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THE BATTALION
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1978
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The Battalion
Texas A&M University
Friday
May 5, 1978
It matters
What if they gave an election and nobody came?
That’s rapidly becoming the state of elections in these United States,
and in this Lone Star State. The elections that once were the biggest oc
casion of the year now hardly receive passing notice.
So what difference does it make, right? Those millions of other people
who vote will decide what happens — one vote doesn’t matter anyway,
right? Wrong.
Texas voters, in some of this year’s primary elections, are witnessing
some of the closest, most hard-fought elections in this state’s 133-year his
tory. And those elections are important.
These are the people who will make your laws, protect your family,
regulate your business, and provide your education. These are the people
who will take your tax money and spend your tax money. These are the
people who will represent you downtown and represent you in Washing
ton.
Do the things you value in this world matter? Then tomorrow’s election
does too. Vote. Please
L.R.L.
Hobby counts votes in "forgotten’ race
By ANN ARNOLD
UPI Capitol Reporter
AUSTIN — William P. Hobby Jr.
thinks being opposed in his bid for a
third term as lieutenant governor may
help make him the biggest vote-getter in
the May 6 Democratic primary.
“It may be an asset in leading the
ticket to have some opponents,’’ Hobby
said.
In big cities many voters using voting
machines ignore uncontested races, the
46-year-old newspaper executive ex
plained.
whom has ever held public office — have
done little campaigning.
John Hill Westbrook, 30, a Baptist
minister from Tyler, acknowledges he
hopes to take advantage of the similarity
of his given name and Attorney General
John Hill, who is running for governor.
Politics
“All the unopposed cnadidates are
listed on the far right of the machines.
Tens of thousands of voters don’t bother
to pull that lever,” Hobby said.
So with three opponents on the ballot
this year. Hobby thinks he may poll
more votes than the 1,115,258 he gar
nered in 1974 when he was unopposed
in the primary and led the ticket.
The three other candidates — none of
“That’s the reason I use my whole
name,” Westbrook says. “Maybe I can
get as much mileage out of his name as
he can.”
Westbrook, who broke the Southwest
Conference’s color line 12 years ago as a
Baylor running back, also has attempted
to capitalize on the fact that if elected he
would be Texas’s first black statewide of
ficeholder.
Troy Skates, 65, retired Navy man and
service station operator from Leander,
says he is running because, “When
you’re retired you got to have something
to do.”
Skates admits he “didn’t do worth a
hoot” when he ran for lieutenant gover
nor in 1972, the year Hobby was first
elected. Skates trailed the eight-man
race.
Jim McNees, 61, Dallas lawyer and re
tired Army infantry colonel, also is a vet
eran of unsuccessful campaigns.
McNees ran for the House in 1974 and
the Senate in 1976, foiling each time to
unseat incumbent Republicans.
A staunch conservative and admirer of
Ronald Reagan, McNees attracted some
interest with a proposal to prohibit
foreigners from owning land in Texas.
“We won our lands from a foreign
government, but we are slowly losing
our lands back to aliens who are already
gobbling it up in large chunks,” McNees
said.
Hobby has hardly had to campaign.
“I’ve been traveling a good deal; a lit
tle more than I usually do, but not
much,” he said.
Between travels and his official duties
presiding over the Senate during legisla
tive sessions. Hobby serves as president
of the Houston Post.
The son of former governor William P.
Hobby, he entered elective politics in
1972 with a race for the job he now
holds. Hobby lead an eight-man field
and beat the brother of former Gov.
John Connally in the primary runoff. He
easily defeated La Raza Unida and
Socialist Workers candidates to win one
of the state’s most powerful posts.
Although the lieutenant govenor draws
only $600 a month — the same as legis
lators — he decides when and what is
sues will be debated in the Senate and
names crucial committees that write or
kill legislation.
When the governor goes out of state,
he takes over as acting governor at a sal
ary prorated from the $65,088 pay set for
Texas’ chief executive.
Letters to the editor
Corps members respond to Utay gas incident
Editor:
In response to the letter in the May 3
Battalion by the fourth floor residents of
Utay, I would like to comment on the
actions that have taken place within the
last week.
