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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (May 10, 1978)
Viewpoint The Battalion Texas A&M University Wednesday May 10, 1978 The ugly tradition It’s about time for another of those Aggie traditions. It’s the traditional end-of-the-semester-finals-are-over-thank-heavens- let’s-get-out-of-here mad rush away from Texas A&M. Except that this is a two-part tradition and the second part is pretty ugly. Every year, at the end of every semester, some of those Aggies making fast tracks to whereever Aggies go drive into trees and off roads and over other people. And wind up smashing and bashing and killing themselves. That’s why you can count on another Aggie tradition — Silver Taps — at the beginning of every semester. So folks, please take it easy heading out of here this week. Drive a little slower, take a little longer, and get there. Wait until you get there to start celebrating. And do the same coming back. Aggies are folks too good to lose. Even one. L.R.L. Senators dance pork barrel polka By IRA R. ALLEN United Press International WASHINGTON — The dictionary de fines a pork barrel as “a fund of money obtained from the federal treasury through congressional bills for rivers, harbors and public buildings; regarded as the reward for political services.” Last week the definition was shorter: The Navigation Development Act.” THE BILL CAME into the Senate from the House on Tuesday afternoon costing $1.2 billion. It emerged less than 48 hours later costing $2.6 billion. The legislative fight was not over the money, but over the form of a new system of making barge owners pay some of the costs of federal navigation projects that benefit them. As it turned out, the Senate by only four votes defied a presidential veto threat and adopted a version of the plan weaker than the administration wants. The wheeling-and-dealing that occurred on that provision — pitting freshman Re publican Pete Domenici of New Mexico, who had Carter’s backing, against the wily Russell Long, chairman of the favor- bestowing Finance Committee, with obivous results — could fill a small civics textbook. The unseen, but highly aromatic catalyst in that struggle over a taxing for mula was pure pork. Last year, Domenici succeeded in get ting his tax plan attached to the $1.2 bil lion Water Resources Development Act, and when the House failed to act on it, the composit bill had to be worked on again this year. SO FOR TWO days Domenici stood happy as a clam — and just as silently as senator after senator trooped to the floor with amendments, which had not been taken up in committee, to add water projects in their home states. Although a fiscal conservative, the New Mexican fig ured the more each member could bet into the bill, the easier it would be to pass the entire thing once he got his pet tax adopted. Those porcine ornaments attached without benefit of hearings included: • 8.5 million to fix up San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. • A second power house at Washington state’s McNary Dam, sponsored by ap propriations chairman Warren Magnuson, D-Wash. It was the third of three trinkets he proposed, understating that “this one requires a little more money than the other two,” Half a billion more, to be exact. • A recreation boat launching facility in Spencer County, Ind., for Sen. Birch Bayh. But a funny thing happened on the way to passage. Domenici was outmaneuvered by Long and other venerable committee chairmen from barge-industry states who had a personal grip on a number of other wise disinterested senators. THE NEXT DAY, there was Domenici addressing the Senate, complaining about the “pork barrel aspects of the bill he helped engineer and asking Carter to veto it. The, New York Sen. Daniel Moynihan, junior member of the Finance Committee and dependent on Long for the kind of welfare program that would look good in New York City, used the navigation act as a reason to sing the praises of the New York State Barge Canal System made fa mous in song as the Erie Canal. He said it is the only totally state-supported barge canal in the country. So "as a matter of equity,” he asked, the federal government should be allowed to finance it. Moynihan eventually was asked and agreed to withdraw that request until hearings are held. Later he told a reporter, with all the subtlety that endeared him to the Third World when he was U.N. ambassador, his request was made to let colleagues know, ‘Til vote for your water projects but my vote is increasingly going to be con ditioned on some reciprocity.” Letters to the editor Apartment complexes want early fall leases Editor: We feel it is our duty to bring to the attention of the University community a problem involving the leasing of apart ments in this area. Some apartment managers at this time are requiring their tenants to give definite commitments for the fall 1978 and spring 1979 semesters (either to sign a new lease or to indicate the apartment will be va cated). If neither is done, the manager as sumes the right to, lease the apartment to others. This means that even a person with a lease which expires in August must make a definite commitment now for the follow ing year. To compound the problem, the lease states that 30 days notice is required be fore vacating apartments, and this has caused some misunderstanding. In reality, the manager may pre-lease an apartment in which you live for the term after your lease ends as long as you are told at least 30 days in advance that your lease ends on the date specified. As far as we know, this policy is followed only by the apartments owned by Colum bia properties (Sausalito, Sundance, Scan- dia, etc.). The management felt they were doing the tenants a