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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 20, 1978)
Viewpoint The Battalion Monday Texas A&M University February 20, 1978 H-H bill deceitful The Carter Administration is strongly urging Congress to pass the Humphrey-Hawkins “full employment” bill as a tribute to the late Sen. Hubert Humphrey, who deserves something better. Although the Minnesota liberal’s name remains on the measure, it has been amended into a phony, toothless and yet potentially dangerous bit of legislation that does Humphrey no honor. When drafted in 1974, it was a radical command to the administration to drive down the unemployment rate to 3 percent and to provide a job on a public payroll to anyone who said he wanted work but could not find it. Since the bill would have turned us rapidly into a nation of bankrupt leafrakers, it was killed in 1975. Then it was riddled with loopholes but still failed in 1977. Finally it was weakened enough for President Carter to endorse it. And now his economic adviser, Charles Schultze, who blanched at the inflationary threat in the original bill, is pressing the present version on Congress. Today’s Humphrey-Hawkins sets a goal of 4 percent unemployment within five years. But at the same time it insists on “restraint of inflation ”, “adequate productivity growth”, “high rates of capital formation”, and “the well-being of the people”. To be honest, it also should have called for the legalization of marijuana, because any law that promises all the conflicting benefits of Humphrey- Hawkins is a pipe dream. The bill sets up no machinery to lead us to its full-employment, low- inflation utopia. It is deceitful in holding out to disadvantaged groups flim flam legislation instead of real help in getting jobs. Scripps-Howard Newspapers Slouch by Jim Earle “AS BEST I CAN TELL, I THINK ANY TIME NOW I’D OPEN UP, IF I WERE YOU!” Going overboard on distinction By DICK WEST United Press International WASHINGTON — The first live broad casts of a U.S. Senate debate not only are providing many Americans with every thing they always wanted to know about the Panama Canal treaties. The Lighter Side The airwaves also are serving as an in troduction to a quaint tribal custom known as senatorial courtesy. Each day’s debate generally begins when the distinguished senator who hap pens to get stuck with the job of presiding recognizes the distinguished senator from Letters to the editor Editor’s note: Due to the large amount of mail received on Sports Editor Paul Arnett’s Feb. 15 column, letters on other issues have been backlogged. To print these letters and purge the Arnett issue, today’s letters section has been expanded. Editor: Who does Paul Arnett think he is put ting the headline “A&M lacks class above such a meaningless article on such a trivial subject as the fact that A&M has a military band and male yell leaders? That’s the way it is here at A&M. Paul can go try to talk the band into dressing up as clowns and playing kazoos like Rice or the yell leaders into donning skirts and makeup but I don’t think you’ll get too far. If Arnett wants to see girls dancing around instead of the terribly boring Aggie basketball games on Saturday nights, I suggest that he just drive to Houston or Dallas and hang out in some sleazy strip joint where he might get some thrills. As for the Aggie band, if WW2 marches turn him off that much he is welcome to borrow my “Mitch Miller’s Greatest Hits” album. As to his journalistic capabilities, every day we are subjected to articles that criticize some aspect of Aggie sports (it can’t be all that bad), seemingly written only as a showcase for Arnett’s supposedly witty, satirical style that he probably hopes will land him a newspaper job when he graduates. Arnett should quit using our paper sol ely as a steppingstone for his future, if he still has one, and give us some good solid sportswriting, or go jump in the lake. — Steve Puckett, ‘78 Against "class’ Editor: This letter is in response to Paul Arnett’s article of Wednesday, Feb 15, concerning A&M ’s “lack of class. Paul, if A&M lacks class,” why do you attend school here? Aren’t you ashamed to go to a school that, in your opinion, “lacks class? I’m sure if you want a liberal schools dancing girls, rah- rah-rah-sis-boom-bah cheerleaders, and if basketball halftime entertainment is so necessary for you, t.u. would be more than happy to add you to its enrollment. A&M IS a conservative school. Most people come here because they like it that way and want it to remain that way. By the way, most Aggies feel that A&M has a LOT of class. Perhaps you should examine your attitude and be prouder of what A&M IS, instead of knocking her for what she isn’t and, hopefully, never will be. — Julia Humphries, ‘79 Against "class’ Editor: In regard to Paul Arnett’s article about A&M not having enough class. In my opin ion what A&M lacks in class it makes up in originality and tradition. Maybe originality is the wrong word but let s face it no other West Virginia, Robert Byrd, also known as the distinguished majority leader. Whereupon Byrd graciously yields the floor to whoever the day's first distin guished speaker might be. It doesn t take much of this for even the most casual listener to get the idea — U.S. senators are utterly, thoroughly, over whelmingly