Viewpoint
The Battalion Wednesday
Texas A&M University January 31, 1979
Slouch by Jim Earle
“THE BACK SIDE OF YOU SIGN SAYS THAT YOU ARE FOR’ GRASS
WALKING!”
Esoterica gaining
new respectability
By DICK WEST
WASHINGTON — It tells us something about our times that the $4 billion
pornography industry in the United States now has its own trade newsletter.
The question is: what does it tell us?
I mean, is the advent of a pornography newsletter a commentary on the decline
of morals in America? Or is it a commentary on the proliferation of newsletters?
Back to that in a moment. First, it should be noted that the pornography
newsletter, called TAB (The Adult Business) Report, is itself non-X-rated. I per
sonally would rate it PG.
It is perhaps a bit more racy than Service Station Week but somewhat less
salacious than Housing Affairs.
I haven’t read every line of the, ah, maiden issue, but those I did read contained
no four-letter words except words with four letters. And while some of the illus
trations included an element of nudity, they had about as much erotic impact as a
weather satellite photo of a low pressure area over Lake Erie.
Items in the 16-page monthly publication generally fall into two categories:
1. Accounts of brushes with the law by operators of porn movie houses, adult
bookstores, peep shows, go-go bars, swingers clubs, escort services, burlesque
palaces, massage parlors and bordellos.
2. New products, services and ideas. (An adult bookstore has as its motto:
“Purveyors of Fine Smut Since 1976 ”).
In short, TAB Report is more or less typical of the newsletter genre we have
come to know so well. It should surprise no one that Dennis Sobin, the publisher,
also publishes the “Federal Contracts Opportunities Report.”
It likewise should surprise no one that TAB Report is published here. New
York’s Times Square area may be the hub of erotica but Washington definitely is
the hotbed of esoterica.
There are more than 75 newsletter publishers listed in the local phone book and
they are only the tip of the Xerox. Many of the offices crank out “inside” reports on
more than one subject.
It probably would take a newsletter newsletter to keep track of them all.
What is the dissemination of so much esoterica doing to the fabric of our
society? Talk to any of the newsletter publishers and they will insist they are
performing a public service.
“The desire to be in the know is part of the human condition, ” the publisher of a
newsletter on boar bristle imports once told me. “One way or another the lust for
the lowdown it is certain to find an outlet. In satisfying that passion, newsletters
help prevent the spread of shoptalk and scuttlebutt.”
This may not make you less furtive about subscribing to Public Land News, but
at least you’ll know you’ve got plenty of company.
Letters to the Editor
Faculty express praise for Williams
Editor:
I have been requested by the faculty of
the College of Liberal Arts to express our
appreciation for the many contributions
that Dr. Jack Williams has made to Texas
A&M University during the past eight
years.
Scholars are chosen to administer uni
versities primarily because the important
decisions in performing this function must
be based.on judgment,: and it .can usually
be safely assumed that the judgment of a
scholar is based on values which academia
prizes.
Certainly this is true of Jack Williams.
He understands academic excellence and
the many facets of what it takes to further
it. He values and appreciates a good class
room teacher who has rapport with his or
her students, maintains high academic
standards, is enthusiastically interested in
his or her subject, and is determined that
the student be afforded an opportunity to
learn something worthwhile.
Dr. Williams understands and ap
preciates the sometimes lonely role of the
researcher and the necessary dedication to
the canons of objectivity, rigor and schol
arship. He is at home in the organizational
maze that is the university and under
stands the participatory roles that all in the
academic community must play if the or
ganization is to be its most effective.
Jack Williams was a highly efiective ex
ponent of our interests in areas of which
we know little. He represented and de
fended us to the public, to state and fed
eral agencies, legislative bodies, and other
entities. He did so with a wit and style that
was no small ingredient of his success.
As an administrator we shall miss him.
As a colleague we welcome him. There
could not be a more fitting addition to our
faculty.
—W. David Maxwell, Dean
College of Liberal Arts
Obnoxious fans
Editor:
I had the pleasure of going to Waco this
past Monday night and watching our Ag
gies crush the Baylor Bears 71-58. It was
an excellent game, perhaps the best I’ve
seen the Ags play in. Yet even in this great
game, there was something that took away
from the class of it — the Baylor fans.
I was amazed at how the fans reacted to
any official’s call which they considered
controversial. Paper cups often flew onto
the court followed by miniature Baylor
basketballs — these occasionally striking
the referees. At the end of the game, one
fan even jumped out of the stands onto a
ref. That’s sad.
Perhaps the single most enraging inci
dent was the paper and verbal insults
which flew at the Aggie bench when David
Britton fouled out. Not to be outdone, the
outspoken Britton kept his cool and
taunted the crowd with very humorous fa
cial expressions. He made sure that the
obnoxious crowd was aware of every point
that the Ags scored. To David Britton: a
well-done job, both on and off the court.
