<p>The public has every right to put us in a glass bubble. A recent survey asked the American public what is the #1 profession that they trust. The answer was not just military, but specifically military officers. I understand people’s frustrations about being scrutinized, however, we go to a school paid for by taypayers’ dollars. It’s not exactly the same as with public college scandals because the people feel that they have part ownership with us. That’s an important fact that many people in the military forget: we work for the public, not our immediate chain of command.</p>
<p>However, the 6% is a dramatic decrease from what it used to be. And I’ll tell you what the 94% of us are doing about it. The number of troublemakers will continue to decline since the Generals made the punishments much more harsh starting today, and the new honor code policy (completely initiated and finalized by cadets) also goes into effect today. While I understand some of your thoughts on the immaturity of many cadets, I think you fail to see that none of this is tolerated by the Cadet Wing. We’re not sitting around thinking, “Oh another rape case, oh well.” Everyone I know is very angry about it. We’re angry that this brings bad light on the Academy. We’re angry that he victimized a fellow cadet. We’re angry that most of us are volunteering from our busy schedules to help out the community, but this is what the media cares about. Believe me, we care more than the public or any parent out there. </p>
<p>As redhead said, I’m a female cadet and I have never once felt threatened. Unlike every other school, ours is filled with alpha male cadets. If anything, I was surprised by their respect and professionalism when I came here. Like anywhere else, there are always going to be a small group of deliquents who just won’t get it even with prevention briefings that make our ears fall off. But what’s important that the media should focus on is that we’re aware and we are definitely making some changes.</p>