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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (May 4, 1978)
Viewpoint The Battalion Thursday Texas A&M University May 4, 1978 It’s time for paramutuels in Texas Para-mutuel betting on racehorses is before Texas voters again for the fourth time in recent years. But this time those voters should approve it. It is now legal to wager on horse-races in 31 states. Virginia and Indiana have legalized para-mutuel betting within the last year. And last year 79 million people went to the tracks in those states; that’s more spectators than baseball, football, basketball or any other major sport by a wide margin. Para-mutuel betting would be a major economic asset to the state. Five percent of all bets would go straight to Texas in state taxes. In 1972 the Senate Interim Committee on Horse Racing and Para-mutuel Betting esti mated the state could expect at least $30 million annually from that five percent cut. Opponents of para-mutuel betting have argued the state tax it could gen erate would be less than one percent of the state budget. But even one percent of this year’s budget would be over $70 million. That’s not small potatoes. But that is small potatoes compared to the impact legalized betting would have on the state’s economy. Horse-racing is a big business that generates lots of other business and lots of jobs. Both the Senate Interim Committee and horse-racing proponents conservatively estimated the state economy would get a $300 million boost from para-mutuel betting. Just keeping Texas racing fans from taking their money to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana tracks would keep many millions of dol lars in the state. Over half the race track spectators in all those states are Texans. Racing opponents have again and again warned that legalized gambling will open Texas’ doors to organized crime. But nobody needs to open the door — organized crime is already here. That does not mean race track betting will let the Mafia go hog wild in Texas. To quote the Senate Interim Committee in its final report: “Horse racing is no more likely to fall victim to organized crime than any other industry. Rather, it is a perfectly legitimate commercial enterprise that deserves the same freedoms and protection that other businesses enjoy from government. Its self-policing methods and its role as an outlet for individuals wanting to wager within the law can actually provide a deterrent to organized crime.” That’s exactly what has happened in states with well-written para-mutuel betting laws which establish a strong alliance between racing authorities and law-enforcement agencies. No state with para-mutuel betting has found any link between it and any increase in organized crime. Horse-racing, as it is practiced in states with para-mutuel betting, is the most regulatedf major sport in the United States. Horse-racing as it is now practiced in Texas is probably the least regulated sport anywhere. Most thoroughbred horse owners and breeders refuse to race their animals in "The. fteal Winner. Texas because of rampant cheating and abuse of horses. What makes the difference? Only with para-mutuel betting is it eco nomically practical for owners to race horses that each take $10,000 a year in care. Only para-mutuel betting makes maintaining quality tracks and polic ing both participants and spectators possible. Opponents have also argued that legalized gambling will turn half the people in Texas into compulsive gamblers. Well, nobody denies that Texas already has plenty of illegal gambling. So why would anvone bet away the grocery money any quicker with para-mutuel betting than they can now illegally? A compulsive gambler is going to gamble, whether it’s legal or not. As in past para-mutuel betting referendums, opponents have used scare tactics like threats of organized crime and tear-jerking stories of poor families being sold into slavery to pay the gambling debts. But the cold, hard facts just don’t support them. Saturday’s referendum is not a binding one. The State Legislature does not have to take any action, no matter what the outcome. But, as with the liquor-by-the-drink referendum four years ago, the Legislature will be hard-pressed to ignore a strong “yes” vote Saturday. Texas can only win with para-mutuel betting. L.R.L. The Republic vs. the "Me Generation’ By DAVID S. BRODER WASHINGTON — The voters of St. Paul, Minn., now have joined those of Miami in repealing, by referendum local statutes designed to protect homosexuals against legal discrimination. In California, where voters years ago used the initiative route to repeal the state’s^ open housing law, the June ballot will include a proposition to limit the property tax so severly that local officials believe severe cutbacks in public services would result. There is a fine irony in the initiative and referendum — inventions of the Progres sive movement — being exploited now by those who are intent on narrowing the range of civil liberties and reducing the scope of governmental programs. But undaunted by this experience, Sen. James G. Abourezk, D.