This is in response to the letter calling for the student body to show respect to Navy and Air Force by not saying "Suck it [mascot]" in the drum cadence ("Respect academies," Nov. 1). I have a better idea: How about eliminating that newly added line altogether? That is not traditionally how that cheer goes, and it only makes the student body look bad when others in the stadium hear it. I was at the Boston College game sitting behind the student section and had just finished explaining to a first-time visitor why Notre Dame fans are different and why we can't stand BC fans for all their past transgressions when that cheer came up, complete with the "Suck it Eagles" line. Needless to say that un-classy ad-lib did not help support my argument backing the team and our fans.
Let's get back to being classy folks, whether the opposition deserves it or not. Trust me, "We are ND" is the ultimate cheer - let's keep it that way.
Colleen RyanClass of 1998Nov. 2