Verbal abuse is one of the only ways that
basketball fans can feel like a part of the
game, but I think that the Baylor fans went
a little bit too far. Standing in the midst of
the Baylor students, I was proud to say
that I was an Aggie. I don’t think our
well-mannered, intimidating crowds at G.
Rollie would ever stoop so low.
To the entire Aggie team — thanks for a
superb win, as well as the accompanying
kick in the butt to Baylor fans.
Needed: witness
Editor:
Since I’ve come to Texas A&M all I’ve
heard about are the “Good Ags.” Now I
need help from them.
Last Thursday night (Jan.25) while
traveling up Texas Avenue through the in
tersection directly in front of the campus, I
was broadsided. The car that hit mine ran
a red light, but after the arrival of the
police, the driver swore that the light had
been green. Needless to say, as a result of
his false testimony I am faced with more
than $1,000 worth of damage. '
I’m sure someone must have witnessed
the accident involving the white Firebird
and blue Thunderbird and would ap
preciate contacting me to help clarify the
situation.
—Mike Lasseter, ’81
Tricks not revealed
Editor:
I would like to clear up a few miscon
ceptions concerning “The World of Illu
sion” performance last Thursday night
(Jan. 25). In his review of the perform
ance, Battalion staff reporter Roy Bragg
claimed that illustionist Andre Kole told
how each trick was done and thus took all
the fun out of magic.
Bragg used an example to clarify his
opinion:
“For example, when a performer pulls
off his top hat and then empties thirty pi
geons and a box of panatella cigars out of
it, I call it a ‘neat trick.” However, if the
guy tells me beforehand that he has a col
lapsable bird cage and a secret compart
ment full of cigars in his jacket ...”
I was in attendance that night, and the
closest Andre Kole came to telling how
“something does or doesn’t work” was stat
ing that a particular trick was accom
plished by “purely natural means” (i.e. no
spirits, spooks, goblins, etc.). This is pos
sibly a small discrepancy, but I was under
the impression that a review contains the
reporter’s opinion of the event and not a
misrepresentation of the event. I com
mend Mr. Bragg for admitting that “It was
apparent from the crowd response that I’m
probably alone in my opinion.”
—Mark Albers, ”79
Pie-miscuity strikes
Editor:
Monday afternoon a brown grocery sack
containing a box which held a rhubarb pie
was taken from in front of my dorm room.
The pie had been set outside to keep it
cold and fresh. This was a homemade pie
that had been sent by my mother for my
brother. The sack had a name and phone
number on it so that it was obvious that it
was not trash.
I realize there is little chance for the pie
to be returned but it really surprises and
shocks me that a “fellow Ag” would choose
to take it.
Quite a bit of care and consideration
went into that pie and I feel this gives an
unfavorable impression of an Aggie.
Put yourself in the shoes of the intended
recipient. A care package from home is al
ways welcomed with anticipation. I hate to
see such excitement end in disappoint
ment.
—^Adelaide Bratten, ”82
Seeing not believing
Editor:
’ --rticlc in Friday’s (Jan.
26) Battalion entitled “Illusionist blows
magic’s fun,” I felt it necessary to more
fully explain Andre Kole’s approach.
From the opening of his act (and even in
the advance publicity), Mr. Kole made it
clear that he wanted his audience to be
entertained. However, he didn’t want the
audience to actually believe he was capa
ble of performing supernatural ‘ TlflfBff B
This relates directly to hiV'faith irffjjRSifs
Chist and God’s supreme authority ,in the
realm of the “spirit world.”
At several points in the program he
made it clear that he wanted to present the
truth. He referred to extensive studies
he’s done in black magic and the occult
and came to the conclusion that communi
cation with the dead is impossible.
This is consistent with the Bible’s teach
ing on that subject. He also exposed the
farce of the Bermuda Triangle based on
well-documented evidence. As a Christian
he desires to speak the truth: “For our ap
peal does not spring from error or unclean
liness, nor is it made with guile, we speak
to please God who tests our hearts” — 1
Thessalonians 1:3,4.
Mr. Kole had a message to communi
cate with great sincerity and love in his
heart for every person in the audience. He
^ajja^e-it clear that tfaei last part of the show
■’Would be devofed to the “spiritual part of
-our lives’ and tbat iffiiyone who might feel
uncomfortable would be free to leave dur
ing a short intermission — few chose to
leave.
What followed was a moving testimony
of God’s love for us through the life, death,
and resurrection of His beloved son Jesus
Christ. Contrary to what is implied in the
article, the only people invited to pray
were those who wanted to make a sincere
commitment to Christ.
—David L. Bierschwale, ’80
Public funds to finance
congressional elections?
