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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 27, 1981)
Viewpoint o< The Battalion Texas A&M University Tuesday January 27, 1980 Slouch By Jim Earle “High interest rates, high inflation rates, high unemployment — I’m beginning to loose my patience with President Reagan.’’ U.S., Mexico need cooperation on border By MARIO G. OBLEDO Recent reports that the first 4 miles of the new, $2 million fence between the United States and Mexico already resemble a sieve bring us more evidence of this country’s proc livity to ignore its own best interests some times. Fences to keep out the undocumented worker aren’t the answer. U.S.-Mexico well being would be better served by open, barrier- free border and increased understanding, in teraction and cooperation. Predictably, the immediate reaction to this proposal will be negative. The conventional but mistaken wisdom has been that the un documented worker takes jobs from U.S. citizens, burdens our welfare system, and cre ates other social problems. It is becoming more widely recognized, however, that undocumented workers are not the liaibility they are thought by many to be. The truth is, they pay hundreds of millions of dollars in federal and state taxes and — for fear of detection, detainment and deportation — rarely utilize the services their taxes support. They migrate to this country only in quest of work. Generally, they take only menial, low- paying and low-prestige jobs unwanted by American citizens. They create skilled, high- paying and more desirable jobs for others by purchasing goods and services. The money they send back to their relatives has, in part, enabled Mexico to become the third largest purchaser of U.S. products in the world. It is not too late for both countries to forge a pact leading to cooperation, mutual respect, and prosperity. But to do so, the United States must abandon its barricade mentality and the paternalism prevalent in its policies toward Mexico. Mexico, on the other hand, must avoid a perception of the U.S. as the principal cause of all bilateral problems and acknowledge the im pact of its own policies on mutual concerns. Each must recognize its interdependence with the other and enter into a bold, different re lationship which enhances both countries’ eco nomic well-being. The Immigration and Naturalization Service should be reorganized to exclude its present law enforcement activities. INS offices at bor der sites should be established to verify that incoming workers are Mexican citizens and to regulate an orderly entry process. The Border Patrol assigned to the Mexican border should be converted to a resettlement agency, providing information and referral services to Mexican immigrants. The available work force in Mexico need not be seen in the U.S. as a problem, but as an opportunity to increase our productivity, strength, and security. Jobs are available in this country which range from aeronautical en gineers to the service industries and beyond. We need skilled as well as manual labor. The recommendations set forth here are not inclusive. Other approaches will and should be advanced. To continue the status quo is the most futile of all. No fence, no threats, and no reprisals will stop the flow of economic re fugees. The situation can only worsen if we fail to recognize and make accommodations to what is evident. Mexico has people, oil, gas, and other natural resources, but lacks the capability to explore, develop and market them. Such a situation pro vides both countries an opportunity to mini mize their separate weaknesses, maximize their strengths and enter an era of mutual assistance Warped The hostages: Not meddling in Iranian politics might have prevented embassy takeover By JON DAVIS It is quite possible that the Iranians in all | y their vociferous outbursts and embassy takeov- JA0cl.Cl.0T S ers may really have something worthwhile to say to the American people. It is a shame that no one wants to listen. Perhaps had we two years ago paid attention to them we could have averted this latest crisis in American foreign policy. The same people who inherit Jefferson’s works are called “Demonic Imperialists” be cause we may have helped deny a people these rights which “we hold to be self evident” and dear. If we have marred our image as a free dom-loving people who support the growth of democratic institutions, we should ask ourselves how and why. What made us trade these principles? Was it the dollar, a gallon of gas, or an Iran free of Soviet domination? Are we not seeing each one of these goals/profits forum disappear over the Zagros mountains due to perhaps the mishandling of the situation start ing back in the early 1950s? What were our reasons for not supporting Mossadegh? Why did we support the Shah’s coup in 1953? How many people were killed so that the British, French and American oil com panies could control the oil fields of Iran? What were the chances of Iran falling into the Soviet camp and are those chances not greater today? If we spurn our own principles of democracy by aiding in the overthrow of the legal go* ment in a foreign country, how can we that country later to respect such principl diplomatic immunity or embassy sanctity? If someone knowledgeable on this would present a scholarly article to this help enlighten those of us who shout, “Ni]| till they glow” he or she would be doing service. If someone would objectively st facts without the bias and emotionalism cl teristic of information provided by the Irani Student Association and American “knowi things” it would benefit every one of us perhaps save us from making mistakes wli might lead us to yet another “hostage crisis' ■ i even a war. Welcome home, hostages. Perhaps Amei owes you an apology for suffering for our si Jon Davis is a senior modern languages dent. “Cad !