The recent tragic events at Catawba College came as no surprise to some living close by, who have seen and complained about the warning signs for years.

Denial of the real problems continues, while public relations statements grasp at an attempt to portray an image that meaningful issues are being addressed. And the city’s government and community’s elite continue to indulge their favorite “spoiled child,” even at the expense of others. Those whose quality of life is damaged are flippantly dismissed.

Where are discipline and limits to spiraling out-of-control destructive behavior?

Where is the leadership that would mold responsible citizenship? Why do Catawba and its friends rate special privileges, where even laws are bent, suspended, and overlooked when that suits their pleasure? Where is equality or consideration of the rights and welfare of others?

And where is sobriety? Alcohol (which has never been known to shape behavior, judgment or character positively) is a rampant part of Catawba’s culture, where it is both allowed and encouraged. Important football backers camp in the college parking lot, publicly drinking and partying. There have been all-night drunken parties, both on Catawba’s property and hosted by its staff living nearby (with hundreds attending).

Money has been spent to place ads in the Post inviting sports fans to “come early and tailgate.”

The real tragedy is not just that lives have been lost, but that such a cost was required to sound a wake-up call. Whether it will be heard remains a troubling question.

— Ann Brownlee

Salisbury