favor by allowing them to pre-lease their own apartments well in adyance. We understand that Columbia wanted to be assured that all their apartments would be rented for next school year — that’s clever planning. But we feel that it is unreasonable to place such demands on students, and downright unfair to those tenants who aren’t students. We ask that the managers clearly state their policy with regard to pre-leasing at the time that a lease is signed, or better yet, put the policy into the lease in writing. Let’s face it, students need apartments in which to live, but there are enough apartments now available in this area that students can afford to be choosy for a change. Such policies cause poor relations with students who already pay high rents, and they may choose to move if they feel that they are being exploited. — Mike Aucoin, Julie Peterson, Ann Woods, Laurie Larson, R. J. Hiller, Cindy Price, Carol Carmichael. possess a great deal of patriotism for the U.S. who (believe it or not) have never worn a uniform. I agree that the invasion of Western Europe is a very real possibility. But if this does happen and I am there as a “G. I. Joe” I hope that my leaders, which you Would be, have matured past the bias which you have exhibited. Finally, let me say I have a great deal of respect for the Corps and have several good friends who are members of the Corps. It is really unfortunate that a hand ful of biased cadets have to tarnish the shine of this fine organization. — Roger G. Reddin, ’80 Fair-to-middlin metric intensity while keeping its imagery fascinatingly functional, and Marc Gist’s “David’s Troubles,” in which, though the poet tries to hit too many bobbing targets, a superb irony carries the poem anyway. Experimental work, the ballast of any collection of promising writing by stu dents, is well represented in the magazine, with Gist’s work and some neal play with enjambment by Lisa Diann Shaw among the highlights. Curtis Blair evocative illustrations for “Viddeestar” and the art work by Richard Sardinha deserve special mention in high- level graphics. At $1, the magazine is a bargain. — Richard H. Costa editor, Quartet congratulating themselves on their “de fender of the free status. I lived in Utay during the fall of 76 semester, the year of the elections. One morning during break fast, I overheard one person complaining that they had wanted to go harass the people working at the Socialist Worker’s Party table in the MSC, but when they got there the C.T.’s had already thrown them out. This doesn’t say much for some of the residents of Utay, but it also shows that the only “contemptible” opinions the Corps defends, apparently, are their own. — Philip Greider Intramurals count Editor’s note: The assistant manager of one of the Columbia Properties apart ment complexes verified that Columbia has asked tenants to specify whether they will want their apartment in the fall and spring. This is being done to give the man agement an idea of how many apartments to pre-lease for the fall, she said. Co lumbia began pre-leasing apartments April 1. But present tenants always get first priority to release their apartment for the fall, she said. Off the pedestal Editor: In reference to the letters written by Scott Patton and company, and the B-2 Fish, I would like to say that I believe you should climb down from the pedestal you have placed yourselves on, and reassess your judgements. I am not a member of Utay Hall or the Corps of Cadets, and have nothing to say about the actions between these organiza tions. But I feel the latter portions of your letters certainly deserve comment. I resent being told that the only people who love old glory, and the freedom for which it stands, wear a uniform. I happen to hold my country very close to my heart and would willingly give my life to protect it. I have never displayed or felt any disre spect for the flag, and the only uniform I have ever worn was a high school band uniform. I realize that this fact probably dismays you, but let me assure you that there are a large number of people who Editor: Andy Williams’ review of the 1978 A&M literary magazine “Moebius” (“‘Moebius’ is fair-to-middlin’ Battalion, May 2”) is it self just that, fair-to-middlin’. It conveys nothing of the high spiritedness that characterizes most of the poems and stores, and it pays no tribute to a small but hard-working staff, headed by Rhonda Kay Reger, which kept the 64-page issue prac tically error-free. The reviewer used a series of one-liners to dismiss the writings he didn’t care for and frequently praised one poem or story at the expense of another. Few readers needed to know that Williams preferred one of the poets, none of whose works re ceived prizes in the recent MSC Arts Committee awards, over another whose did. Rhonda Reger’s selecting editors were not the same people who judged the literary contests. Why did the reviewer have to connect the two? The caliber of the contest was high, generally. Many of the pieces let the reader in on a world that opens up other worlds. From Doug Graham’s effective sci-fi takeoff on Anthony Burgess’ Clockwork Orange in the long story “Viddeestar,” to David Flowers’ wry look at puppet-like complacency in the poem “Uncle Same, the best of the creative writings bring one up short at the insight fulness of an idea, a couplet. Facets of day-to-day life on this campus, always viewed askant, come to life in such poems as Diana Villareal Aldrich’s “Dear Roomie,” Roger C. Schustereit’s “Picture Show,’ “Flowers’ “Running,” Karl D. Klicker’s “Ain’t It So,” which ends with the priceless quatrain for this time of semester: “And after it all/don’t you feel/Like the great dangling modifier/in the TERM PAPER of LIFE?” Even the more serious poems