distinguished. It should not be inferred, however, there is anything distinctive about being senatorially distinguished. The term is all-pervasive, applicable to the high and the low, the great and the near-great alike. The distinguished minority leader, Howard Baker of Tennessee, made that point nicely when he referred to "the col loquy between the distinguished majority leader and the equally distinguished senator from Nevada. Indiscriminate differentation — that’s the Senate way. university has quite the unique system of yells, spirit and student participation as the Aggies. What you are suggesting is the same thing every other school does, Pious- ton, t.u., etc. Now don’t misunderstand me, I like pretty women with as few clothes on as possible as much as the next guy, but I like our Aggie tradition also. Besides, what you propose you obviously want to carry into other sports as well, and I for one don t want those idiot-sounding loud speaker type yell leader and cheer leader combina tions yelling at me in Kyle F’ield. I would rather the yell leaders invoke me to yell for my team and show my spirit. Listen, Paul, I’m all for progress and everything but let s not progress ourselves into a t.u. If you want that then by all means, go there and remember there are other young Aggies yet to experience the thrill of our uniqueness. So let’s preserve it for those yet to come, not change it for those of us leaving. — James L. Hime, ’79 Against ‘class’ Editor: My name is Chet Churchill and I am .a senior at A&M Consolidated High School and I hope to attend A&M next year. Each school has its problems and one of A&M’s is Paul Arnett, your sports editor. I used to read his column until the “A&M lacks class ’ episode. Everyone is entitled their opinion, that includes Mr. Arnett. But it’s pretty bad that the sports editor for the school’s newspaper to have about as much spirit as a teasip. The foundations of A&M, the Corps of Cadets and the Fightin Aggie Band, is a vital focal point of the Univer sity. Let Mr. Arnett go to Austin & Hous ton to see his “20th century, well-done halftime shows’ . . . I’ll be in G. Rollie White during halftime and listen to that 18th century Wabash Cannonball and Jambalaya any ol night. — Chet Churchill For "class’ Editor: We only have one question for Michael Murphy, ‘81. Just how big was the void between your ears when you wrote your letter to the editor in the Batt on Thurs day? — Russell Allen, ‘78 Del Holman, ‘79 For "class’ Editor: I was pleasantly surprised to see the ar ticle by Paul Arnett in the Batt this week. Mr. Arnett is obviously aware of the fact, as are many students here, that so many archaic traditions don’t make TAMU as much unique as they make it a mockery. The vehement opposition to changes, such as with the “band and cheerleaders, is so intense and inbred that many sectors of this University will always be twenty years behind the times. Granted, not all modernistic transfor mations are for the better, but reveling in As a rule of thumb, senatorial courtesy demands that all senators hold all of the other senators in high regard. In some cases, however, it is a minimum high regard. And by informal agreement, the minimum adjective of high regard is “distinguished. Which may ex plain why it is used so much. Although distinguishedness is the better part of senatorial courtesy, other adjec tives are thrown in occasionally for a change of pace. Twice during one day of canal debate Byrd referred to colleagues as “able. And listeners also may be treated to variations on the theme. Beyond that, anyone who listens long enough and attentively enough eventually will be rewarded with that rare gem of senatorial civility — a genuine improvisa tion. Sen. Clifford Case, R-N.J., came forth ’ on to other antiquated traditions and clinging to age- old beliefs lead only to stagnation. Thank you, Mr. Arnett for helping to guide TAMU into the twentieth century with your article. I and many others appreciate your journalistic frankness. — Larry Webb For "class’ Editor: I would like to say a few words on Mr. Arnett’s latest article — and the replies. What I don’t understand is this “Texas A&M love it or leave it attitude we all too frequently seem to project. I am proud to be an Aggie and don t like to hear unjust criticism. I chose this school to broaden my views as well as my educa tion. But after reading those responses in the Batt, I harbor serious doubts about the ability of some of my fellow Ags of listen ing to anything but A&M you are perfect and should never change. I think the word usage of Mr. Arnett was lacking in finesse if he were truly seri ous. If not serious then a very poor piece of satire, but still and all I got a good laugh out of some of his suggestions. I figure if we can have the Diamond Darlings why not the Gollie Rollie Dollies? — R. Taylor, ‘80 For drill team Editor: This is in response to Paul Arnett’s Feb. 15 article. I disagree with his remarks about the “military look and the music our band plays, but he is right about one thing — the half time show. The idea of a drill team performing is great. It would give women a way of supporting our team besides just joining in on the yells. No one objects to the Diamond Darl ings. Why should a drill team bother any one? I see no threat in 10 or 12 women performing a routine for the