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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 23, 1976)
Page 2 THE BATTALION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1976 ‘Fraternities build. Editor: I, too, would like to comment on the rise of Greek Fraternities and Sororities at TAMU. The purpose of these organizations here is not to di vide the Aggie Spirit, but rather to build that spirit and contribute to Texas A&M. These groups do sup port Texas A&M — in body and in spirit. The Greek organizations are in volved in Bonfire; not only as indi viduals but also as groups. They will be found in the cutting areas and guarding. They will also be found giving blood, at yell practices, foot ball games and any other Aggie activ ity. They are among the first to carry on the “Howdy” tradition. The point I am trying to make is that those members of Greek Sororities and Fraternities are AG GIES first just like every other stu dent attending this University. We are not divided on our unity to this University nor do we intend to di vide the Texas A&M campus. I don’t know how these organizations are any more prohibitive than many others here. Any person is eligible to apply. The money and social aspect are not quite as drastic as many people tend to think. Yes, as you might guess I am a member of a Greek organization. I had my doubts about them until I looked closer, met the people and realized that these organization's among other things perform many community services, provide schol arships for those who need them, give access to a variety of social functions (these are not our primary functions!) and provide many friend ships. So please, before deciding that Greek organizations are only detri mental to TAMU because they are inclusive and divide the student body, take a look from both sides. I was surprised when I did. Yes, I’m glad to be a member of a Greek or ganization, but more importantly, I’m proud to be an Aggie. Pam Ellis ’78 Roger G. Reddin What is right? Upholding ideals Editor: In reference to the article by Kevin Venner, I feel that an opinion opposing the GSSO should be stated. In my opinion (and others) there should be no recognition of a gay organization at Texas A&M. Any time that an issue opposes the high est morals of the general public the reputation of those supporting the issue will be degraded. This will be the outcome of the reputation of Texas A&M, if the GSSO is recog nized. I, as an Aggie, want the public to hold this university in highest es teem and to be proud of its tra ditions, and accomplishments, and philosophy. Mr. Venner stated in his article: “It is questionable as to whether A&M’s philosophy and goals are anv better than those of the U.S. . . .” To coin a well used phrase "this would make any true Aggie’s blood boil.” When it comes down to the question of recognizing a gay organi zation I believe that Texas A&M has a greater moral philosophy than that of the U.S. There is no room at A&M for a group of this nature. I respect Mr. Venner for having the guts to stand up for what he be lieves to be right, and I hold no ill feelings toward him for doing so. I hope that he will feel the same way about my opinion in that I will back Texas A&M 100% for upholding its ideals and philosophy which have Editor: It is with sadness that I feel the need to respond to Susan Rudd’s public abandonment of Texas A&M University’s social conscience. I re fer, of course, to her letter endorsing the recognition of the Gay Student Services Organization. It is not her opinion that the GSSO should be recognized that fires my ire but the condescending manner she assumes while explaining to me (and everyone else) that I should “wake up and face the music” of the organization’s inevitable recog nition.“Face it, the GSSO will be here sooner or later.” Indeed, one can almost see the gleam in her eyes as she triumphantly explains that their threat to involve A&M in court action “is called standing up for what one thinks is right. Finally, the reader is sopped with what I can only assume to be Susan’s effort at courtroom logic. I nearly laughed out loud as she tried to con vince me that the majority of Brazos County residents would be happier with a silent surrender than an effort to retain an existing and desirable status. Bravo Susan Rudd! I hope you’ll pardon me, however, if, in this instance, I am unashamed to be a member of the majority if I doubt the blinding certainty of the GSSO’s being recognized; and if I am resolutely against