and stories are rarely the sort of deadly solemn mate rial that impresses without galvanizing. In this category belong Ricks Frazier’s story “Reunion,” which sustains a mordant mood in a tundra-like setting; Bonnie Campbell’s “Fall of Autumn,” in which the perspective of an old woman is kept con sistent and true; Michael Wilk s long poem “Come Out the Night which maintains Thoughts on Finals Editor: This poem appeared on the kitchen table a few days ago. It seemed appropri ate, so I thought I’d pass it on: On Final Exams Chemistry can go to hell And take this headache with it. Algebra can to there, too, And integers and digits. Give me just an hour more, A book with which to study. Bring a pen to ivrite it down, And watch my brain go muddy! Phys Ed, English, take them all, And, darling, when you’re through, Call again some day next week — I might find time for you. And to all who might need it, Good Luck on Exams! — G. Gould, ’81 Good reading Editor: If the Corps has contributed nothing else to this University, the letters to the Battalion by its members at least make for entertaining reading. The two letters Fri day are exceDent examples. The first letter, by the Deputy Corps Commander, has me a bit confused. He begins by saying that the Corps does not “condone, promote, or tolerate any actions such as those committed;” that is certainly commendable. After that he digresses, however, and spends the last two-thirds of the letter discussing how disrespectful Utay residents are during the raising and lowering of the flag. How does this pertain to the tear gas incident? He isn’t suggest ing the rest of the student body should support the Corps in these childish battles because they salute the flag and Utay resi dents don’t, is he? Would it be acceptable for Utay residents to throw a tear gas can- nister in the Corps dorm if they did salute the flag? As for the second letter, Messrs. Bani- gan, et al., had better hold off a bit on Editor: We wish to take the time to comment on the intramurals and the people who take part in them here at A&M. One must accredit A&M for its organi zation and effort in the way of intramurals. This University has certainly provided a great variety of sports, allowing everyone to become a participant if they wish to do so. Not only can anyone participate, but there is so much to chose from that it’s almost idfficult not to find at least one thing to take an active part in and enjoy. Everyone is aware of the famed Aggie reputation “We’re all good Ags” etc. and Aggies are well noted for their fine sportsmanship. Furthermore, let every one be reminded that in referring to Aggies as good Ags — leaders, sportsmen and/or whatever else goes along with all the praise they receive, the comments are directed to everyone. Therefore, everyone should make a joint effort to uphold and promote the Aggie fame. Granted, we are all guilty of letting loose and forgetting our responsibilities or just blowing them off. So we’re human, what else is new? However, when a per son (because we dare not think an Aggie would be guilty of this) decides to take part in an intramural activity, hopefully he will join knowing that you can’t win them all, and it’s all in fun and games. Most impor tantly — IT’S ONLY A GAME. Much to our misfortune we came across a team in co-rec intramural softball plsy- offs who seemed to have lost sight of this. First let us recreate the scene and leave the supposed outcome to the readers discretion. The score is tied with two outs and we are home team with last bat yet to come. The visitors have the bases loaded with a female up to bat. No offense, but females on a co-rec team are generally denoted an “easy out.” In order to assure themselves at least a chance the opposers had to get a run. The ball was hit, picked up and thrown to homeplate for a third out. The player waiting for the ball was on the base ready to tag the runner. Well, as it happened he was in the baseline which according to the rules jus tifies him being run over. Okay, so that’s cool. Let’s run him over if necessary — but for Christ’s sake let’s not KILL the poor guy! The runner, who is also a P.E. prof, took a flying lead, screamed like all hell was breaking loose, and literally mul led over the player. Good sportsmanship — yeah — we hear ya! And this team consisted of P.E. profs who are supposed to be leaders of this campus in the first place!! So tell us another good joke! The player, nonetheless, was injured; but that’s cool, it’s all in fun and games, right? The fact that we lost is trivia. We were happy to get as far as we did; never theless, quite disappointed to have lost to a team such as this. Yes, let’s wish them luck as we did, because WE are good sportsmen, despite the unnecessary roughness depicted in this game. Debbie Caldarola, ’80 Carol Casey, ’81 Top of the News Campus Fire in Leggett Hall; no injuries A fire in Leggett Hall Tuesday night caused an estimated $100 in damages. There were no injuries. The fire was apparently causedbya flare that was thrown into some newspapers in the courtyard of the dorm. The fire was extinguished in 10 minutes. A University spokes man said a reprimand will be issued if the person or persons respon- >w tl sible is found. State litor' a sti rninj Nuclear waste disposal planned A Navy electronics engineer has proposed disposing of nuclear wastes by sending the lethal material to the center of the planet. Robert A. Krutenat, who works at the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in Keyport, Wash., said Monday in Houston that this project could be done by placing the wastes in deep holes near the intersection of crustal plates. He said his plan calls for the boring of subsea holes at least 6,500 feet deep into floating tectonic