregard for facts. I think everyone at State is too troubled by the fact that Brothers Pizza is gone; man, life sucks!

“Rather than push Rivers to his full potential and win a championship, we celebrated the potential, and before we knew it, he was gone.” I’ve read this sentence over and over, and I’m convinced it has no actual meaning. What troubles me most about this school is the image we must have – not from our athletics program, not from perpetual construction, not from the “joke” that is Hillsborough Street – but from the complete idiocy that tries to pass itself off as “Student Media.” If I pounded my fist on my keyboard the result would be more coherent than half of the Viewpoint columns I’ve read this year. Keep up the good work!

Mike AlstonSophomore, Civil Engineering

Woodall has it all wrongThis has been the best four years of my life — academic, social, athletic and otherwise. The only disappointment I’ve experienced during my years here at N.C. State is in the quality of writers working for our student publication.

Kelly A. SmithSenior, Political Science