-S.D., who con siders himself a part of that Progressive tradition, has proposed a constitutional amendment which would permit direct legislation by popular referendum at the national level. The Abourezk amendment is going nowhere in Congress this year. But — like the recurrent proposals for a national pres idential primary — it is a symptom of the public impatience with the complexities and compromises that are inherent in a representative system of government, where judgements are made and legisla tion written by elected officials. Abourezk himstdf is disillusioned enough with the process of lawmaking that he is retiring from the Senate at the end of his first term this year. In the last few weeks while I was on the political trail in half-a-dozen states, the question raised repeatedly was why some senators from those states would support the treaties with Panama which are op posed by a majority of their constituents. The questions came from sincere and well-informed people, but they betray the same distrust of representative govern ment that underlies the Abourezk amendment. Why this impatience? Why the pressure to dispense with delgated authority and dip into the dubious pleasures of direct, plebiscitary democracy? The answer goes beyond a desire to achieve a particular policy result. Liberal Democrats were the ones who trans formed the presidential nominating pro cess into a series of popularity contests through the proliferation of direct primaries. Populist progressives like Abourezk have always been the propo nents of initiative and referendum. But those who have seized on these mechanisms are the candidates and the causes of the right. Ronald Reagan used the primaries the Democratic “reforms” had created to come within and inch of defeating Gerald Ford for nomination. And Jimmy Carter exploited them to de feat a half-dozen more liberal Democrats. From Florida to California, the initiative and referendum have become the play things of the New Right. So if their appeal is not to a particular ideology, what is it? I think they represent something deeper and more disquieting in our political climate. The underlying premise of a republic like the United States is the delegation of governmental decision-making to elected officials, serving for limited times and with a limited grant of powers. But in today’s America, with its enor mous cultural emphasis on the unique qualities of the individual — “The Me generation,” as it has been called — there is a growing distaste for letting anyone act or vote or legislate on our behalf. The tendency is to say that the politi cians in office do not live up to our standards. But the truth may be that we have come to esteem ourselves so highly as individuals that we are unwilling to ac cept anyone as our delegate or proxy in governmental decision-making process. The impulse is to brush away these in termediaries and take power back into our own hands through such devices as the in- titiative, the referendum and the direct primary for President. And anyone who is watching how those devices are used has to be worried about the results. (c) 1978, The Washington Post Company Letters to the editor KAMU-FM is radio too good to lose Editor: How can we keep KAMU-FM on the air? President Miller may not enjoy the local programs and NPR boradcasts presented for our listening pleasure, but I do. My husband and I listen to KAMU-FM at home and in the car. We particularly enjoy the classical music programs and the pro grams dealing with national and interna tional news. What a shame to give up hours of listening enjoyment because this well-endowed University can’t come up with a minimal operating budget of $80,000. What about buying subscriptions? —Gwen Elissalde, D.V.M. Local vandals . . . Editor: This letter is directed towards the per son or persons who scratched the hell out of my car windows on Monday night at the Arbor Square Apts. I am a transfer student from a Univer sity where this kind of thing was a common occurrence. But did it happen to me there? No, it didn’t. I had to come to a school where everyone is called a Good Ag. I would like to think that some high school kid did it but I don’t. Thanks to whomever did this; I will have to get my windows polished, which will cost me quite a bit. I just wish one thing. That I could find out who did it and do the same thing to their face. —Kevin Pyle, ’79 . . . and thieves Editor: I thought Aggies were honest. Well some are not, at least one isn’t. Somebody just ripped me off for $41 in books (two to be exact). My room was locked and some how they got in to steal my books. Well that just angered me something terrible; they better hope I don’t find them, and they better hope I find my books. Whoever did this act of pure (—•), if you still have the books, and want to re deem yourself, return the books to Room 110, Hotard Hall, and no charges will be pressed and no harm will come to you. Slide them under the door and leave. The books were: Modem Fruit Science — Norman Chil ders College Algebra — Lial and Miller Please I need the Fruit Science book for the second half of the course next semes ter. —Ronald Wells,’79 Runners need room Editor: Collectively, Aggies are active in a vari ety of sports. From fall football, to winter basketball, to spring baseball, to year- round intramurals, etc. Their participation in some of these sports has necessitated new facilities for their use, such as the new tennis courts that are soon to be com pleted, the new baseball stadium, and the proposed 3rd level for Kyle Field. Rumor even has it that a new basketball stadium is being considered. Certain sports, because of their popular ity, require sufficient facilities to meet the demand, such as the aforementioned ones. Running has such a demand. It is appar ent that running is here to stay. The suc cessful 2nd annual Aggie Marathon this past weekend exemplifies that fact by the more than 1,000 runners who