Irish Guard does what it can
Letter to the Editor
Last week Mike Speaker (6-foot-3 and 220 pounds) wrote of an unfortunate incident prior to the BC game (The Observer, Nov. 23). A member of Irish Guard moved Mr. Speaker's fiancée out of the way of the band's parade to the stadium. Mr. Speaker stated that Jess was merely "standing on the curb," when the Guard, acting "like they are God's gift to the universe," shouted "move," and then shoved her.
As a student who had the privilege of being an Irish Guard member for two years I understand first-hand that the Irish Guard has not been annointed by God. Furthermore, none of us have ever seen or met Mr. Speaker, so I do not know how he has witnessed our alleged egotism. So let's talk about a situation based in fact, not slander.
What Mr. Speaker and many other people do not know about the Irish Guard is that we have a responsibility to the band and to the fans. We must keep all fans off the sidewalks and curbs along the path to the stadium. If people are in the way band members or fans may be injured.
We do not seek to shove small fiancées, in fact, we do not wish to yell at or push anyone at all. That is why there are four security guards and numerous band assistants who instruct the fans to move before we are anywhere close to them. By the time the Irish Guard reaches any particular fan, time is running out and that fan must move, for his or her safety as well as for the safety of the band. I wish that Mr. Speaker's fiancée had listened to the numerous people who told her to move before the Irish Guard arrived ... but she didn't. I find it very irresponsible of Mr. Speaker to blame this situation on the Irish Guard, because we were simply doing our jobs. And next time, if there is a person who is "6-foot-3, 220 pounds and standing on the curb," unfortunately he will need to move as well.
Rick Saxen
Senior, off-campus
November 26, 1999
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, November 30, 1999
