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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 17, 1978)
Viewpoint The Battalion Texas A&M University Friday February 17, 1978 Letters to the editor Apparently, there’s been a difference of opinion Editor: After reading Paul Arnett's "sports " editorial A&M lacks class, it seems as though Mr. Arnett is attempting to follow in the footsteps of infamous Tony Gallup. A few years ago Mr. Galluci took it upon himself to tear down the A&M Consoli dated Tiger Band without any provoca tion. He received numerous calls and let ters to the editor as a result. He drew quite a bit of attention and even milked a few more editorials out of it. Mr. Arnett, out of the blue, launched out against a tradition that, contrary to his opinion, a great many people enjoy. The Aggie Band is quite a few steps above the Houston "Honies or his proposed “G. Rollie Dollies. I look forward to becom ing a part of A&M as a part of a class uni versity, not another big high school. So, Mr. Arnett, whether you are doing this for attention, or if you really have the audacity to support your ideas, in either case you should consider the fact that you might be in the wrong place at the wrong time. — Tom Wilkes, "82 Editor’s note: Paul Arnett’s Feb. 15 commentary on revising the Texas A&M sports scene was just that — a commentary. The Battalion has received dozens of calls and even more letters concerning the story. Just as Arnett has the right to express his opinions, so our readers have the right to air their comments. And here are as many as can possibly fit on the opinion page. This will be the only forum for or against Arnett s commentary in The Battalion. So whoop it up. A&M’s got class only university that has never tried to infil trate the old “Harry High School tra ditions with Aggie Traditions. THAT IS CLASS. — Debbie Lackey, 81 A&M’s got class A&M’s got class Editor: In response to Paul Arnett’s article, A&M lacks class’ we were in unanimous agreement that Arnett’s article posessed a tremendous amount of class, all third! Mr. Arnett has attacked the very traditions that have made the University so unique. We feel that the band and yell leaders do an outstanding job at the basketball games. We also feel that a basketball game is not a circus or a concert and halftime is just that, a break between the halves. It is true A&M lacks the atmosphere of pom-poms and pep squads, but we feel - this adds to the class of A&M rather than detracts from it. We agree that new ideas were meant to replace old ones, but in reference to Arnett’s suggestions that we should look to examples set by t.u. and cougar high. We say A&M sets examples rather than follows them. These are the very reasons we chose to come to this fine University. In case you haven’t heard by now, Mr. Arnett, Highway 6 both ways. — Robert Tedford,’78 Randal Shinn, ’80 James Bearden, "77 Doug Skolaut, 80 Sam Craig, ’78 ;i .A rAX.. Editor: In response to Paul Arnett s letter ad dressing a so-called "lack of class " at A&M, I would like to provide a different light on the subject. Certainly Mr. Arnett has a right to his opinion, but he is missing the very essence of the idea of tradition at Texas A&M. Tradition is not the force that prevents institutional modernization and change. It is a binder that provides an in stitution, and I mean A&M, a heritage and esprit de corps for its members — that means Aggies. If Mr. Arnett’s point is that we should have a halftime show during basketball games then I can see that, but to go after the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band and the yell leaders is cutting at the very heart of Aggie tradition, not to mention getting on my fighting side. As a former Marine who has lived a tradition let me say that this bind ing force is what gives us a devotion to Texas A&M. The esprit de corps of which I speak does not only mean Corps of Cadets but likewise all civilian students at A&M. It is what causes Aggies to go out of then- way to help other Aggies, even feel akin to one another, enough to greet each other with a “Howdv on the wav to class. This is why A&M is unique, incompara ble, and the very reason why we Ags don't march to the beat of a teasip drum. If you really want to march to a diffent drum. attending A&M I have been to all the home basketball games that I could physi cally attend and never have I been bored during the half time. It gives me a chance to converse with my fellow Ags about the first half play. As for Mr. Arnett’s comments about the yell leaders, they didn’t seem to bother him during the football season. The hand plays music chosen by the band director. So if you don’t like the music being played talk to Col. Haney. Everything you want to change about us, is what makes A&M unique. Perhaps, instead of changing the school to Mr. Ar nett’s wishes, Mr. Arnett should go to