ASU Police overzealous in use of force
In response to Heather Turner's article, "Tailgating arrests unlawful, students say," I really don't enjoy the half-hearted explanations given by Sergeant Mike Horn as to the level of police brutality around ASU. The immediacy in which they (ASU PD) are prepared to use violence as a solution to problems that don't really necessitate it is most definitely an issue that needs addressing, and attempting to rationalize it with "If they don't want to get stomped against the asphalt, stop doing illegal things," isn't exactly reassuring.
If they're attempting to curtail unlawful activity, I want to hear a solid explanation as to how an exacerbation of unlawful activity, i.e. the smashing of heads against concrete, is helping the situation. Having a badge doesn't exempt anyone from being responsible for their actions, and I hope more than a few lawsuits come up against ASU DPS until they're forced to give aggressive reactions more consideration.
Don't get me wrong, on the whole I appreciate their efforts and the difference they make on this campus, I've even gotten to know a few officers that are downright awesome at their job, but that doesn't make the problem go away.
Christian Parrinello
Undergraduate
Not all assaults are aggravated
Being a big fan of the police beat, I've been noticing a trend in recent weeks. Nearly every violent disturbance was labeled as aggravated assault, and the person in question charged with such. Now don't get me wrong, I totally support Arizona's police, but it seems to me that aggravated assault for things like punching, kicking, biting, and throwing cups of liquid or bottles of water is a bit excessive.
Maybe the paper isn't giving all of the details and the suspects were slobbering at the mouth, but if getting an unknown liquid on a police man's pant leg is aggravated assault, it begs the question what normal assault is. Coming from the backwoods, I have always considered aggravated assault to be something like taking a bat to someone's head, and when they go down to keep on swinging. Maybe Tempe should make the distinction as well.
Michael McDowell
Undergraduate
Existence of strip clubs is a burden on women
Last Friday (9/21), the State Press ran an article about the Elite Cabaret strip club. I found it disheartening to read the comments of the students interviewed, which expressed such indifference (or even support): "I think it's degrading to women, but I'm all for letting women make that choice - to strip" (Rachel Shumate, Senior). Women, we need to stand up for our dignity!
Strip clubs are degrading, and that is precisely why we can't support such a choice. If we gave our boyfriends permission to look at other women like pieces of meat, they would soon look at us the same way. Men, we need you to stand up for our dignity! Just think: what if that stripper were your sister, your daughter, your mother? Would you allow it? She is someone's family, and she deserves the same protection. It is a sad fact that some women feel they need to strip to earn their money; let's show them that no amount of money is equal to what they are truly worth.
Lindsay Brennan
Junior
What gives???
No American flag honor guard during the National Anthem at Sun Devil stadium games, but ASU money for foreign nationals is acceptable!?!?
Jim Parsons
