Student wants help to stop annual Case Race

Last spring at this time I became aware of an annual event here in State College, one that I would like to see finally die: the Rathskeller's Case Race. I was appalled when I learned of this event last year, through an article in the Collegian.

The idea behind this event, from what I have gathered, is to line up as many students as possible, shuffle them into the bar, sell them a case of pony bottles of Rolling Rock, and then get rid of them, so other students can do the same.

The one thing that still stands out in my mind is the admonition Rathskeller staff would give students when they had too much: "Make room for fresh drinkers." (This is a quote from last year's Collegian article.) The bar then donates some of the profits to a local charity, as if that makes the whole thing all right.

Last year, if I remember correctly, the charity was the State College Chapter of the American Red Cross. I hope they sent the check back. Charities shouldn't be taking money from events like this. If they do, they should be ashamed of themselves.

Let me say right now that I am not a Prohibitionist or a prude, by any means. And I have nothing against the Rathskeller. I have been there a few times to see bands. And I have had a few beers there, too. The staff there has always been friendly to me. But I do think that this event is irresponsible, and should finally come to an end.

How can we condone this as a community, especially in a year when we have seen tragedies like the death of Leigh Prevatte? How can the State College and Penn State communities sit by, when a business right in the middle of town is encouraging students to engage in such self-destructive behavior, which may lead to driving under the influence, disorderly conduct and alcohol poisoning, among other things?

The hard answer is that we can't. We can't justify this event. It has no redeeming value. It puts large amounts of money into the coffers of the Rathskeller, at the expense of the students who participate, and the community at large. As a community, we must stand together against events like this. If you are as appalled about this event as I am, I encourage you to stand up and be counted. This year's case race is March 22.

I plan to protest the event, if I can obtain the proper permission from State College authorities. Why not come join me in my effort to stop the case race, once and for all?

Sean Cook
State College

Basic right of partner benefits is for everyone

In light of the recent approval of STRAIGHT as an official student group, I am writing in support of the gay, lesbian and bisexual members of our community.

Gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not "freaks" who threaten "heterosexual tradition." Whether we know it or not, they are our neighbors, co-workers, friends, brothers, sisters and valuable members of our community. We all benefit from the work of gays, lesbians and bisexuals, because they are present in every field and occupation, from education to medicine.

And, as a heterosexual, I do not find that my right to marry and to share insurance coverage with my husband is threatened by the desire of same-sex partners to enjoy the same freedom. In fact, I would much prefer that these rights be extended to all members of our society, regardless of sexual orientation. I think our community would be strengthened if those same basic rights were guaranteed to everyone.

Please, look around and see that gays, lesbians and bisexuals are not a threat. They're members of this community who need and deserve acceptance and support.

Susannah Milner
graduate-English

STRAIGHT continues to lack a clear mission

I was shocked and dismayed to read that the student group STRAIGHT was approved as an official student group by a PSU appeals board.

After weeks of reading about the group, I still have no clear idea of what the official mission of the group is -- Darin Loccarini states in one article that the group's only mission is to "exist." This is not a mission. Webster's states that a mission is "to perform a service or carry out an activity." Existing does not fulfill that criteria.

The group and Loccarini have not yet clearly defined the mission of STRAIGHT, and it is my understanding that a defined mission is necessary for approval as a student group. If indeed the group's mission, as has to be initiated, is to visibly support the heterosexual community, I would put forth the question, WHY?

As a straight (but not narrow) member of the Penn State community, I am recognized and affirmed in my sexual orientation daily: I am eligible for benefits for my partner and family, I see almost exclusively heterosexual couples displaying affection publicly and I am affirmed in the media by way of advertising, television shows and articles in popular magazines.

Sadly, I cannot say the same for my lesbian, gay and bisexual friends, counterparts and colleagues at the University (or anywhere else for that matter).

I think what we need to realize is that the issue is not about being politically correct or about an organization's charter. It is about PEOPLE, all kinds of people, and it should be about respect and civility -- recognizing differences and being tolerant.

Let us ask ourselves the question . . . If it were a lesbian, gay and bisexual student organization that opposed a heterosexual group and wished to take away their rights and promote intolerance of heterosexuality, would people be opposed and vocal about it? Sadly, I think they would.

Tracy D. Fisk
Penn State Office of Health Promotion and Education

Pittsburgh/Philly rivalry an irrelevant issue

I am writing this in response to the recent column "Philly vs. Pittsburgh: The Final Showdown Begins". Does anyone else realize how irrelevant this column is? The two cities are different and unique.

Sure most, if not all Pittsburgh people from time to time, will make fun of the Flyers or the 76'ers and most Philly people will make fun of the Pirates and the Penguins. This does not mean that the majority of people dislike the other city. Some people have taken this friendly camaraderie and turned it into a mini city war.

The two cities both have their positive and negative aspects but neither one is better than the other. We should be spending our time not making fun of Philly and Pittsburgh, but making fun of cities that deserve it like Cleveland.

Scott Walthour
sophomore-architectural engineering