another school. There are many around with the qualifications he likes. — Cheryl Lee Weinstein, ’78 Editor: After reading Paul Arnett’s column on “A&M lacks class’ I tried to figure out why Paul is here if he doesn’t like Aggie tra ditions. This is what makes A&M unique. Before I came to A&M I watched all the other school’s halftimes. I would rather not have a halftime show than to listen to a hand play a popular tune and destroy it by trying to play it their way. In regard to the Corps and the “dead” military look, this is what made A&M great and will continue to uphold all A&M traditions. As for the yell leaders this too makes A&M different and not like a high school chearleading squad. A&M’s got class This is what I cannot stand to listen to at a football or basketball game is high school cheers. So Paul, I would advise you to either accept A&M as a very traditional university or leave and watch the high school-type shows at t.u. Pat Nowotny, ’80 Editor: I am sure that this is only one of main letters that will be written concerning Paul Arnett’s article of Feb. 15. This is, how ever, in a different light than the others. I was, I am sure many others were, in censed at such suggestions. However, I re fuse to feed his fires by showing a lack of “class. I am from New Jersey, halfway across the United States. Previous to my enroll ment here, the only thing I knew about A&M was that the students Were called Aggies. Well, now I’ve been here for a semester and I know what A&M stands for. There is a certain pride emanating from each and every true Aggie that can not be seen anywhere else on earth. This pride stems from the traditions that are the basis of the spirit of the University. A&M’s got class Editor: We would like to comment on the arti cle written Wednesday titled “A&M lacks class” by Paul Arnett. Aggies are not like everyone else and A&M was and is meant to be different. Just because others are doing something one way doesn’t mean that everyone else must change too. Texas A&M is a leader not a follower. Having all-male yell leaders is unique and we consider that to be class. Nothing has to die with the past. The “Old Army numbers played by The Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band have not gone out of style. If they have, then why do people keep buying every record put out by The Aggie Band? A&M’s got class Editor: In reference to Paul Arnett’s column of Feb. 15, we feel that many of A&M’s out standing traditions have been unnecessar ily butchered. A&M is the fine institution that it is as a direct result of many of our old and sacred traditions. Since when does a change necessarily constitute an improvement? Some things, quite obviously Aggie traditions included, are better left alone. Did it ever occur to you, Mr. Arnett, that A&M is superior to other universities BECAUSE it’s differ ent, and that change in some instance could do only harm? And by the way, who says that “new ideas were meant to replace old ones? Also, Mr. Arnett, you mentioned that a stage band performing at basketball games would be more to your liking. Well, another tradition that many of us feel does not need changing is that “majority rules.” We feel that the majority on this campus is proud of such traditions as the military fac tion, all male yell leaders, a full band in G. Rollie, and many others. If you want to attend a university just or maybe he’s got a point Editor: someone suggests something outside the Its time to get off Paul Arnett's case, status quo, we want to tear him limb from After all, everyone is entitled to an opin- limb, or go around wearing sackcloth proe- iohl It seems many people at this Univer- laiming the death of another tradition? sity are just as. radically conservative as Grow -up people! We max be in the 20th others are radically liberal. The questibn is century, Jmt it appears we can't accept the always asked. Why should A&M be like prospect of change or its prophets, all the other schools?” My question is, — Gregg Parks, ‘78 “Why not? We must admit that all our unique characteristics set us apart from Editor: other schools, but I doubt a few I think Paul Arnett is doing a fine job. I similarities with t.u. will tear down oxer do not completely agree xvith all that he 100 years of Aggie tradition. xvrites, but by presenting an alternatixe There is a possibility that some students point of viexv he reminds all of us to keep would like the type of shoxv Arnett prop- an open mind to what is going on around oses. Hoxvever, I don’t think he xvas totally us. I feel that A&M is a foremost and serious about all those changes either. I unique institution, but I, too, sometimes think he mentioned them only to stir some grow tired of the conserx atix e, thought into the thick conservative minds stereotyped opinions that prevail here of his readers. Why is it that every time — N. Stone, \J7iy Mr. Arnett, did