Civic irritation

   No one likes getting interrupted by overzealous crusaders while in the middle of dinner. "Do you have a minute to talk about the whales in Japan?" No. We don't. We're in the middle of pot roast.
   It's the same when walking to class, the library or the bookstore. You can't get from one end of campus to the other without getting accosted by sometimes overly aggressive petitioners, asking you to take a few seconds to sign their petition.
   We are a college of adults and, coincidentally, free thinkers. You don't have to get in our faces to get our attention. If we want to talk to you, we will approach you. You don't have to follow us for 10 feet until you finally hear us telling you we have to get to class.
    To make matters worse, these petitioners are using sneaky tactics. They're not politically neutral at all. Usually they'll throw us a sob story: if you sign their petition they'll get paid for it and they really need the money. They are taking advantage of the goodwill of others in order to make a paycheck. 
    We are doing these solicitors a favor by signing their petition, but by being deceptive these petitioners are biting the hand that feeds them.
   On the other hand, we should also be aware of what we're signing. If asked to sign a blank registration form, something is obviously not right. We need to take matters into your own hands and ask questions. Take the initiative to stay informed.
    We enjoy a great freedom — the freedom of speech. We embrace it and encourage it, but it should not be abused. That's exactly what some of these petitioners are doing. They are legitimately allowed to come onto campus and express their ideas and opinions, but they do not have the right to essentially harass students because we don't want to listen.
   Yes, we will take a minute to hear your argument about why we should agree with you and sign your petition — but only if we have the time. You're on a college campus where we have classes to attend and assignments to work on, so we don't have all the time in the world. Don't try to guilt trip us or embarrass us into listening to you. The calls of "aw, come on!" as we walk away are unnecessary and rude.
   We're here to learn — not to be heckled by someone whose payment depends on how well you can charm or pressure us into signing your initiative and registering with your political party of choice. We can and will make our own decisions, so while we're deciding to say yes or no, be nice about it.