crowd’s entertainment. As for arguments that a drill squad would make A&M “just like everyone else”, there’s no way! Our school is so unique that it would take a lot more than half-time performers to make A&M just another college. I support A&M’s tra ditions 100 percent and I wouldn’t change any of them, but there’s nothing wrong with starting a new tradition. — Sandi Walker, ‘80 For dorm cooking Editor: Ms. Cornelison s article on illegal cook ing in the dorms failed to mention a few of the better advantages for not being on the board plan. The most important being that the food the dining halls for the 7-day plan costs about twice as much as it would nor mally cost. Another is that you can eat at any time you please in the convenience of your own room and that you can eat just about anything you please, a long as you have the means for preparation. Dr. Powell says that cooking attracts ants and roaches. Now this may be true, but speaking from experience, the people in with a bona fide original during an ex change with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah. Quoth Case: “If I understand it correctly, the senator and I are very fond of each other and re gard each other highly as individuals. We would not lift a finger not only not to harm each other, but we would defend each other to the death against the panoplies that people from the outside might at tempt to visit upon us. It is not yet apparent whether broad casting the canal debate actually will provoke radio owners into panoplizing themselves. In time, however, outsiders will come to appreciate the following truism: If a legislative body has 100 members, and if 100 members of the legislative bod) are distinguished, people will need some other way of telling them apart. issues my dorm have just as much trouble with insects regardless of whether they are on the board plan or not. Fire is not really a hazard, either. Most students are fairly safety conscious and very few people (if any at all) do any deep-fat frying or use open flame cooking devices in their rooms. Even if there was a major fire, the structural damage woidd be minimal to most dorms because they are made of concrete and brick. There is also the possibility of buying a little protection, namely fire insurance. Legalize dormitory cooking! — Blaine Kinnebrew, ‘78 For Town Hall Editor: Regarding Glenda Shultz letter on Thursday, Feb. 16: In the last year, Town Hall has never written a letter to The Bat talion, nor has anyone been authorized to do so on its behalf. As always, anyone in terested in discussing the concert business at A&M is welcome to contact me at the Student Programs Office, MSC 216. — Ray Daniels Town Hall Chairman, ‘77-‘78 For analysis Editor: I agree that the Batt owes no apology to Robert Harvey, Vicki Young, or anyone else, for the Feb. 14 article concerning the election of the next student body presi dent. On the contrary, I thought the arti cle was a rather astute political analysis. Liz Newlin obviously did her homework before writing the article, and the result was an interesting and informative expla nation of one aspect of the controversy that student government is currently involved in. Keep it up, Liz — most of us need all the analysis of student government we can get. —Paul Mueller, ’78 For letters Editor: Having just read today’s rebuttals I want to express my appreciation to all who write to the editor. Folks, your letters almost always give me a laugh or two. My thanks to all the strategy and rules experts who enlighten me concerning our athletics. Thanks are also extended to the short-sighted people with traditionitis who believe traditions have existed and will exist forever and ever, AMEN. Student Government Circus provides its share of amusement, too. With all the hoop-la about GPR requirements I imagine SG is proud to be doing something. Then again sometimes a level-headed exception will write in with praise or criticism well supported (e,g. Becky Matthew’s criticism of Robert Harvey ’s resignation or the letter reminding Ags new and old not to boo re ferees like some mindless wounded ani mals. ) All of these together make this column a real treat. I gleefully await tomorrow’s Bat talion. — Chris Lewis, ‘78 Top of the News Campus Silver Taps tonight Silver Taps will be conducted in front of the Academic Building tonight at 10:30 p.m. in memory of Conrad Paul Schweichler, whose death occured Feb. 13, 1978. State Pharmacist wants rebate system An Austin pharmacist says the state welfare agency could signifi cantly reduce the costs of a program that helps pay for prescription drugs for the needy. Frank Dannelley said the welfare agency, through its Vendor Drug Program, in effect pays millions of dollars more per year for recipient’s drugs than the Board of Control, which buys drugs for state institutions such as state hospitals. The agency could lower its costs by several million dollars annually by instituting a rebate system from prescription drug manufacturers, Dannelly said Saturday. He recommended the department compute the monthly difference between its drug prices and the prices paid by the Board of Conrol and make the manufacturers “cough up the difference because it’s all going to the state of Texas. It is Heart patient "stable’ Isolated in a sterile room in Houston and surrounded by medical specialits and technicians, a 21-year-old heart transplant patient was reported in “stable condition late Sunday. A spokesman for the Texas Heart Institute said the young man, who has not been iden tified at his parents’ request, “is in stable condition. Physicians re main pleased but cautious. He continued to talk today and be respon sive to commands.’ The young man received the first complete heart transplant surgeiy performed at St. Luke’s Hospital in eight years. He was reported in improved condition Saturday after two major heart operations in five days. He briefly talked with his father Satur day. 'Lozano died of neck injury A noted pathologist said late Sunday a neck injury probably killed Larry Ortega Lozano, who died last month in the Ector County jail in Houston. Harris County Medical Examiner Dr. Joesph Hachimczyk said he has been reviewing the findings of two earlier autopsies into the death of Lozano. Numerous Mexician-American groups alleged Lozano was beaten to death by police. State and federal law enforce ment agencies are investigating. He said another autopsy miglit be needed if the two earlier autopsies did not reveal enough information on which to base a satisfactory conclusion about the death. "Leaky lines — potential danger Antiquated and leaky natural gas lines that provide fuel for many small towns across the state are potential castrophes, Texas Railroad commission records show. “It’s a miracle that we haven’t had a major disaster yet,’ said Joe Piotrowski Jr., director of the commission’s gas utilities division. Piotrowski said none of the city-owned gas systems inspected by his staff thus far meet state and federal safety standards. He said his staff was just beginning to evaluate the more than 1,500 public and private pipeline networks in Texas. Until last year, when the state appropriated funds for additional safety engineers, pipeline inspections were haphazard and usually a result of complaints, Piot- rowksi said. Indicative of the problem however, was a 1977 survey that showed 123 billion cubic feet of natural gas was lost or unac counted for in Texas in 1975. The survey led to a commission rule that financially penalzes utilities — no more than five percent of lost gas can be included in rate computations. Green seeks intervention A lawyer for District Attorney Bill Green in Palestine said he will seek federal court intervention of the disbarment ruling against Green issued by State District Judge Donald Carroll. The State Bar of Texas succeeded in having Green barred from practicing law, and thus considered unqualified to remain as district attorney on grounds of public misconduct. Green was convicted of public lewdness after he was arrested in a peep show for performing oral sex with another man. The misdemeanor conviction is being appealed. Green has said he was at the site to research pornography. Carroll, who granted a motion by state bar representatives for a directed verdict, excused the 11-member jury hearing the case and issued the disbarment rul ing Wednesday. Weather Fair and cold today, tonight, and Tuesday. High today low 50s, low tonight mid-20s. High tomorrow mid-40s. Winds at 5-10 mph, becoming northerly and increasing during the night. 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 Re gents. The Battalion is a non-profit, self-supporting enterprise operated by students as a university and com munity newspaper. Editorial policy is determined by the editor. LETTERS POLICY Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and are subject to being cut to that length or less if longer. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit such letters and does not guarantee to publish any letter. Each letter must be signed, show the address of the writer and list a teleplume n umber for verificat ion. Address correspondence to Letters to the Editor. The Battalion, Room 216. Reed McDonald Building. College Station, Texas 77H43. Represented nationullv by National Educational Adver tising Services. Inc., New York City. Chicago and Los Angeles. The Battalion is published Monday through Fridax from September through Max except during exam and holiday periods and the summer, when it is published on Monday s. Wednesdays and Fridays. Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester: $33.25 per school yean $35.00 per full year. Adxertising rates fur nished on request. Address: The Battalion. Boom 216. Heed McDonald Building. College Station. Tr I’nited Press International is entitled exclusive!' use for reproduction of all nexvs dispatches undilriliii Rights of reproduction of all other matter her Second-Class postage paid at College Station. TX i^j MEMBER Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism Congre** Editor . . . Managing Editor Sports Editor Nexvs Editors Assistant Managing Edit City Editor Campus Editor Reporters .... M Marx . Jainir Alice WikJ .... I',ml Axfl llomever. ('ami Ml CleiinaWld . Karen It* kmiM k Pattersn Welch Photographers Cartoonist l.i/ Newlin. OaxiclM >. Lee Hoy 1 .esc hper Jr. lij Scott Perkins. Andy Wjf Paige* Beasley . Boh AslA Susan W chh. \ I kuiU (ir.i!i Student Vublications Board: Bob (.’. Rogers. Chain Joe Arredondo: Dr. Cary Halter. Dr. John W Hint Robert Harvey: Dr. Charles McCamlless: Dr. (7mlif| Phillips: Rebel Rice. Director of Student hihliral Donald C. J<dinson.