you ever stop to think that there’s a lot more to be said about being an Aggie Woman than just a halftime entertainer? Obviously other Aggies, as well as our selves, enjoy the beaehballs and frisbees or they would not continue to appear at every Texas Aggie basketball game. If it is true that “many people are tired of this old conservative attitude that A&M holds so close to its heart ”, then why is Texas A&M University one of the fastest growing universities in the nation? In reference to Paul Arnett’s statement that [Texas] drummer” it is evident that Mr. Arnett is tone deaf. Brenda Jernigan, ’80, Vickie Hollander, ’80 A&M’s got class Mr. Arnett, you can go and boost the rest. I assert that Texas A&M has an awful lot of class as is shown by the devotion of thousands of present and former students and I choose to remain xvith the best. Highway 21 runs both xvays. — Fred Bayler, ’80 A&M’s got class like any other. Highway 6 runs both ways Editor: This University would be a good deal bet ter off without the several hundred stu dents who are intent upon imposing their unwarranted opinions upon the rest of the unified, satisfied, and most of all, proud student body. — Ruth Graves, ’81 Brenda Brooks, ’80 Kenna Baughman, ’81 A&M’s got class Editor: I, along with many other TRUE Aggies, was greatly insulted by the article in Wed nesday’s Battalion by Paul Arnett, the man xvho seems to know it all about A&M. Mis ter, your problem is that you seem to have a one track mind. Texas A&M prides itself in upholding its long established traditions — the one thing that makes A&M unique and set apart from all other schools, THAT is class, I am sure that every Aggie at those basketball games enjoyed having the Bryan High and A&M Consolidated drill teams visit for a change of pace, but if you are so harped on girls, girls, girls, go to Tom Foolery’s or the Sports Club. Some one with your ideas belongs at t.u., and that is no compliment. It is quite obvious what you have been up to. You do not seem to know a thing about how A&M got started, and how proud we are of our Aggie heritage. Open your eyes, and you would see that A&M would not be A&M without it. Next thing you will be wanting is pep rallies in the school gym at 2:30. If the “Military look is out,” then why is A&M onfi of the hieov.if nation. . vocai is a nun wn > -oj n.. no. u scuoui, always has been, and always will be. And if those “Old Army Tunes went out with WWII, how is it that they bring such a loud “WOOP” (sic) from every Aggie, and put chill-bumps on every Aggie-Ex? Texas A&M University does not and never has marched to the tune of the same drummer. We are a school set apart from all others, both in academics, but mostly in SPIRIT. So open vour eves and see the Mr. Arnett, The Battalion sports editor, has had his time to speak, many times over; now I’d like my fair share. My question is this: where is Arnett’s sense of tradition? As has been said many times, A&M is the most unique University in the world. What is wrong with wishing to remain so? The Aggie Band is the finest precision marching band in the world per forming its own brand of music. I would hate to see it performing high school routines as Mr. Arnett suggests. All-male yell leaders has been a matter of controversy in the past and I believe Arnett will find that the school wishes to keep only male yell leaders. We’re not liv ing in the past, only honoring it by a small representation of the fact that the school was once all male. It’s no more of an insult to xvomen than the lack of males in the Houston Honies, (or would Arnett like to see that, too?) As for the yells, I like the representation just fine. The entire student body yells in unison; everybody humps it together. Was such the case in the Hum-Drum? Mr. Arnett appears to be so paranoid of being different that I get the impression he’d just as soon see A&M slip into the bland average college rah-rah which ABC-TV drills into us game after game on Saturdays. As for tradition, I wonder how many Silver Taps and Aggie Musters he’s been to? I xvonder if he even realizes what the purpose of the trees around the main drill field or the flags around Kyle Field is? I wonder if he even cares, after all it only concerns the past. — Jeff Nauss, ’ 77 During the late ‘60s and the earlx ’70s xvhen every other university around found its students in unrest, looking for an iden tity, A&M stuck by its traditions, its passe militaristic appearance, and avoided such troubles. We have a unique identity, no one else can claim to do xvhat xve do. We have, through our traditions, a certain spirit that sets us apart from all others. Being an Aggie Bandsman, I took excep tional offense to the comment about “those Old Army numbers.” Do you think the War Hymn is outmoded? Why, it was written xvay back in World War I! Maybe we should have a jaxx version? If these songs are “out,’ how