Editor:

I’m writing to show support for Scott LaBoda’s opinions in his article "Vandals Detract from College Experience." I agree entirely with him.College property is everyone’s property while we are here, and it’s not right that I or anyone else is made to feel like we live in some kind of trash dump on Monday mornings because a few people have problems. I say these vandals have problems because normal people don’t break things for fun or get so drunk that they have to go to the hospital. Normal people don’t even throw trash on the ground. People with problems do these things. I think that not only should acts of vandalism and major lack of self control be looked down upon, but those who do them should be referred to counseling.

There are underlying reasons why someone might think it is acceptable to do such things as tear shrubs out of the ground or punch holes in walls. Someone might have a severe self-respect issue that is reflected in his/her lack of respect for others and the campus. Someone could have a lot of inner turmoil about something and needs to vent physically. Maybe at someone’s house it is common to throw garbage on the ground and write homophobic things on the walls.

All of these possible reasons for college vandalism are clearly not to be exculpated and can be helped by counseling. The vandals just need to be able to accept that they have these problems and seek counseling. Perhaps if you (the reader) know someone with problems that manifest themselves in ways that hurt others, you can encourage counseling. If you are one of these vandals, please take my words to heart. I’m not trying to be accusatory. I have problems. We all have problems. It’s important to take responsibility for your own problems and not expect the rest of the world to pick up your crap and plaster over the holes you punch in walls. In the real world, people are fined or arrested for the things that go on at Pomona. Let’s start acting like educated, decent humans and take conscious control of our behavior.

Sincerely,

Andrea Clemons ‘02