The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, September 21, 1983, Page 7, Image 7
Protesters' actions
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President Ronald Reagan's visit yesterday was an
exciting event for most of USC's students, faculty
and staff. However, there was a minority oi
students who took very little pleasure in the arrival
of the U.S. president.
Amongst this minority were some of the
residents of the Horseshoe, who were slightly peev
ed at having to vacate their rooms for most of tht
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rooms by the Secret Service and campus police foi
weapons and explosives as a serious violation o
their Constitutional rights.
They objected to the search for two reasons
First, because the dorms were being closed at 11:1:
a.m., making it impossible for them to be presen
during the search. Secondly, because the search wa
to be conducted without the possession of ;
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vauuaicu scmcu wmiam,
Admittedly, the actions taken to ensure th
smooth flow of the convocation and the safety o
the president probably interrupted many peoples
lifestyles. However, very strict time schedules ha
to be adhered to, thus making the evacuation of th
dorms necessary for the search.
Besides, how often is this college given the hone
to play host to the president of the United States
Whether one agrees with Reagan's views or nc
should not cloud the fact that he is our president. J
he could take the time to speak to us, we certain!
can overcome any minor inconvenience to welcorr
him.
Also, one should not overlook the attempts mac
by USC President James Holderman to provide t\
residents of the Horseshoe with special accomod;
tions. He arranged a special lunch for the:
residents, as well as a study space in the Russe
House during the presentation.
Small as these concessions may be, at lea
liniv^rcitv nffiriak tried to recoenize the needs <
the student.
For some, such kindness was not sufficient,
handful of Horseshoe residents said they wou
refuse to leave their rooms during the searc
resulting in coercive action by police.
Others retaliated by spraying graffiti along t
sidewalks and walls of the Horseshoe.
A more violent group of students planned
plant and ignite smoke bombs in various doorwa
on the evening before the search was to take plac
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mus aierung uic pui'.tc uugs mc uv,ai ???
caught the scent of gunpowder.
Responses like these were an embarrassment
the entire USC community.
That students decide to air their complaints
such ways is not only sick, but juvenile.
i
- -? -? 1 11 ~ H
U5CJ must nave an exceiiem ic^uiauuu, wi..
wise dignitaries like Reagan would not come to v
the campus. When students perform stunts 1
these, they not only hurt themselves, but they h
the chances for future students to receive the sa
opportunities.
II One of the glories of a democracy is the cha;
to express alternative views. Students with ai
Reagan views have the opportunity to express th
politics in a better way. They have the Const!
tional riizht to vote ? or not to vote.
iBut spraying threatening graffiti like "(Jc
Hinkley had a vision" is a sick, scary and ill<
action.
The action these students took is a misrepre*
tation of the university ? giving this school a
name..
OpirtioN
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I Horseshoe resid
To the Editor: Admitted
Those of us who live on the Horsesho
ie Horseshoe experienced a touch or marie
tial law this week. On Thursday, I
came home to see unusual-looking Surely,
fellows wearing briefcases and means ai
5e earplugs in my parking lot. By that suspicion
ill evening, there were uniformed guards freedom
relaxing on the bench in front of my safety an
window. Over the weekend agents officials.
^ could constantly be seen, refining their health of
' plans for a full-scale occupation for six consider
hours yesterday. system ii
carry a I
Like others who have lived under him whei
a
. , martial law, I became increasingly
a paranoid as the days dragged on. By
h, day three, I would no longer dare to
turn on my lights when the blinds were
UP* To the E
, Once
1 The fact that I am innocent of any simple ig
bad action or intent made no dif- misjudgi
ference to my state of mind. The mere students
to presence of "people watching" was Horsesh
ys enough to inhibit my exercise of "put o
e freedom. pearanc<
, ' logic die
All this may soundexaggerated; after ture she
all few people complained, and most sight of
who did were satisfied with token con- The foo
to cessions that included a free lunch. the Tow
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si
ierisit
^
ike .
urt
IM:
,icc /fyf I u rr '
1963 on
^ Ntwtpi
tad "WE WANT T0 rilRE VOO "TD FIX OUR CC
SYSTEM SO THAT YOO CANY BRtAK WT(
-rofty THeTauTLe, \ I
: "?or.o?0?V Doe?*) I
N\ Fn' l/i?
REE ... |
,etterS
ents criticize visit
y, the situation on the served much better than the
: was based largely on the ac- Horseshoe.
of the "oppressed."
After being told I could not enter my
if the American tradition apartment on Tuesday afternoon, I
lything, it means a healthy was told that my apartment would be
of any attempts to limit our searched by the Secret Service. I have
under the justifications of never consented to any such treatment,
i the convenience of elected and I feel this is an unforgivable inIf
we are concerned for the fraction on the university's behalf,
democracy, we should also
he effects upon all of us of a I am severly disappointed in the
1! -1- C.ntnemrk \ rnveraee of this event as
I WHICH UUI pi CMUClll lllUdl ?- ? ??O- -- ittle
police state along with well as the editorial in Monday's (Sept.
ever he may go. 19, 1983) paper. 1 felt the editorial was
insensitive to the students attitudes and
Harriet McBryde Johnson needs. If the Gamecock is a student
2nd year Law Student publication, why does it insist on
spouting the administration's lies?
ditor:
again USC, whether through Name witheld by request
norance or through calculated
nents. has nut the affairs of To the Editor:
on hold. As a resident of the Tuesday evening USC presented
)e, I most certainly do feel Ronald Reagan with an honorary
it" by the president's ap- degree for his contributions to educaon
my front yard. Simple tion. When do I receive my honorary
tates that a more secure struc- degree for my accomplishments in the
uld have been picked ?.s the field of nuclear physics?
Reagan's 15-minute speech.
tball stadium, the coliseum or Walter D. Postell
nship; any of these could have Art History
~ 1 GnmcmfSf ? ?
m ' ?? m m
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