do you explain the reaction of the crowd each and every time we play them. No sir, I think you are wrong in tnat article. Texas A&M has an identity and a fine reputation all around. The changes you suggest are petty in reality, but the meaning behind them tremendous. Keep up the traditions Ags, as for you Mr. Ar nett, “Highway 6 runs both ways. ” — fish Houwen, B.Q., Editor: In regard to Paul Arnett's article “A&M lacks class, I haxe to give him a great big horselaugh. For Paul’s information, A&M has more class than any other University in the na tion. You don t hear us standing up and booing the officials or throxving ice on the court after a bad call. You don't hear the Aggies stand up and yell in unison insult ing statements about the opponent. I xvas at the game at Austin. I was never so humiliated in my life as I xvas xvhen the t.u. Jazz Band, one like you xvant us to have so much, sang txvo songs that made fun of everything A&M holds sacred. Do you call that class? I was at Houston, when with 30 seconds remaining in the game, their cheerleaders led the croxvd in “Poor Aggies.” Mr. Ar nett, is that your idea of class? 81 A&M’s got class I was at T. C.U. xvhere I xvas insulted and ridiculed, not to mention what they had to say about the school I lov e so much, and you call that class? A&M’s got class Editor: Usually I let everyone else do the letter writing — critizing articles written in the Batt, but after reading Paul Arnett’s “commentary,” I decided my time has come. First, let me state that since I’ve been Editor: In response to the article by Paul Arnett (Feb. 15, 1977, “A&M lacks class”), it be came obvious to us that Mr. Arnett is the one who lacks class and not Texas A&M. Sure, dancing girls are nice, but we can see all of them we want in Las Vegas. As for the choir girls, Bryan High and A&M Consolidated have choir girls. In reply to the remark about 300 people blowing and going being too much in a gymnasium, it’s our opinion that Mr. Ar nett has blown and gone on too much about the teams, traditions, and halftimes at A&M; what The Battlion needs is a good sports editor. As for the military look, as Mr. Arnett refers to it, is what has helped A&M become the unique and "high-class” University that it is. Female yell leaders, might be nice, but our yell leaders don’t need any help. If quaint, “high-school,” halftime entertain ment is what you want at a basketball game, Mr. Arnett, you should transfer to one of the schools you mentioned. “t.u.” is full of people like you, and you would fit right in at “Cougar High. You can sign us, “Texas Aggies, and damn Being a journalist myself, I recognize your right to express your opinions as you wish, but maybe you should examine xvhat you have said. Calling the Aggie Band, which inci- dently is the best precision marching band in the world, ‘300 people blowing and go ing” is going too far. The “military look you have so many nice things to say about, is the look that lets you xvalk in a free country, and gives you the right to express your opinions in written form. proud of it, too. Kenny Elder, ’79, Dennis Dunn,’79, Mitch Horendick,’79, Doug Dunlap, ’79, David Dyer,'79, Timmv Iordan. ’79 I have nothing against good-looking girls, but the floor of G. Rollie White is not the place for them, except for the womens basketball team. If you have the desire to march to the beat of a teasip drum, go ahead. I’m sure the Daily Texan could find a place for you on their staff’. However, don’t expect me to follow. I ain’t following a teasip any where. These outdated traditions as you call them, are xvhat makes Texas A&M xvhat it is, a cut above everyone else. In this day of everyone trying to imitate everyone else, I m proud to be an Aggie. I say keep the traditions A&M stands for. Let’s be different, let’s be Aggies. Will Rogers once said he never met a man he didn't like. ..Will Rogers never met Paul Arnett. — Nathan Hines, ”80 Top of the News Campus College of Medicine open house The Texas A&M College of Medicine xvill have an open lioust 1 I uesday at 7:30 p.m.. Room 215 in the Animal Industries Buildiiij'. All prospective and interested students are invited. The program will include an introduction to the College of Medicine, a visit with fac ulty and medical students and a tour of the College of Medicine. Free blood pressure exams Free blood pressure examinations xvill be available Wednesday and Thursday to anyone interested in the Memorial Student Center, Sponsored by the Texas A&M Circle K Club, the Texas A&M Emergency Care team and the American Heart Association, tire ex aminations xvill be held between 8 a m. and 8 p.m. both days. Last day for grad announcement Today is the last day for graduating seniors to order their in vitations. Orders are being taken at the Student Finance Center, Room 217 in the Memorial Student Center, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The