Grab a beer and loosen up

I am writing in response to Ryan Chirnomas' column, In Hasselhoff We Trust, that was published in Monday's Wildcat. In his article, "About time for a change" Ryan makes many accusations about the Greek system and the University of Arizona regarding the Homecoming festivities.

I think that Ryan not only demonstrated that he doesn't understand the first thing about what homecoming means to the students and to the alumni, but also illustrated his ignorance about a group on campus commonly referred to as "Greeks."

I believe Homecoming is about school spirit and football. Otherwise, how can you explain the fact that each year thousands upon thousands of alumni return for the festivities. And I don't mean just first-year alumni either.

I actually spent about forty-five minutes of my day on the mall speaking with a Class of '74 graduate who informed me of the many opportunities U of A opened for him and explained that I should never underestimate my potential.

He also said that through the years, U of A has become more respectable as an institution of higher learning largely due to the student population (the same student population he was observing on the mall Homecoming day).

I also wanted to point out the fact that you did not have to be "hellenically inclined" as you put it to enjoy the festivities. You could even have your own tent if you wanted to, Ryan, but yes, you will have to rent the space provided on the mall from the U of A.

It turns out to be cheaper if you split the cost with your friends provided you have any (Hasselhoff does not count).

You could bring your own drinks and demonstrate to the Greeks what it is to be a responsible drinker and if you wanted to, Ryan, you could even develop your own secret handshake so people that did not belong under your tent would not be allowed in.

The truth is, Ryan, there is no discrimination against who can and cannot go into these tents. I mean after all, who in their right minds wants to stand there all day and make sure only their members are taking part?

What you see as discrimination against non-Greeks is merely good friends partying. Most people I know go to parties where their friends will be. This might explain why you felt like you did not belong because you didn't see any lifeguards in red shorts under any of the tents. Sorry.

I also have a problem with the way you lumped everybody in the Greek system into one category stating that "their entire lives circulate around expensive clothing and cheap beer. They don't know any better."

Maybe you should read up on the philanthropies that the fraternities and sororities are involved in. I think you will find that the Greek system encourages a lot of community service in Tucson.

When is the last time you did anything for the community that wasn't for your resume? Would it be right if I called you a geek or a nerd because you are a molecular and cellular biology major?

Lastly, I want to know if you are serious about the underage drinking bit. Honestly (I know you are a senior now and barring any miracles of genius you must be at least 21) you never took a drink of alcohol before the magical two-one? Not even a sip?

Have a drink and loosen up! One more thing Mr. Chirnomas, I am not in the Greek system and I had a wonderful time on the mall with many of the Greek houses. And guess what, no one I spoke to was wearing "Tommy Hilfiger" and I didn't even have to know the "secret handshake."

Michael Gramling
General biology senior