recognizing a group whose members I have com passion for but whose organized exis tence I believe to be against society s best interest. “It’s called standing up for what one thinks is right. Tom Dawsey By MEI-d Wildwood Rollie W ight with a imisually to Ince. 1 “Should y< ionight, Vcee band me ml leople pres lalcones F a ^ent was ap ould accus« nything bu Top billi fault: a nin : band. T blay musica but as a bon ber chicken Carter’s press secretary seems confida Slouch by Jim Earle E>EAT THE Y0O-KM0W-WHAT OUT OF YOU-KMOW- WHO ! HfcPPY THAMKSfilVlHO FAMILY NIGHT BUFFET EVERY TUESDAY 6:00-8:30 P.M. ALL THE PIZZA AND SALAD YOU CAN EAT FOR $1.89 ; CHILDREN UNDER 6 - 99c WASHINGTON — On the night before the second presidential de bate, at a table in a San Francisco bar, Jody Powell, Jimmy Carter’s press secretary, and Richard Cheney, Jerry Ford’s White House chief of staff, found themselves — somewhat unexpectedly — sharing the hospitality of the same group of reporters. As the conversation developed, someone asked Powell about the ori gins of the antagonism between Car ter and a particular newsman who had been perhaps his most persis tent critic during his four years as governor. It was an awkward question. The journalist involved has become both prominent and influential, and any comments Powell made about him could hardly be assumed to remain at the table. Cheney watched with interest to see if Powell would respond with a noncommittal “I don’t think I want to get into that.” But instead of tak ing the easy out, Powell proceeded to answer the question in detail. The substance of his answer — as far as this listener is concerned — is still part of a private conversation. But the recital was lengthy and can did. It explored the motives of the journalist in question, and, quite gratuitously, also expressed serious second-thoughts about the wisdom, and even the propriety, of the tactic Carter and Powell had used in at tempting to impugn those motives so as to minimize the journalist’s at tacks. It would have been a revealing in sight for Powell to share with a group of people he knew well. Cheney’s expression indicated that he, like others, found it remarkable that Powell felt enough confidence in himself and in his relationship to Carter to share such a story with Ford’s chief of staff. The incident is recounted here as a clue to the character of the man that Carter named as his first White House appointee — the new presi dential press secretary whose name and face and voice will soon be famil iar to every television watcher. Jody Powell is the archetype of the Carter insider — a Georgian young enough and smart enough to be Car ter’s son; a man who has total loyalty to the one politician for whom he has ever worked; but a man who demon strates that loyalty, not by his wor shipful attitude, but by the diligent PIZZA INN OF BRYAN 1803 Greenfield Plaza Next to Bryan High 846-1 PIZZA INN OF COLLEGE STATION 413 Texas Avenue S. 846-6164 MOM AND DAD WILL LOVE IT AND YOU TOO! THANKSGIVING FRUIT BASKETS NOW TAKING ORDERS Prices starting at *695 THE FARM PATCH 3519 S. COLLEGE AVE. You can too! 846-8570 What !:zar may change your life! David S. B voder exercise of his own good judgment. Every reporter who covered the Carter campaign has seen Powell correct Carter publicly and disagree with his boss when he felt it was necessary. Powell has often been a critic of the press coverage of Carter, and he has never been shy about expressing his criticism —— directly and forcefully — to the reporters in volved. But, so far at least, he has managed to remember that the press has a different responsibility than he does, and that the “adversary rela tionship” cannot deteriorate to open warfere without harming both Car ter’s interests and the public’s. The tone of the dealings between Carter and the correspondents cov ering his campaign was a pretty healthy one. It was not a love-hate relationship. To his credit. Carter made little effort to seduce the press or enlist its members in his cause. To their cred it, most of the reporters covering Carter resisted any impulse to join his circle of advisers and adopted an attitude of skepticism toward him untinged, for the most part, by any personal hostility. Communication between the press passengers on Peanut One and Powell and the other principals on Carter’s staff was open, continuous and uninhibited on both sides — a healthy atmosphere to transfer to the White House. In his comments since his formal designation as the White House