Being it the responsibility of the Corps
Commander, Deputy Corps Comman
der, Corps Staff, and all unit comman
ders to oversee and take responsibility
for any actions of their people, I can as
sure anyone concerned that the Corps of
Cadets does not condone, promote, or
tolerate any actions such as those com
mitted, in any form or fashion. I will also
make it clear that if the suspect(s) wear a
uniform and are found guilty, they will
not wear the uniform to Final Review or
ever again.
Furthermore, let it Jbe known that I
proudly accept being a fine, upstanding,
responsible “G.I.” Joe, C.T., etc. be
cause when the Corps holds formation
nine times a week, I salute the Stars and
Stripes and show respect for what I am
privileged to receive. To the residents of
utay, throughout the year when the flag
(not the Corps flag, not Utay’s flag, but
the flag of those who are free under it) is
being raised or lowered, I frequently foil
to see any type of respect shown.
At other times, I have seen disrespect
ful and obscene hand gestures directed
towards cadets handling the flag. Respect
should be shown whether in uniform or
not. To my knowledge, the red stripes
on the flag symbolize the blood shed to
give you freedom to live in Utay and me
to be in the Corps of Cadets.
I am quite confident the Russian inva
sion will not come from Snook or the
shores of Lake Somerville; however, it
may be safe to assume that an attack
would come in the form of a mass inva
sion of Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops
into Western Europe with overwhelming
armor and air support. I hope I do not
see you or have people with your at
titude in my platoon.
If you are not sure how to show
proper respect to the flag of the United
States, ask a person in uniform.
— Scott E. Patton
Deputy Corps Commander, ’78-79
Stephen D. Greenwade
Corps Adjutant, ’78-79
Michael Sliva
Company, 1-1
Mark E. Teel
Corps Staff, ’78-79
Michael H. Gentry
Corps Commander, ’77-78
It is obvious that the Utay residents
have exaggerated their statements in
order to generate sympathy for their
cause, whatever it may be. We person
ally know of some residents who did not
evacuate or even consider it necessary.
As for David Carsons’ statement, “It’s
gotten to the point where it’s not good'
bull anymore,” since when has it been
“good bull” to slash tires and vandalize
cars parked on senior row behind Utay?
Obviously, it has been “good bull” as
long as the residents of Utay have not
been on the receiving end of any of
these college “pranks.’’ Anyone who
doubts the validity of these so called
“good bull” activities can check into the
files of the K.K.
As for the butyric acid, ask the resi
dents of Dorm 10 about it. We are cur
rently smelling the effects of an “awe
some display” of non-reg folly.
Finally we would like to say that the
fourth floor of Utay should be thankful
that there are still a few “G.I. Joes” who
are willing to defend their right to ex
press opinions openly, no matter how
contemptible they may be.
— B-2 fish
Mark Banigan
Mike delos Santos
Bill Gamble
Burt Harbison
David Lewis
Craig Parkhill
Steve Pearson
Roger Reese
Mike Sampson
Intellectual honesty
Editor:
I would like to comment on the May 2
editorial in which Jim Crawley seconded
Congressman Teague’s endorsement of
Chet Edwards for Congress.
First, on “intellectual dishonesty.” Mr.
Crawley uses this phrase, or similar
ones, repeatedly in his listing of un
proven charges against his candidate’s
opponents. Mr. Crawley may be his own
best example of “intellectual dishonesty”
when he states allegations at length and
notes denials only in passing.
Secondly, as the editorial points out,
Mr. Teague’s backing of Mr. Edwards
has been evident for months. Why then
should Mr. Crawley be surprised that
the other candidates in the race “played
the entire situation cooly.” These candi
dates recognize that those who would be
swayed by this support have already
joined Mr. Edwards’ side. These candi
dates do not believe, as some Edwards’
supporters apparently do, that there is a
vast voting pool of mindless automatons
awaiting their programming from some
Central Control.
Thirdly, Mr. Crawley believes that
Mr. Edwards may be able to achieve
success in Saturday’s primary because of
“grassroots support.” What meaning can
we attach to this? Is Mr. Edwards’
“grassroots support” exclusive? Obviously
not, as signs for Godbey, Gramm,
McNiel, Jones and Powers appear on
cars and in yards throughout the district.
Slouch
by Jim Earle
Not ’good bull’
Editor:
In reference to Marilyn Brown’s article
of May 3, entitled “Tear gas explosion
serious”, we would like to present the
“bad guys” side of the story.