senior invitations range in price from 40 cents to $1 each. State Wiretapping decision reversed tu- The 11th Court of Civil Appeals in Eastland Thursday reverseda SI million invasion of privacy axvard made by a San Antonio jury to a fired executive of Southxvestern Bell who sued the telephone com pany, alleging it had wiretapped his phone. The unanimous decision denies James and Bonnie Ashley the $1 million they xvere awarded after a three-xveek trial last December. “We do not xviretap and xve never have xviretapped,” said Doyle Rodgers, Southxvestern Bell vice president for Texas. “We are pleased that the appellate court supports our position that no evi dence was presented to show that anx wiretapping had taken place, he added. lA A! ide juesl ms i Te )hie iolic nit a Schools not liable in accidents A school district is immune from liability in damage suits except in cases inx olx ing vehicle mishaps, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled. In a 7-2 decision in Austin on Wednesday the courts ruled that a 16-year-old, xvho xvas paralyzed xv hen the roof of a building used for vocational agriculture projects collapsed on him, cannot collect from the Kerrville School District or the officials involved. The family ol Mark Bernhard sued for $750,000 after his back xvas broken July 13, 19; 4, by a collapsing roof of an old Army barracks used as a barn a! the fivy High School Ag Farm. In making the decision the court also ruled that public school teachers and administrators are not liable for injuries to students unless they use excessive force in discipline. Nation Crackdown on student loans ’owe le e omp atior cho< An rite ppei pal ( Lu tin So aid t lot r< ►amp ddei ;ive ust; on t Of I’om adi The government Thursday announced a crackdown on fraud and mismanagement in three federal aid programs to college students. I he Department of Health, Education and Welfare xx ill intensify efforts to get money from student loan defaulters, HEW Secretary Joseph Califano said in Washington. More than 100 proprietary schools are under investigation for fraud and abuse related to the guaranteed student loan program, he added. Califano also warned that beginning this spring, all institutions entering the loan program will be reviewed for the adequacy of administrative and federal standards before they are allowed to participate. § cai lineic beca “I licke wire New red dye linked to cancer A nearly completed study of the last widely used red food dye still allowed on the market shows it is a potential cancer causer, according to one high-ranking Food and Drug Administration scientist. The fate of Red 40 is still unknown, howev er, since other FDA researchers disagree whether the animal tests indict the chemical. The only other red dye in significant use is Red 4, used for maraehino cherries. The FDA fi 'om Washington has proposed a ban on Red 4 s use and man ufacturers are already switching to Red 40. The manufacturers of some foods, especially soda pop, support the use of Red 40 claiming that it is the only dye left that xvill color food the wax consumers are used to seeing it. lot flow ms ] “S Midwest feeling coal strike Labor Secretary Ray Marshall Thursday gave miners and soft coal operators a two-day deadline for settling the nation's 73-day-old coal strike and ordered them to negotiate the settlement around the clock. Marshall said he was seeking no less than a full-fledged settlement to be presented to the United Mine Workers bargaining council. The council rejected the coal companies' first offer last weekend. Energy problems across the country are getting more serious xvith each pass ing day. The Midwest is suffering the worst, and President Cartel declared an energy emergency for Indiana. Carter lifted air pollution regulations to allow the use of lower quality coal in Indiana while Ohio was placed in that status last Saturday . The Justice Department decided the situation xvas serious enough to order U.S. attorneys, U.S. marshals and the FBI “to be alert to any complaints aboul violence or attempts to impede movement of coal into critical areas.” Ci univ iarm prop tion torn C; ity i Bvrc Weather Mostly cloudy today with a chance of rain and thunder showers. High today in the low 50’s, low tonight in the low 30’s. High tomorrow in the low 50’s. Winds from the North-North East at 15-20 mph. 50% chance of rain today, 50% tonight, and 20% Saturday. Fair and cold on Sunday. Continued below normal temperatures. The Battalion \f the Hi/ Opinions expressed in The Battalion are /host editor or o f the writer of the article and are not net those of the L’niversilij administration or the Board of R tients. 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Ih (7i»f.< Thillip\ Rein I Ru t l)ireeti»r u/ Stmlmi riiJtlmiti Ihniald (' Jtdoison Justi< [oes tead !Xplc iffice alke jlidn ema “H M; laid lad cgu aid, It.”