| TOP OF SITE | TOP OF ISSUE | TOP OF SECTION |
| PREVIOUS STORY | NEXT STORY |
Good grief... At first I couldn't believe that with all the diversity issues facing Tech, the first target would be the fight song. Although both Dean DiSabatino and Associate Dean Ray say the task force's ideas are only "recommendations," one only has to remember the dialogue about the campanile (not so affectionately known as the "shaft") to figure out where the course of "recommendations" run among Tech administrators.
I agree with the student who observed that the references to drinking did not incite alcoholism, nor were most students and alumni really offended by the one stereotypical reference about women in the second verse. Ramblin' Wreck is an internationally famous tune, and has been requested by people all over the country. In fact, at a military tattoo here at Fort Drum, one guest of honor requested "Ramble" as the song to be played during his ceremony. Ramble also routinely is agreed to be one of the greatest college fight songs, included on recordings with Michigan's "The Victors" and Notre Dame's "Victory March".
Changing the song would accomplish little other than to alienate alumni who still identify with the traditions that haven't been torn down or paved over. If the current generation wants to make their own traditions, let them. There is no need to eliminate what endears alumni to Tech. Watch out, Tech students. Years later, someone may find your traditions offensive as well.