First, what makes Ms. Brown think
that water balloons, which crash through
two panes of glass in the middle of the
night, are friendly? The cadets who hap
pened to be in the rooms at the time are
fortunate that they did not have to take a
trip to the Health Center, as flying glass
has a tendency to be rather dangerous.
Then maybe we should conclude that
Mr. Edwards has more “grassroots sup
port” than any of the other candidates in
that more registered voters favor him.
Then truly his “grassroots support” will
rightly earn him a victory on Saturday as
the person with the most votes. But then
Mr. Crawley’s comment on “grassroots
support’’ seems not informative but
tautological. It seems more likely that
Mr. Crawley has neither of these mean
ings in mind, but rather uses the phrase
only to convey the image of his candidate
as the candidate of the masses while the
opponents (hiss, boo) represent the “spe
cial interests.”
Fourthly, Mr. Crawley paeans Mr.
Teague’s timing of the endorsement.
Other observers may see the last minute
move as a desperation attempt to prop
up a campaign that has failed to stand up
on its own.
Finally, Mr. Crawley claims (and
seems pleased) that one of the candidates
“wanted to stay on the road with the is
sues” but that the endorsement has
shoved him off the road “into the gravel
and mud.” To me it does not say much
for Mr. Crawley’s choice of candidates
that he would prefer that his candidate’s
opponents stop campaigning on the is
sues and instead try to avoid the mud.
— Jerry Ball
Editor’s note:
The article Mr. Ball referred to was
an interpretative column and not an
editorial. The column did not “second”
the endorsement of Chet Edwards, but
only interpreted the possible conse
quences of Teague’s endorsement.
Mr. Crawley used as background for
his column, numerous contacts in the
current campaign and his interviews with
candidates involved in the campaign.
Only time will tell if Mr. Crawley’s in
terpretation of the events were correct.
‘Sooey Ducks’
Editor:
It is regrettable that Aggies who at
tend sports events cannot take teasing in
the same good humor with which they
deliver it. Specifically, I cannot help but
notice (not without some irony) the con
trast between the enthusiastic perform
ance of the “Sooey Ducks” cheer last
weekend and the belligerence that
greeted the Rice band’s rendition (in
1973) of our typical half-time activities.
We should be willing to accept what
we dish out.
— Tony Jennings, ’81
Batt is open
Editor:
In reference to Mr. duMenil’s letter
(Wednesday, May 3) I believe his reac
tion to constructive input is unfortunate.
The Battalion is an open publication and
everyone is entitled to contribute an
opinion.
It is this priviledge that allowed Mr.
duMenil to voice his feelings toward a
letter plus throwing in a bit of profanity.
Now that he has taken advantage of the
paper would he deny other readers the
same public outlet?
— A.F. Creighton, ’80
VOTE SATURDAY
It’s your state!
Top of the
Campus
Graduation ceremonies begin
Graduate student commencement ceremonies are scheduled to
begin today at 3 p.m. in Rudder Auditorium. Undergraduate cere
monies will begin at 7:30 p.m. in G. Rollie White Coliseum. The
second undergraduate ceremony is Saturday at 9 a.m. also in G.
Rollie White Coliseum.
Immunization clinic set
The Brazos County Health Department will have a special chil
dren’s immunization clinic for infants through preschool age Wed
nesday from 9:30-12:30 at the Lincoln Center. The clinic is for Col
lege Station residents only. If a child has received previous immuni
zations at the Brazos County Health Clinic, please Call the office at
822-7373, ext. 241, leave your name, and the child’s record will be
brought to the clinic. The health department has a regular free im
munization clinic for all residents of Brazos County Monday through
Friday, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m.
Nation
Tornado hits Gainsville, Fla.
A tornado ripped through Gainsville, Fla., Wednesday destroying
homes, causing power line failures, toppling trees and causing a rash
of minor injuries to residents, police said. Four of the five towers of
the University of Florida radio station, WRUF, were knocked down,
including its 1,000 foot tower, but other University buildings escaped
damage. Thoroughfares in the city had to be closed except to
emergency vehicles because live wires littered the streets. Several
persons were taken to hospitals for treatment of minor injuries but
police said at mid-morning they knew of no serious injuries or deaths.
All classes at the University were suspended. At least seven minor
fires were blamed on downed power lines and several homes were
destroyed and many other damaged on Gainsville’s west side. The
tornado struck at 6:20 a.m. and was accompanied by 2.5 inches of
rain.
Beeper, key in Letelier case?
