University of Virginia Library

Saturday's Conduct

I would like to comment upon the
conduct of some of those persons who
participated in the demonstration at the
review on Saturday. By their immature
display, they defeated soundly their own
purpose, ostensibly being to rid the
University of the spectre of the military-industrial
complex. Aside from rendering
their efforts vastly ineffective, their behavior
evinced a total lack of respect for the
National Colors and consideration for those
involved in the military activities being
carried out on the field. Cries of "Play ball"
were heard after the playing of the National
Anthem and personal insults were directed
at those receiving decorations. Such behavior
fails to behoove even five-year-olds!

However, there was another group
present who dissented quietly and effectively
through a well organized campaign to
distribute leaflets. Unfortunately their efforts
went unnoticed because the more
vocal, and incidentally quite repulsive,
group received all the attention. Hopefully
in the future more socially acceptable means
will be devised to express their dissent.