Dear Editor,

I attended an Economics Club meeting for the first time Tuesday during the window. Professor Walter Block and Professor Boyd Blundell debated issues surrounding minimum wage laws and unions. As an economics major and a student of Professor Block, I believe I have a pretty firm grasp on the free market position on these subjects. I did not go to this meeting to listen to what I already know. I was interested in gaining perspective on the position held by Professor Blundell.

Room 208 in Miller Hall was packed. There were students as well as faculty in attendance. I was enjoying the debate with some of my classmates when an assistant professor who was sitting two chairs away from me began his childish display. He scoffed, huffed and puffed, laughed and even went so far as to throw his hands in the air every time he disagreed with a point that was made. One might imagine how distracting this was in the middle of an otherwise quiet and attentive audience. I could not believe how disrespectful this employee of a Jesuit university was being (even more ironic is the department which he was representing).

People attend debates in order to hear different opinions from which they might glean some new perspective. They might further educate themselves on the views they already hold. A debate is not a sporting event. It is not the time or the place to jeer the “other team.” I would not expect that out of a Loyola student, and I would never expect it out of a Loyola faculty member. There is a question and answer session at the end. This is where you can challenge ideas.

I wanted to express that I enjoyed the intellectual discourse we were privileged to hear. I also would like to express how thankful I am the students and most faculty members did not behave in such a manner. I hope that the assistant professor realizes that he was not only rude to Professor Block (which was undoubtedly his purpose in acting that way), but also to Professor Blundell and everyone in attendance.

My suggestion would be that he not attend future debates until he can restrain such immature urges.

Sincerely,

Dreda Culpepper

economics junior