plates. Once the wastes have been placed in the holes in the tectonic plates, the holes would be filled with 300 feet of cement. Conventional nuclear waste will remain radioactive for 250,000 years. Krutenat’s plan calls for an estimated investment of $500 million. He has asked the Society of Exploration Geophysicists to evaluate his proposal. Man faces murder charges Assault charges dismissed Nation Jet crashes in Escambia Bay A jetliner carrying 61 persons ditched into foggy Escambia Bay near Pensacola, Fla., while making a landing approach Monday night but an off-course tugboat captain and his crewman saved 58 of those aboard the plane. Three persons apparently drowned when the Na tional Airlines 727 smacked into the bay. Authorities reported 39 persons were treated at area hospitals, and 15 others were admitted for additional treatment. Capt. Glenn McDonald, owner of the tug boat Little Mac, said he had wandered off course in heavy fog while pulling a barge across Escambia Bay. McDonald said the plane swooshed low over his tug — “I thought it was going to hit me”— and “made a perfect landing in the water about 300 yards away.” McDonald said some survivors received severe back injuries but he saw little evidence of broken bones or cuts. Jet fuel from the plane covered the water, barge and clothing of the survivors. Five killed in Virginia motel fire At least five people were killed in a fire early Tuesday morning that swept through a motel in Fairfax County, Va. At least 12 others, including three firefighters, were reported injured. Motel guests were awakened and evacuated as the fire spread quickly through the motel, causing extensive damage, fire officials said. Officials said they think the fire started in a guest’s room on the first floor, but the cause is still under investigation. The fire was brought under control about an hour after it broke out. Fire units remained at the scene looking for other victims. World First Lady hopes Vesco returns First Lady Rosalynn Carter said at a news conference in the Costa Rican White House Tuesday that she hopes fugitive financier Robert Vesco will return to the United States to stand trial. Mrs. Carter also denied reports of a rift between her husband and Assistant Secretary of State Terence Todman. She joined President Rodrigo Carazo and his wife in the press conference following an informal breakfast at the presidential house. At the news conference, Carazo said he did not want Vesco to return to Costa Rica. Mrs. Carter added: “We want him to return to the United States to stand trial.” Vesco, who since 1973 has lived in Costa Rica and successfully fought extradition ef forts, left Costa Rica days ago — presumably for a Caribbean island nation. Carazo said he had received “a mandate from the Costa Rican people” to keep the fugitive businessman out of the country. Weather Overcast skies with fog this morning. Partly cloudy and warm today, tonight and Thursday. High today low 80s, low tonight mid-70. High tomorrow low 80s. 20% chance of rain today, 30% tonight and 40% tomorrow. Wha Texas t about si "The Stud but he wth or Rum A man charged with two Florida murders and another in Texas has also admitted raping at least 20 women in Houston. Jimmy Lee Smith, 24, was charged Monday with the murder of Eugenia Shovenec, 16, of Pasadena, Texas. He was charged earlier with the slayings of Bonny Ward and her daughter Donna Strickland, 12, both of Cottondale, Fla. Jackson County Sheriffs Lt. Ron Steverson said Smith waived his constitutional rights Monday and allowed the videotaping of his three murder confessions. Steverson said Smith also admitted “he raped at least 20 women in Houston that he could recall.” Smith has been charged with three counts of first degree murder, burglary, grand theft, forgery, reckless driving and attempt ing to elude a policeman. He was arrested May 2 after a night-long search for a man who allegedly attempted to cash a check prepared by a check writing machine stolen from a construction company. Prosecutors have dismissed aggravated assault charges against former Bellaire police officer Larry Ward 1 recause the alleged victim cannot be found. Ned Morris, an assistant district attorney, said Por- firio Mendoza, 23, returned to Mexico after his recovery and neither U.S. nor Mexican government authorities can locate him. “I feel like the grand jury overreacted when they indicted Ward,” said his attor ney Bob Bennett. “From the feeling in the community they felt they had to do something with this policeman. He probably shouldn’t have been indicted in the first place. Ward resigned from the Bellaire department after the incident. Mendoza was shot Nov. 5 afterWard stopped his car for driving too slowly on the freeway. There was a knife in the car and accounts differ on what actually happened. The Battalion Opinions exjrressecl in The Battalion are those of the nished on request. Address: The Battalion, Room ^ editor or of the writer of the article and are not necessarily Reed McDonald Building, College Station, Texas T0 those of the University administration or the Board of Re- United Press International is entitled exclusively to d* gents. The Battalion is a non-profit, self-supporting use for reproduction of all news dispatches credited to' ! enterprise operated by students as a university and com- Rights of reproduction of all other matter herein resent munity newspaper. Editorial policy is determined by the Second-Class postage paid at College Station, TX 778# editor - MEMBER LETTERS POUCY Texas Press Association Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and are Southwest Journalism Congress subject to being cut to that length or less if longer. 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