}()< which could provide benefits far into the next century for us all. How can the two countries take advantage of this situation? To begin, the Presidents of the respective countries should meet to articulate an agenda of issues leading to the creation of a common market for textiles, medicinals, food stuffs, oil, gas, clothing and other products. In addition, a center of higher learning at a border point should be established to supply expertise to structure the common market. A treaty should be signed providing for the incarceration of convicted persons in their own country, and both countries, acting jointly, should play a stronger role in strengthening trade and cultural ties within this hemisphere. Mexico should begin drafting a long-term, reasonable compact with the U.S. for the supp ly of its energy needs. Investment preference should be given to American corporations. Foreign investment by Mexican citizens should be prohibited. These measures would encour age increased capital for Mexico, thus providing funds for resource development and jobs. Mas sive training programs should be established relating to employment opportunities in the U.S., and the instruction of English and Amer ican history should be required in every school. The U.S. should give priority attention to Mexico and recognize it as an equal partner in socio-economic affairs. U.S. profits from Mex ican investments should be excluded from Fed eral income taxes, but deductions for any losses should be allowed. X// Don’t forsake memories of the rescuers (Mario G. Obledo is the founder of the Na tional Coalition of Hispanic Organizations. He presently serves as Secretary of the State of California’s Health dr Welfare Agency. His views do not necessarily represent those of the State of California or of the administration of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.) Editor: Sunday, Jan. 25, 1981 was indeed a red-letter day for all Americans. With joyous songs; yel low ribbons in their hair, and a tremendous tolling of bells, millions of Americans cele brated the homecoming of the 52 former hos tages. After 444 days of torture and captivity they finally returned home to their loved ones. Throughout the country, church bells rang sounding the long awaited freedom of our fel low-citizens. The city of Los Angeles celebrated with church bells and flags. In other cities these men and women were honored with 52-gun salutes. The city of Mesquite went so far as to hold a benefit concert to raise money for the marble monument which is to be placed in front of city hall in honor of hometown hero John McKeel. Even the Super Bowl took time out to salute the freed Americans with 80,000 yellow ribbons. And now, after 14 months of foul conditions, beatings, and the other “acts of savagery” as one government employee put it, the wait is over, all of our people are home and safe with their families — wrong! In the midst of all of the hoopla and excite ment we have seemingly forgotten the grandest heroes of all, the eight men who gave tbeir lives trying to deliver the Americans from captivity. Whether the rescue mission was poorly plan ned or not is beside the point — we tried, and we failed. During this restive week there are eight American families that we must not forget, for their sons have done a great deed for their country and fellow man. 52 Americans and their families have literally lost 444 days of their lives, while eight other families don’t consider that to be much of a sacrifice. I wish I knew the names of these people, for they are the real heroes, and I would like to thank them and let them know that I haven’t forgotten. Tony Weber ’84 Article irrelevant’ Editor: “Whoever said that athletes should be seen and not heard”. . . who cares? It seems at the start of every year there is a flagrant and irrele vant article about athletes written by Battalion sportswriters (namely Ritchie Priddy and ex- sportswriter Mark Patterson) or students wor ried about maroon and white windbreakers and what should or should not be written on them; remember the “identity crisis'? But then what can we, as athletes, expect from a certain groi| of people who are obviouly not known fortki spirit and support of A&M’s athletic teamst the tone and reproach of their articles. Orwasi sportswriter Priddy s turn to write a coliimi and from lack of imagination he fell intolli same yearly trend of criticism of athletes. We feel that Mr. Priddy needs to spen more time supporting the basketball team it stead of watching the athlete section. Wetvei at the A&M-Rice game and the athleti cheered just as much as any other section Rollie White (not just a “few” or “some’’accoi ing to Priddy). Why should anyone be so concerned* how “pretty” the athletes look when the mi purpose of attending a home A&M game is to give spirit and support. Ritchie? John B. Dawson ’81 basketbal i e] Editor’s note: This letter was accom 12 other signatures. By Scott McCullar Far, weVe keen fo^r Without" a. home, buT not" w/thouT stcr Free, only want to fce free We huddle close 4 hang on to \\/ fUt Jte cl m On the loafs and on the p[<xl\es They're coming fo America /Vever looking ixxcK ajajn They're coming fo America Home, don't if Seem so far au/ay We Ve traveling light today Xn the eye of the storm Xn the eye of the storm.... ..They're coming to America. They're coming fo America. "fhey're coming fo America^ They're coming to America. Today, Tcda.y, Today "a . " Amer i ca. Veil DiaiK.o*v<) The Battalion l" S P S 045 560 MEMBER Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism C.ongres Questions or comments concerning any editorial mam should be directed to the editor. Editor Dillard Stone Managing Editor Angelique Copeland , Asst. Managing Editor Todd Woodard City Editor Debbie Nelson Asst. City Editor Marcy Boyce News Editors Venita McCellon, Scot K. Meyer Sports Editor Richard Oliver Focus Editor Cathy Saathoff Asst. Focus Editor Susan Hopkins Staff Writers Carolyn Barnes, Jane G. Brust, Terry Duran, Cindy Gee, Jon Heidtke, Belinda McCoy, Kathy O’Connell, Ritchie Priddy, Rick Stolle Cartoonist Scott McCullar Photo Editor Greg Gammon Photographer Brian Tate LETTERS POLICY Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 words in l and are subject to being cut if they are longer. The editorial sl^ reserves the right to edit letters for style and length, but IB make every effort to maintain the author’s intent. EachklH' must also be signed, show the address and phone number 10 writer. Columns and guest editorials are also welcome, and areal 1 subject to the same length constraints as letters. Address f inquiries and correspondence to: Editor, The Battalion, 21’ Reed McDonald, Texas A&M Vniversitv, College Station f 77843. EDITORIAL POUCY The Battalion is a non-profit, self-supporting newspaper op erated as a community service to Texas A&M University and Bryan-CoHege Station. Opinions expressed in The Battalion are those of the editor or the author, and do not necessarily repre sent the opinions of Texas A&M University administrators or faculty members, or of the Board of Regents. The Battalion is published daily during Texas A&M'sfallinJ spring semesters, except for holiday and examination period! Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester, $33.25 per sclwd year and $35 per full year. Advertising rates furnished on to quest. Our address: The Battalion, 216 Reed McDonald Buildini Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. United Press Internationa) is entitled exclusively to the u» for reproduction of all news dispatches credited to it. Rights d reproduction of all other matter herein reserved. Second class postage paid at College Station, TX 77843. 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