press secretary, Powell has made it clear he will continue to be both an inside policy adviser to Carter and the manager of his external public relations. There are both advantages and hazards in that approach to the job — as indicated by the experience of Bill Moyers, the Lyndon Johnson aide on whom Powell is explicitly model ing himself. Readers’ forum Guest viewpoints, in addi tion to Letters to the Editor, are welcome. All pieces sub mitted to Readers’ forum should be; • Typed triple space • Limited to 60 characters per line • Limited to 100 lines Submit articles to Reed McDonald 217, College Sta tion, Texas, 77843. Author’s name and phone number must accompany all submissions. ATTENTION: AGRICULTURE SENIORS AND GRADUATE STUDENTS Want to save money on your Auto Insurance? CURRENT DIVIDEND RATES: 35% on liability 40% on physical damage AGRICULTURE WORKERS MUTUAL AUTO INSURANCE CO. 411 University Dr. College Station, Texas 77840 PHONE: 846-5560 VICTOR’S II JUST BOOTS 3601 TEXAS AVE. — RIDGECREST CENTER — MON.-SAT. 10-6 BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION Boots, Boots & More Boots The New Boot Store Now Open in Ridgecrest Center Straw Hats • Felt Hats • New York Style Caps Campaign Hats $22* s Handling Famous Brands Including Nocona & Justin MEET "THE PROFESSIONALS" Marsha, Susan, Bea Specializing in the Latest Hair Styles & Cuts the VARSITY SHOP PROFESSIONAL PERSONALIZED HAIR CARE FOR MEN & WOMEN 846-7401 301 Patricia • Northgate As an insider, Powell can speak with knowledge and authority on behalf of the President. But also as an insider, he will inevitably become a party to internal policy and person ality conflict that will color the view of the White House he presents to the outside world. Most important of all, the more he has his own “inside” reputation rid ing on the success of policies he has recommended to the President, the more difficult he may find it to play .ni! his vital “outsider” role the President of press am reaction to those polides. Jody Powell is taking on rently tough job and defininji the most challenging tennspoi He’s not going to have a lot of las time or uninterrupted ners the next four years. Butk' earned the confidence of his bos, the admiration of the reporters know him—and those are import assets with which to begin. (c). The Washington Post Doak Sn of a musicn average, ei The hap plays his o> and countr sion that being a su sing. Snead Saturday Coffeehou ming a gr monica, hi audience > The Battalion Opinions expressed in The Battalion are those of the editor or of the writer of the article and are not necessarily those of the University administration or the Board of Regents. 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MEMBER The Associated Press, Southwestern Journalism Congress Editor Jerzy Jiet&e l Managing Editor . . Richard Chambdai: Campus Editor Lisa)* City Editor Jamie Aids Sports Editor Paul An* Photography Director. . Kevin Venw News Editor Lloyd Lin/ Asst. News Editor Debby Kicnd Features Editor Tammy Locf Assistant to the Editor . Dan Fonlw Reporters Carolyn Blosser, Rusty Cwiei, | Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester; $33.25 per school year, $35.00 per full year. All subscriptions subject to 5% sales tax, Advertising rates furnished on request. Address: The Battal ion, Room 216, Reed McDonald Building, Col lege Station, Texas 77843. The Associated Press is entitled exclusively to the use for reproduction of all news dispatches credited to it or not otherwise credited in the Lee Roy Leschper, Paul McGrath, Mirtb 1 Mugg, Le Ann Roby, Lynn Rossi.DiU Sulims Photographers . . .Cathy Ruedinger, MiM) Members of the Student Publications Boarim I Bob G. Rogers, Chairman, Joe Arredondo, fo\ Dawsey, Dr. Gary Halter, Dr. John W. Hm I Roger Miller, Dr. Clinton A. Phillips, Jerrififi Director of Student Publications: Gatll Cooper. Assistant to the director: Scott Sherm Just Arrived: NEW SHIPMENT MENS’ AND LADIES’ LAB COATS M s & R MEDICAL SALES AND RENTALS 1403 MEMORIAL • Bryan • 822-7718 Next to St. Joseph’s Hospital BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT TONIGHT! . . . and every Tuesday Night at 2ACHARIA5 greenhouse AND GAME PARLOR 1201 HWY. 30 BRIARW00D APTS c pm® aaiRS Aggieland Flowet & Gift Shop This week featuring For the TEXAS game Help us design your special football mum Plants — Hallmark Cards Posters — Candles — Roses & Other Fresh Flowers Open 8-5:30 846-5825 209 University Dr. (Next to Campus Theatre) 84fr5825 We Wire Flowers Worldwide