The GC meeting tonight showed a sad turn in the movement of VMI and the Corps. I do not hold the GC at fault, neither should we. I don't necessarily agree with how the meeting transpired, but we need to know WHY.

This was a move by the staff of the school, whether it be the commandant's or the superintendent's, it was not the GC. The GC statement was that the investigation of the affair should've been 3-4 weeks, instead it was 2-3 days. Because this was the daughter of a member of the commandant's staff, because it happened right after the article, the upperclass didn't single her out, it was the upper echelon of the staff here.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the VMI corps this is clearly an act of vengeance - retribution. We've lost the battle, but not the war. This is the ultimate case of political correctness. We should hang our heads in sorrow because of this injustice done, and then rise up and rebel - not by force of arms, but by words - we should voice our opinions and not die, not submit quietly into the night. The old phrase "silence is consent" is the sin we should not commit.

I am aware that the upperstaff will find me, and I am aware they will threaten me and scare me. But I want this clear, I fear no man, only God. I choose death before dishonor - I am not a rebel fighter, nor a "North Korean" sympathizer. I've taken an oath to defend my country and state, my fellow citizens. I have the right to express my opinion and beliefs, like everyone else. AND WE ALL SHOULD.

We have now seen the character of the upper staff of this school, and their motives - political ambitions, political correctness at its finest. Our BRs from years past know this, and hoped it would never happen in such an extreme case as this, but it has.

We are not afraid, I am not afraid. We can win this back, by the power of the press and the power of our voice. As long as I have breath in my body, I will speak the words that need to be said, and the things we need to do and my opinions on the matter. I love VMI and its heritage, I bitch about the BS and such like everyone else, but look deep down in everyone of you - you all love this place too, you wouldn't be here if you felt otherwise.

Let tonight be a lesson to everyone about the power of the staff, but the even greater power we posess, and the ability to still do something. Remember, silence is consent, never forget this travesty. This is OUR school, not theirs. This is OUR Corps, not theirs. We are not merely something to show off and earn ratings on the Princeton Review or USA Today, and no one knows what its like, EVEN alumni, unless they are straining on the stoops right now, or if they are the poor 3rd on confinement, the 2nd class RDC rep' trying to enforce a Ratline that doesn't exist, or the 1st classman trying to mentor their rat and give them a chance and experience that will change their lives for the better.

We are the famous and legendary Corps of Cadets at VMI and we will earn our power back. We hold the fate of the school in our hands, not them. Remember tonight, and remember "bone deep caring" as preached to us.

Respectfully,

- Dr. Gonzo Return to the main page of correctness...