Reader network: Community weighs in on campus riot

The Olympian | • Published February 15, 2008

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The Olympian asked members of its Reader Network to give their thoughts about campus security, after the shootings in Illinois and the riot at The Evergreen State College. To become a member of the Reader Network, go to www.theolympian.com and click under the Opinion tab on the home page.

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“I am a teacher, TESC graduate in theater production and been an event promoter for 27 years in Olympia and 32 overall. Security should be a first concern of any event promoter. The promoters of the TESC event could have and should have monitored their event better, de-escalated threats and called for backup immediately. Like at the Bar Code, violent incidents are common at Hip Hop and being prepared is essential, look up Dead Prez lyrics like “Pistol” or “Hell Yeah (Pimp the System.” Drugs, prostitution, prison, ghettos, hate, anger, blame, cursing etc... People may be justifiably angry at our pre-emptive war and inept government, but violence and ghetto mentalities have been endlessly glorified by the media and government. Automatic and semi-automatic weapons need to be banned again. There is random violence, groping, fights, worse every year, but Olympia is still a very safe city...The college is foolish not to have a policy for all events that includes a credit card or bonded deposit, clear lines of liability and security provision that is exercised with the discretion of someone who can smell trouble when 900 Hip Hop attendees are coming. For Dave Matthews or Super Saturday, very likely not to have problems. The event promoters are ultimately responsible for their event and should be held liable.”

John Kersting, 52, Olympia

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“Enough is enough. Why must the taxpayers of Washington finance Evergreen? All we get is support for criminals and terrorists and anyone that just hates America and its people. We have had demonstrations against the military returning from Iraq and now destruction of law enforcement vehicles not to mention a constant barrage of hate rhetoric against western civilization in general. Turn this college into a technical college for engineering, science and other needed skills. Get rid of Gov. Chris Gregoire in November for allowing this wanton criminal institution to exist with our money that is in increasingly short supply. We need education not terrorism. Demand our legislators do something now.”