started the race. One might ask what sort of facility is needed for the art of running? Actually, one can run anywhere, anytime, with no special equipment. But one facility that mgiht help promote running and its bene fits here at A&M is a “jogging” course. Anyone who walks, jogs, or runs around the perimeter of campus can clearly see that it is well traversed. A likely area for this course would be around the golf course while also using the southeastern quadrant of campus. This course could be anywhere from 2-4 miles in length. This “jogging” loop would definitely promote running while benefitting the novice jogger as well as the experienced marathoner. Runners are among the finest people in the world. And some of the very finest are here at Texas A&M. Running is a sport that is here to stay. Over 1,000 people proved that this past weekend at the 2nd annual Aggie Marathon. And 1,000 people can’t be wrong. —Michael Fred, ’80 Give 'em a break Editor: It is unfortunate that the tear gas inci dent occurred in Utay Hall and the exis tence of such idiot people who do such things. However, what is as unfortunate are the certain 4th floor Utay residents in all ap parent wisdom, declare without a doubt the perpetrator of the incident a C.T. Maybe he is, but to henceforth denounce by implication the entire Corps of Cadets, the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard, and God who perchance blesses these organi zations, fills my eyes with tears. I am sympathetic with you in that an agitator disrupted your lifestyle unduly, but your recourse to slur the Corps and entire military was uncalled for. I do have a suggestion though: being such fine, upstanding individuals in which infinitely wise people are; I am sure any of the afore-mentioned entities would be proud to be upgraded with your presence in their ranks and such foolishness would cease to occur. —Jonathan D. Kin, ’79 A solution Editor: In response to V.S. Wolfon’s letter (Ap ril 25). I am really surprised that a person like Wolfson who obviously has no experi ence in the field of aviation, claims to be an expert on Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). Before you accuse anyone of being an idiot wouldn’t it be a good idea if you know what you are tallking about? Wolfson seems to think that people are deliberately flying low “circles” around the City of College Station and surounding apartment complexes just to annoy people. I have been a flight instructor for three years at Easterwood and have never witnessed anyone intentionally flying in close proximity to any part of the city or apartments. The FAR’s state that the minimum altitude for aircarft over a con gested area other than for the purposes of takeoff and landing is 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle. The “circles” you speak of are standard traffic patterns being flown by pilots intending to land. Of course, a solution to the problem would be for the FAA to impose strict noise abatement procedures at Easter wood for all traffic including the small re ciprocating engine aricraft which make up 90 percent of the operations. Better yet, they could close down Easterwood and all other city airports to insure that people •would never Lave to listen to aircraft icngines again. — Mark Frnka ’77 ‘Sooey Ducks' Editor: Re: The page one photograph concern ing a certain yell made at the recent Ar kansas baseball games (Tuesday, May 2). Having been a student here at TAMU for five years, and having participated in many athletic events (in a supporting role), I feel that I am familiar with the frustra tion, enmity, and general bad blood that is generated between rival schools. Much of this hostility is undoubtedly brought about by the actions of the spectators, band, etc. I, personally, was particularly infuriated by the actions of Rice University’s band a few years ago, and by t.u.’s “spirit squad” last fall. The point is this: We as Aggies do not appreciate anyone desecrating our ridicul ing our school; why should any other school be any different in their feelings? Clearly, the yell “Sooey Ducks” can only have been meant as ridicule. I like to believe that students here at A&M have pride and maturity far beyond that possessed by students at other schools. Let’s stop being hypocritical and use the “traditional” yells that make our university a step above the others. —D.C. Hampton, ’77 Top of the News State n Solar energy dish to be designed More than 100 persons ventured out under overcast skies Wed nesday at Crosbyton, Texas, to attend a reception in honor of Na tional Sun Day, dedicated to the potential use of solar energy. Con struction is expected to begin this summer on a 65-foot experimental solar energy dish. The Energy Research and Development Agency has signed a contract with Texas Tech University for design and development of the device. Norton Barrett, city secretary of this rural West Texas community, said, “What we’re trying to do is to impress the people that solar is not the answer, but it’s going to help solve this energy thing.” Barrett said development of solar energy might re duce the high natural gas bills that farmers now pay to fuel their irrigation wells. Hebert claims police brutality Linwood John Hebert, 51, who claims Texas City police beat and tortured him breaking his arm, wrist and elbow, has filed a $3.25 million damage suit in federal court. Hebert and his wife, Daisetta named Texas City Police Chief Rankin DeWalt, Sgt. John Ho-Gland, Officer William Wilson and the city itself as defendants