By DON PHILLIPS
United Press International
WASHINGTON — In the last election,
private political action committees spent
$32 million to support congressional can
didates. This was more than six times the
amount spent by the national Democratic
and Republican parties.
In 1976, Sen. John Heinz, R-Pa., spent
$2.3 million of his own money in his suc
cessful election effort.
A survey by the House Democratic
Study Group of 90 House races in 1978
showed that 81 of the 180 candidates spent
more than $200,000 on their campaigns.
These examples have frightened many
House and Senate leaders. They have con
cluded that money is becoming far too im
portant in elections, and they are making
serious moves this year to do something
about it.
Their solution — campaign spending
limits and partial public financing —
likewise frightens many others, particu
larly Republicans, who fear that placing
the heavy hand of government on the elec
tion process will only make things worse.
Presidential elections already are pub
licly financed through the $1 income tax
checkoff system. But opponents say this is
a special case and quite simple to accom
plish, compared to developing a fair sys
tem for 435 House districts with varying
geographic and expense problems.
Running for office in New York’s silk
stocking districts is far different from run
ning for the one House seat in Alaska.
House Republican leader John Rhodes
of Arizona is one of the chief opponents of
public financing. He calls it “so ludicrous
that I’m surprised that anyone would rec
ommend it.”
Rhodes and others feel that campaign
financing would give incumbents an edge
because challengers would not be able to
spend as much money as they like to be
come as well known as the incumbent.
Since the House is 2-to-l Democratic,
most challengers would be Republicans.
Proponents of public financing — led by
Rep. Abner Mikva, D-Ill., and including
the entire House Democratic leadership
— dispute these claims and say that
money is a far worse threat to the political
system than any possible problems with
public financing.
“We’re afraid we will get to the point
that elections will go to the highest bid
der,” said House Democratic whip John
Brademas.
The reputed villains in this case are
political action committees — called PACs
— which are set up by corporations, labor
unions, trade associations and others to
further their own interests by supporting
candidates who support them.
PACs still could contribute to cam
paigns under public financing, but their
powers would be severely diminished.
Whatever the arguments for and against
public financing, this appears the year that
it has its best chance of passage.
The Democratic leadership is pushing
public financing as its No. 1 priority. And
even the GOP camp is not solidly against
it. Its main sponsors include Reps. John
Anderson of Illinois, No. 3 House Repub
lican, and Barber Conable of Illinois, rank
ing GOP member of the Ways and Means
Committee.
The House Administration Committee,
which last year rejected a public financing
plan, has been packed with new members
this year who support public financing.
The Mikva plan would limit campaign
spending to $150,000 plus 20 percent for
fund raising plus 10 percent for one mail
ing within the district. The candidate
could not spend more than $25,000 of per
sonal funds.
Public funds would be available to
match dollar-for-dollar each contribution
of $100 or less.
Candidates would not be forced into the
financing system. But if they did not, then
their opponents would not be forced to
adhere to spending limitations.
For now, the Senate has not been in
cluded in the bill. But the Senate would
have to pass it and there might be some
effort to include Senate campaigns before
final passage.
The House Democratic leadership will
attempt to have the bill signed into law
before the August recess, giving public
financing its first real test in the 1980 elec
tions.
But many will remember that public
financing last year appeared assured of
passage when key mistakes were made and
dozens of supporters jumped ship at the
last minute. When politicians deal with a
subject this close to home, and that sub
ject is complicated by the presence of big
money, anything can happen.
Top of the News
STATE
Trial set for UT assault case
A University ofTexas fraternity member and two pledges accused of
the sexual assault of another student will go on trial Feb. 12. The three,
all associated with Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, were indicted in
October on charges of aggravated assault, which carries a sentence of
2-10 years in prison. The three are fraternity member Ron Alan
Wilson, 19, and pledges James Patrick Henson, 19, and Robert Taylor
Herrin III, 18. The charges stem from an Aug. 31, 1978, attack ona
freshman student who was walking to his room on pledge night for the
fratemity. The victim told police he and his roommate were grabbed
by two men and dragged to nearby bushes, then were taken to a garage
where they were stripped, robbed and subjected to a sexual attack.
The victim later withdrew from school and has filed a $1.1 million
damage suit against the fraternity and the three men accused in the
attack.
Bill to help counties save money
as
400,00
That Hi
Research
State Uni
A scien
study, wl
neglect in
done aboi
conductei
Criminal
A total
abused or
children I
children i
16.7 perc
Regard
percent h
37 percer
Sen. Roy Blake, D-Nacogdoches, Tuesday introduced a bill allowing
counties, at their option, to purchase supplies through the State Board
of Control. Blake said the legislation would allow county officials to
protect some of their dwindling financial assets. Under the bill, coun
ties would be required each year to submit to the Board of Control a
resolution adopted by the commissioner’s court requesting participa
tion in the program. Counties would be required to purchase through
the board contracts except in cases of emergency and would he respon
sible for direct payment to the vendor. “Many counties in Texas are
suffering from a weak tax base that may be further weakened by
enabling legislation of the property tax relief amendment, and this is
one area in which they could receive some real help,” Blake said.
