“SUV Security” patrols Langdon Street on Earth Day

By Dana Schowalter

News Reporter

In light of last year’s vandalism to SUVs parked on Langdon Street, a group of University of Wisconsin student volunteers patrolled Langdon Street on Earth Day to prevent damage to SUVs.

Collegians for a Constructive Tomorrow (CFACT), the organization coordinating the effort, supports free market solutions to environmental problem and denounce environmental extremism and eco-terrorism, member Dan Manna said.

“We support the stewardship of the environment through the free market,” Manna said, adding CFACT is also involved in the “Big Red Go Green” campaign encouraging energy efficiency on campus.

Manna said CFACT hopes to raise awareness about the damage caused by eco-terrorism, such as “destruction of property or harm to people caused by extreme environmental groups.”

According to Manna, CFACT is also working to challenge the negative view of SUVs as “gas guzzling monsters” from the media.

“The negative image portrayed in the media certainly comes from the extreme left environmental lobbyists that argue against everything related to SUVs,” he said.

CFACT believes owners of all vehicles should not have to worry about vandalism to their vehicle.

CFACT president Nick Pongratz said in a statement, “Whatever reasons people use to make the decision to purchase an SUV, they should expect to be able to drive their vehicle without having to worry about being attacked because of that choice. The actions we witnessed last year represent vandalism at best, and eco-terrorism at worst.”

Pongratz went on to add that such actions are “unacceptable and immoral,” stating the group hopes to protect SUV owners’ safety.

The “SUV Security” comes as a reaction to Earth Day 2003, when tires on many SUVs parked near UW were deflated.

The SUV Security team did not act as actual security officers, but instead were encouraged to call law enforcement officials if they noticed any harmful actions against SUVs.

CFACT encourages those who wish to contest the use of SUVs to publish literature and inform the public without damaging property, Manna said.

Dan Wolbert, who parks his vehicle on Langdon Street, feels slashing tires on Earth Day last year was ineffective.

“Several people that park near me had their tires deflated last year,” Wolbert said. “The extremists gained attention for their cause last year, but I think it made people mad more than it convinced them to be environmentally friendly.”