The Miami FBI says the 1976 bomb blast that killed former Chi
lean Foreign Minister Orlando Letelier in Washington may have
been detonated by an electronic beeper found in the car driven by
anti-Castro militant Alvin Ross Diaz. Diaz and fellow Cuban exile,
Guillermo Novo Sampol were flown to New York by U.S. marshals
last Friday after they were picked up last April 14 on federal warrants
in Miami. The charges in those warrants were not related to the
Letelier case, but both men are central figures in the Letelier inves
tigation. Miami FBI agent George F. Cannon Jr., in a sworn state
ment filed in federal court Wednesday, said the beeper found in the
glove compartment of a gray 1977 Lincoln Continental driven by Ross
may have been key evidence in the assassination of Letelier. “It is my
belief that the electronic pager or beeper in the glove box of the
Lincoln Continental may have been used as the device which caused
the explosion of Letelier’s car on Sept. 2, 1976,” Cannon said. His
affidavit was filed to support a search warrant for the car.
Senate passes tax provision
A sweeping waterways bill including the first tax on commercial
barges passed in the Senate Wednesday in a vote of 80 to 13. In a
surprise move, the Senate set a 1982 effective day for the controver
sial tax provision. The $2.6 billion bill also provides for navigational
and recreational water projects in 30 states. Republican Sen. Pete
Domenici of New Mexico, chief opponent of the barge tax delay,
called on President Carter Thursday to go through with his threat to
veto the measure. Domenici said it does not impose the waterway tax
quickly enough, does not force the barge industry to repay part of the
costs of waterway improvements and the overall measure contains too
many expensive “pork barrel” project. “I know my friends don’t like
the term ‘pork barrel,’ ” Domenici said, “but that’s how the public
surely perceives our actions. The President has no choice but to veto
this bill on two grounds; there is less than an adequate fuel tax and
more than adequate spending on pork, if that is the appropriate
word.”
World
Carter, Brezhnev may meet
Mudslide kills 6 in Salvador
A mudslide buried a provincial schoolhouse late Wednesday, kill
ing at least six small children and one of their teachers, officials of
Salvador and Brazil said Wednesday. Officials of the capital of north
eastern Bahia state, said the small school at Fazenda Tombador, 80
miles north of Salvador was virtually swept away late Wednesday
when five days of drenching rain turned a dirt-covered hillside into an
avalnche of mud. Federal police, firemen and other rescuers Thurs
day tunneled their way through the mud-covered wreckage in an
effort to reach the victims.
Weather
Mostly cloudy, windy, and warm today, tonight and Saturday
with a chance of thundershowers. High today near 80, low
tonight mid-60s. High tomorrow low 80s. Winds from the
south-southeast at 15-25 mph. 30% chance of rain on
Saturday.
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President Carter and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev may meet in
Washington this summer if the two countries are close to a nuclear
arms agreement, White House press secretary Jody Powell said
Wednesday in Denver. There are still tough problems to work out,”
he told reporters traveling with Carter on a western swing. But he
stressed that a summit would be held only “if we have an agreement
or are close to one. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance recently returned
from Moscow where he made other progress in the strategic arms
limitation negotiations, but details have not been disclosed.
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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 telephone
number for verification.
Address correspondence to Letters to the Editor, The
Battalion, Room 216, Reed McDonald Building, College
Station, Texas 77843.
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Reed McDonald Building, College Station, Texas T
United Press International is entitled exclusive!)'
use for reproduction of all news dispatches credil^lK
Rights of reproduction of all other matter herein rtfj|
Second-Class postage paid at College Station, TX ^
MEMBER
Texas Press Association
Southwest Journalism Congress
Editor Kifl 1 !
Managing Editor KarenW
Sports Editor David fc
News Editors Carolyn Blosser, Debbie F !
City Editor Carv' li
.Campus Editor
Assistant Campus Editor Andy" 1 ^
Editorial Director Lee Roy Lesck^i
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Staff Writers Mark Patterson, Paige
Andrea Vails, Michelle Scudder, Sean^T
Photographers Susan Webb, ^1
Cartoonist DougG
Student Publications Board: Bob G. Rogers, I
Joe Arredondo, Dr. Gary Halter, Dr. Charles Mc(a*
Dr. Clinton A. Phillips, Rebel Rice. Director of M
Publications: Donald C. Johnson.