NATION
Judge says ‘no' to death penalty
Regai
that 671
physical
experien
Of the
child, on
not repo
to, or a I
The fi:
neglect (
\lui
o r
A state judge has declared Illinois’ new death penalty law uncon
stitutional, possibly preventing authorities from seeking the death
penalty for suspected mass sex killer John Wayne Gacy. The Monday
ruling by Cook County Circuit Court Judge William Cousins Jr. will
not bind other judges in the state, though, unless it is upheld on
appeal. A spokesman for State’s Attorney Bernard Carey said the
decision will be appealed. Gacy, who confessed to the sex killings of32
boys and young men, has been formally charged with seven killings. If
Cousins’ ruling is upheld it could prevent Carey from seeking the
death penalty for Gacy. Cousins’ ruling came when the state attorneys
office asked that Ronald Brown, 19, convicted Dec. 22 of murder,
aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery, be sentenced to death.
The judge said the law is unconstitutional because it gives the state’s
attorney in each county “unlimited discretion” in the decision whether
to seek capital punishment. The law provides that, after a conviction,
the state’s attorney may— if he feels the case fits specific criteria—ask
for another “trial” to determine whether a death sentence should be
imposed. Cousins said that procedure results in “vast differences
countywide in the statute’s application.”
4 killed in natural gas explosion
Four men were killed and two injured shortly before noon Tuesday
when a natural gas explosjpn rocked a dormitory building on a federal
penitentiary honor farm in Beverly, Mb., trapping them inside. Au
thorities said between two and four other persons are believed trapped
inside the collapsed building but day-long snow was severely hamper
ing rescue efforts. Initial reports said three of the fatalities were
inmates and the other a prison guard, but identities were not im
mediately available. The explosion apparently caused the first floor,
where the inmates were working on a truck, to collapse into the
basement. “Apparently everyone has been accounted for, there are
just some that they can’t get to, ” a Missouri Highway Patrol spokesman
said. Rescue crews from Platte County, the highway patrol and the
U. S. Penitentiary were at the scene using heavy equipment to attempt
and clear the debris and reach the missing persons.
By !
Bat
Tie Texas
ihy Dane
te who wi
a chance
opportu
fler from
trhe danc
I. 17 in
toon until n
»red by 0
anally rece
?Ihe puq
lise mone>
why Assc
Muscular
ame for
estroying
ireditary \
ial musch
WORLD
Snipers kill soldiers in Beirut
Heavy sniper fire paralyzed sections of Beirut’s eastern suburbs
Tuesday with several soldiers from the United Arab Emirates contin
gent of the Arab Deterrent Force reported killed. Police said at least
three United Arab Emirates soldiers were hospitalized with wounds
and two others were killed when their jeep came under fire in a
no-mans-land separating rightist Christian militiamen and the Syrian
peacekeeping force in an eastern suburb. The soldiers were going to
Beirut from their permanent positions further east. “They must have
lost their way and moved into the disputed area. Each side must have
mistaken their jeep for an enemy vehicle,” a police official said.
Machine gun exchanges and sniper fire kept most of the Christian
rightwing suburb of Ain Rummaneh and its adjacent neighborhoods
closed, residents reported.
WEATHER
Partly cloudy with cold nights and mild afternoons through
Thursday. High Wednesday low 50’s, low early Thursday
mid 20’s.
The Battalion
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.
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 published on Tuesday
through Thursday.
Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester; $33.25 per
school year; $35.00 per full year. Advertising rates furnished
on request. Address: The Battalion, Room 216, Reed
McDonald Building, College Station, Texas 77843.
United Press International is entitled exclusively to the
use for reproduction of all news dispatches credited to it.
Rights of reproduction of all other matter herein reserved.
Second-Class postage paid at College Station, TX 77843.
MEMBER
Texas Press Association
Southwest Journalism Congress
Editor Kimll I
Managing Editor LizNel
Assistant Managing Editor .AndyWl I
Sports Editor David Boj I
City Editor Scott Pen<!l , I
Campus Editor Steve I
News Editors Debbie Ps' 5 'I
Beth Calhoun
Staff Writers Karen Rogers,^
Patterson, Sean Petty, D>
Blake, Dillard Stone, 1
Bragg, Lyle Lovett
Cartoonist DougGi* 1
Photo Editor Lee Roy LesckpS
Photographer Lynn Bl*
Focus section editor Gary" 1 *
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
Regents. The Battalion Ls a non-profi, 1
supporting enterprise operated by sw
as a university and community iieiwi*?
Editorial policy is determined by thee*
'
a