Tents serve as key element of culture

After reading James Mahon's philosophic and eloquent but itself myopic statement regarding the heart of the University's persona, I was thoroughly, and utterly, appalled. Although he did not directly state it, he insinuated that a solution to the University's post-game student behavior problem is the banning of camping prior to games. Oh... my... goodness! You have got to be kidding me!

One only has to take a single step outside the Gothic Wonderland to realize that the University is recognized by the public for, in order: Cameron Indoor Stadium, the Cameron Crazies, Camping out, and then academia (I apologize President Koehane and the trustees). I'm out here, I know. I hate to say it folks, but anyone who says that the University is known for Perkins, Vesic or Lilly over Cameron is deluding themselves.

The first questions people ask of me about the University are "Did you ever go to a basketball game?" and "Did you ever camp out?" The world knows, and has interest-no, I say jealousy-in our basketball fervor. (I feel it is extremely important at this time to say that I am forever grateful to the University for giving me the finest of education possible. The bachelor of science and engineering I received from Dr. Vesilind's Civil/Environmental Department could not be surpassed by any university around the country. It's just that no one asks about it.)

But, as I first read Mahon's column, I thought it was a parody, then I got nervous and finally furious as I realized it was not.

There is more to life than Spinoza, Kant and Locke and I think he should partake in some of these other character-building life experiences before he completely loses touch with reality. As much as I respect his right to a tunnel-visioned view of Duke life, it is obvious to me, that Mahon does not understand what Duke Basketball is. I know Duke B-Ball, I lived Duke B-Ball (four consecutive Final Fours and a National Championship) and that is what keeps me coming back, giving money and talking to people in my professional, social and religious circles about All aspects of the University's amazing community.

The thought of students camping out is a reminder that no matter how much the University changes and betters itself in the academic community, some things remain the same. This enduring tradition allows University alumni to maintain an identification with their school and future generations of University alumni and students.

So students, camp on and please throw away your trash (I hear that is a separate issue gaining momentum). To the administrators: The tents must stay.

Christopher Colwell