By Allen Breckenridge
Arizona Daily Wildcat
September 23, 1997

Too much 'premature ejaculation.'

Editor:

Daily Wildcat "P.E." articles abound! I don't mean just the recent article about "premature ejaculation." It seems that "P.E." might be a misnomer, if not applied to journalists whose articles show little forethought or depth of subject matter. Zach Thomas's recent commentary on fears of Union solicitors, including religious clubs, was the epitome of journalistic "P.E."

Zach, are you more worried about free market business practices to solicit info and funds from students or about religion and those who share their philosophical and spiritual views, to encourage free thought and choices about ethics, community, hope, and things to which we "ascribe worth" (definition of worship).

I don't totally disagree with you, Zach. I would encourage students to avoid many vendors and giving personal stats to every group they encounter. But lumping religious clubs in with vendors seems a bit much!

First, most religious clubs can't afford to give away anything more than a free tract or cupcake, much less compete with vendors. Secondly, at a university, one might suppose a marketplace of ideas would dominate over that of economics, not vice versa. So the displays and tables, and occasional voluntary donation solicitation would be given a higher value and preference - right? Wrong! Many people would rather talk to someone trying to sell them a charge car or expensive car their freshman year than talk to a religious representative! Which one, acknowledging exceptions, do you suppose has their true interest at heart and values them most as a person?

Anyway, Zach, get RAAD! This week, there will be a lot of religious clubs on the Mall representing the major religious traditions, with panel discussions, music, videos, and an inter-faith worship service happening also. I know you say you don't think you need these things, and don't need a community to validate your faith (no man is an island, Zach), but I think you might be a bit mistaken about religion. Leave your computer and come out to the Mall and explore! Fear not! You needn't give your name, or telephone number, and no one will force you to wear a free emblazoned t-shirt. Instead, you might be surprised at the fodder you'll find for some quality, substantive articles to write.

Allen Breckenridge
Episcopal chaplain
Religious Awareness and Diversity club adviser
Campus Christian Center