This letter is regarding "More than 2,000 pack streets, wreak havoc in E.L." (SN 3/31). I am dismayed by The State News' lack of professionalism in reporting Sunday's events. I am quoted as saying it would be exciting to go back into the tear gas. This quote is completely untrue; it angers me to no end.
A few lines down in the article, I said, "they don't call it tear gas for no reason." The reason for tear gas is to disperse a crowd. Why would anyone want to go back into a cloud of gas that burns your eyes and throat? Wanting to get more tear gas is like saying I would like to inhale some more carbon monoxide.
Walking back toward Collingwood Drive, a reporter approached me and asked what it was like to feel the effects of inhaling tear gas. Assuming The State News and its readers would like to know, I told the reporter. This was a mistake; The State News achieved its goal of sensationalism and blatantly misconstrued the facts. This libel and defamation of character has resulted in e-mails from various people insulting me and it is disgusting.
The State News also reported my gender as being female. Marshall is obviously a male name. If you cannot realize this, perhaps there is a job for you at The State News editorial office.
This is just another example of the lack of professional quality at The State News. If they can make a mistake like this, there is no telling what other inaccuracies they can invent. This lack of professionalism is pathetic.
But not as pathetic as those who ignited fires and flipped cars. How can trashing your own campus do anything useful? Those that thought the events Sunday night were cool and fun are just terrible.
If a State News reporter asks you for an interview, turn them down. There is no telling what they might report you saying. A final word: what a way to end such a great basketball season - trashing the very thing everyone is cheering for.
Marshall Colbert
no-preference sophomore
EDITOR'S NOTE:Although Marshall Colbert disputes his comments published in Monday's edition of The State News, "More than 2,000 pack streets, wreak havoc in E.L." (SN 3/31), we stand behind the quotes obtained, as we feel they are accurate and well-documented.
