I am writing to voice my opinion (and that of several of my Brothers) on a few observations noted in a previous guest column regarding the Step Show, as well as other things that I have noticed over the last few weeks.

First, I compliment ALL Greek organizations who participated. I was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho team and I applaud everyone’s efforts.

Judging by the crowd’s response, all shows were well received.

Now to address other matters.

I’m pretty sure that one of the other groups that was referred to in the previous column was my organization.

Now, if I recall correctly, during the Line Dance competition a certain member of a certain other organization proceeded to perform (nauseatingly, at that) an act similar to, but in my opinion far less subtle than, the act performed “on the floor” by our team.

I also seem to recall a statement made during the Step routine of that same organization that featured a word that, while referred to in the Bible as a place, was used in the vulgar sense. I won’t mention a name, but think hard and remember it was.

Now, I ask the members of that organization, are YOUR mothers proud? Please don’t miss the lack of sarcasm in the previous statement.

Let me point out that most of us were raised in environments where we were told, or more, if we did something wrong or inappropriate.

There were not any comments made by the parents of numerous brothers in attendance, and none were made by our housemother, Alyce Toon, who actually previewed the show in advance.

We are not children, but we still answer to our parents. I would like to apologize for something that slipped all of our ears, a line in our closing song which will not be repeated here but should have been edited out. To everyone who was offended, we truly are sorry.

When addressing the “immorality which abounds in Greek events” or the “hypocricy inherent in our Greek system” (according to Jeff Davis), let all of us examine ourselves and our own organizations before we sit back and accuse everyone who “urinates on” (I’ll opt for tamer terminology than Mr. Davis) those values that supposedly all of us are trying to uphold.

Yes, rush numbers ARE low -- let’s do something to increase them.

Don’t give those new students coming to our campus a reason to not want to be involved with us.

If Mr. Davis is embarrassed to be a part of the Greek community, for whatever reason, that’s his problem. I personally would not trade it for the world.

If Mr. Davis cannot say one redeeming thing about us as a whole to increase the size and quality of our memberships, he is not looking hard enough.

No one can list in entirety the good things that we do as groups and individuals.

Every Greek organization has its own cause (some of you more than one) that it supports, and I wish that I could list them all here. Because of my own ignorance, however, I don’t know all of them, and I don’t want to single some out or neglect others.

I will say that I have ALWAYS been impressed with the support that we all show to our respective causes, whether it is time spent or money raised.

To everyone who supports a better cause: please, please, PLEASE continue! How good does it make you feel to know that Greeks are some of the strongest supporters of the biggest philanthropies out there?

Are you embarrassed to be Greek? I can’t possibly believe that you are.

Mr. Davis hopes for a standard of conduct within the Greek community. I agree, but I must point out that it should and does apply to EVERYONE.

Greeks are not better than non-Greeks, but certain Greeks are not better than other Greeks, either.

Don’t point out something that another group does and conveniently overlook certain things done by your organization that might appear questionable to outsiders.

I have one more point. I'm sick of everyone griping about the “results” of Greek Week (who was tasteful, who deserves what trophy, etc.).

I think that the real purpose of the activities (and the money for them) has taken a backburner.

Anyone remember Alyssa Ray?

Be sure to think about her when you’re contemplating those morals and values and better causes that we support.

Cody McKee is a senior Plant and Soil Science major from Gallatin, Tenn.