in the suit filed Tuesday. Hebert claims he was arrested in a public rest room on the Texas City dike on Jan. 10, 1977, and beaten by Ho-Gland. The suit contends Hebert never was told why he was arrested. Ford wins public tennis match Former president Gerald Ford made his public tennis playing debut Tuesday night in a political fund raising affair for Texas Attor ney General candidate James Baker. Baker campaign officials said the match should pump about $40,000 into the Republican’s primary campaign treasury. Ford and his partner, international tennis star John Newcombe, defeated Baker and tennis pro Dick Stockton. Baker is unopposed in the Republican primary for the nomination but faces strong opposition from Price Daniel Jr. or Mark White. An estimated 5,000 $5 tickets were sold for the event, but a big turnout was lacking. < L Irre! icavy luildir nthe' he rot E.M tailed png ar roble inever o lift u dges i Also literal :eep f< nson, nviroi he de: Stan n inst aid, b po] lecaus ivailal olor. Hut ny p rose i lone, the Lyn orb g old-u The lies is ras cl hick i ade i ised t | Lyn e app ateri at in |ve w ■ The lie, v |oor s Canales withdraws charges U.S. Attorney Tony Canales, freed with defense complaints that he might become a witness or defendant in the case, Wednesday with drew from prosecuting a former Houston police chief on obstruction of justice charges. Canales announced his decision after a hearing in which U.S. Magistrate H. Lingo Platter refused a defense request to bar him from prosecuting Carrol M. Lynn. But Platter granted the defense a one-week delay. During the hearing Wednesday, assistant federal prosecutors said Canales had asked the Justice Department’s public integrity section to verify his status. They said a decision was expected within one week. The dispute over whether Canales should prosecute arises from the FBI affidavit that accuses Lynn of offering to fix a federal case through Canales in exchange for a bribe. Lynn, a former chief and lately an assistant chief, was arrested April 10 out side oilman John V. Holden’s home. Lynn had $25,000 on him. Heis suspected of taking the money as payoff to fix a securities case against ~~ )lden. ippt met ledde Hov have 1 bed a out d< tile tl |om Ihe tl Hoi Nation cemer Moi Mexic up the Pie oi Texas Itali Mexic tile is ffui italiar Henry Ford denies wrongdoing Auto magnate Henry Ford II has denied allegations he accepted $750,000 in illegal kickbacks and used company funds improperly. The Ford Motor Co. chairman called a rare news conference Tuesday to answer the charges contained in a $50 million lawsuit filed in New York last week by a stockholder trustee. The suit charged that Ford accepted kickbacks from the Canteen Corp., in exchange for lucrative food and beverage concessions at Ford plants and offices. He was also accused of wrongfully awarding contracts to his friends and relatives without competitive bidding and illegally and improperly using corpo rate assets for his own use, including the purchase and maintenance of homes and apartments in New York and London. World Landing strips may be bombed The Colombian Air Force will use bombs to destroy hundreds of hidden landing strips used by illegal aircraft to transport marijuana and cocaine to the United States, an official said Wednesday. Air Force Commander Gen. Alfonso Lopez said the bombings would begin following completion of an inventory of illegal landing fields. Authorities discovered some 300 such fields last year. Colombia is one of the major suppliers of illicit drugs to the United States. Last weekend, authorities confiscated 647 tons of marijuana ready for ex port with a value of $311 million. Weather Fair skies with warm temperatures today, tonight and Friday. High today upper 70s, low tonight mid-50s. High tomorrow low 80s. Winds from the north at 5-10 mph. becoming light and variable tonight. 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 hy students as a university and com munity newspaper. Editorial policy is determined hy 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 telephone numlyer for verification. Address correspondence to Letters to the Editor, The Battalion, Room 216, Reed McDonald Building, College Station, Texas 77843. Represented nationally by National Educational Adver tising Services, Inc., New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. The Battalion is published Monday through Friday from September through May except during exam and holiday periods and the summer, when it is publi hed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester; $33.25 per school year; $35.00 per full year. Advertising rates fur nished on request. Address: The Battalion, Rocc Reed McDonald Building, College Station, Texas United Press International is entitled exclusive!) 5 use for reproduction of all news dispatches credit Rights of reproduction of all other matter herein^ Second-Class postage paid at College Station, TX 11 MEMBER Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism Congress Editor Kim’ Managing Editor Karen& Sports Editor David ^ News Editors Carolyn Blosser, Debbie ft City Editor Gar)* Campus Editor bz^ Assistant Campus Editor Andy"* Editorial Director Lee Roy Lesc^ Photo Editor J. Wagner Staff Writers Mark Patterson, Paige ^ Andrea Vails, Michelle Scudder, Seas Photographers Susan Webb,Ee Cartoonist DougG* Student Publications Board: Bob G. Rogers, Ch& Joe Arredondo, Dr. Gary Halter, Dr. Charles McCt Dr. Clinton A. Phillips, Rebel Rice. Director of l Publications: Donald C. Johnson.
