Vulgar heckling of Mall preachers an embarrassment to all students

I am writing about the absurd situation that took place on Monday Feb. 10. I was a witness, as were many others, to an embarrassment brought forth by three students(?). These boys were hecklers to the religious zealots sprouting off in the Mall.

Now, I do not believe in any religious cause or even believe in the way those zealots promote their beliefs, but I think that if you are going to "argue" with these people, there are three things you should be aware of:

1) These are the same kind of people that die for their cause; do you really think you are going to win an argument with them?

2) You are going to have to learn how to structure your argument properly. The three of you sounded like you should be on Montel, instead of in a University.

3) (I think this is the most important point.) There were children (ages 4- to 12-years) with these zealots, and swearing in front of children is wrong no matter what your reasons are. The swearing that you boys were doing in front of these kids was disgraceful.

I am also ashamed that I am the only one who said something to you. There is nothing wrong with a good debate, or a heckle for that matter. I laughed like everyone else at the comedy taking place.

Next time, please, think of what you're saying, how you say it, and who is listening to you. No one is impressed by vulgarity in any form.

By Edward Dose
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 17, 1997