LETTER: Line crowders to blame

To the editor:

    I’m writing to discuss a simple issue I thought we’d all put behind us in the third grade: crowding in line.

    Last Saturday a group of friends and I eagerly ascended Old Main Hill at 9:30 dressed in our Halloween scariest to attend the Howl.  We were disappointed to find a long line leading up to the doors on the south side of the TSC, but, since we’d come a bit late, we understood that we might have to wait a while to get in.  Eventually though, that understanding grew into frustration and eventually anger as hundreds of people walked right past the line and bunched at the foot of the stairs, waiting just a few minutes.  It took us two hours to move from the doors at the ESLC to the doors at the Taggart.

    Later, when I talked with other friends who had gone to the Howl, I complained about the wait in line.  They excitedly told me that they had gone to the front rather than waiting, and couldn’t understand why my group had waited.  Apparently these friends didn’t realize that it was thanks to them the line moved so slowly.

    Crowding may seem simple and innocent, but it creates a completely unfair system.  Selfish people use others for their own benefit.  Had everyone simply waited in line, it would have gone much faster.  Instead, all the wait was forced on one small group of people: those honest enough not to crowd.  Additionally, while standing in line, I saw people acting disrespectfully towards women and towards the military officers at the door who were there to ensure our safety.  I was disgusted.

    The Howl is a great opportunity for students to relax and celebrate a fun holiday, but even in high spirits I hope we can act more responsibly.  Thousands attend from other schools; are these the true Aggie colors we want to show them?

Timothy Hammond