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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 21, 1981)
I I 1 i 1 I I f The Battalion Viewpoint October 21, i i! ii Letter receives flood of response Editor: (This letter is in response to Mr. Gutier rez’ letter of Oct. 19) I would like to think that I am an indi vidual at this fine university, not just “another face in the crowd.” True, Texas A&M is conservative, but it does allow indi vidual expression. You must keep in mind the fact that our society has a difficult time accepting or merely understanding those who go against the established grain. Many people who consider themselves “good Ags” do not go to football games. They may not like the sport, or they may have something that they consider more important to do. Though they are teased and called “two-percenters”, it is usually said in the spirit of good humor. If it is not, maybe Mr. Gutierrez has got the wrong kinds of friends for his tastes. It seems very convenient to use Bonfire as an excuse for his poor academic perform ance. Believe it or not, many other Ags manage to work on Bonfire and keep their grades up. The freshman and sophomores in the Corps (and maybe even the juniors this year) have a minimum GPR they must meet in order to be able to work on Bonfire at night. That minimum may be 3.0 this year. Mr. Gutierrez is also probably una ware of the fact that last year, Keith White, the head redpot, managed to make a 4.0 with a major in Engineering and keep up with the many duties and responsibilities associated with that title. It is simply a mat ter of managing one’s time. Personal behavior is not governed by the masses.” To say that it is implies that Mr. Gutierrez does not have a sense of value which he believes in and is willing to stand up for. So, then, what kind of indi vidual is he? It may be hard for him to believe, but there are people who go here who are so cially active who do not have to base their behavior upon being loud and obnoxious, as the people with whom he associates seem to do. Although it is more of less a tradition to go out on Friday night and get drunk, it is not a law; and there is no one I know who has been labeled an outcast for not getting drunk. Insecurity often causes people to do theings they do not want to do, but since Mr. Gutierrez claims to be such an indi vidualist, this must not be the case. In regard to the “crap” he puts up with, since when has being friendly, saying “Howdy” to those you pass, holding Silver Taps, and taking your hat off in the MSG been regarded as a hardship? These tradi tions are less traditions than they are signs of regard for your fellow Ags and respect for a university that has been founded on the principles of honor, service, and integrity. But let us turn, then, to the most basic foundation of individualism: freedom of thought. Mr. Gutierrez’accusation that tra dition is at fault arises from his narrow mindedness. He is condemning the same thing that he elaims the establishment is condemning him for- freedom of thought. To hold an extreme view of either tradition alism or individualism is to be blind to the good aspects to be found in either position. It seems that Mr. Gutierrez thinks that his individualism is being stifled and has de cided that tradition is to be his and has decided that tradition is to be his scapegoat. He seems to be the victim of his own distorted, exaggerated view of some parts of University life. This view has apparently soured his entire outlook on life here at A&M. Not dorm’s opinion Editor: We, the men from Moses Hall, would like to come down from our ivory towers of supression, savagry, and falsehood; and take time out from our petty little fantasies and inventing new techniques of hurting people, to say we regret that Noe Gutierrez has not received as much satisfaction and fulfillment from attending this university as the rest of us. We would also like to let the masses know that Noe’s remarks do not, and will not reflect any opinions of Moses Hall. It’s no use trying to pick the column apart line by line, for the incoherency of it was ludicrous. But since Noe is a resident in our dorm, we would also like to take the time to apolo gize to anyone the article offended. Randy Lemmon ’84 Scott Gilbert ’84 Gary Pearce ’84 There are many examples of A&M’s re gard for individualism being important facet of the human experience. The Mod ern Art Exhibit at Rudder is one such ex ample. Texas A&M is indeed a conservative campus. But the possibilities for individual expression are nevertheless present. Peo ple who take an extreme stand on indi vidualism, in the way that Mr. Gutierrez has, can only hurt those who are actually trying to be individuals, because he has attacked a very sensitive issue with all the finesse and tact of a steamroller. It is possi ble to respect the traditions and values upon which this great university was found ed and still be an individual. Mr. Gutierrez last line, while being highly eloquent and expressive, smacks of a paranoia that undermines the validity of what he is trying to say. Don’t compare letters Editor: I would like to make it known that, although I appreciate Mr. Noe Gutierrez’s support of my article that appeared in the October 15 issue of The Battalion, his views are not in common with my own. The arti cle I wrote speaks for itself and should be considered as such. Thank you. Eric Mitchell Unfairly convicted Editor: Isabel Garcia ’83 Sean Hightower ’83 When I first read Noe Gutierrez’s letter, I immediately reacted with anger, resent ment, and hostility, but as I thought about It s your turn Greeks bring threat of change Editor: There are hundreds of universities in this country, and then there is Texas A&M. What makes A&M unique is its friendly, “everybody welcome” trademark. Organi zations like RHA, OCA, the MSG Commit tees, the sports clubs, the recreation clubs, and the various academic societies reflect this attitude because they offer “good times” for anyone who is willing to partici pate. People who might not otherwise take part may feel like a part of a group at A&M because no doors are closed to them. The recognition of the Greeks threatens to change these things. There is a legitimate fear that Greeks will come to dominate the social life at A&M, as they have at some other schools. Should this happen, the exclusive nature of Greek organizations is liable to leave many people left out of the social life altogether. The rule of thumb at some schools is: “If you ain’t Greek, then you ain’t. ” It would be a shame to see this attitude prevail at A&M. Though such “country club” stan dards may be fine at other schools, they hardly fit into the scheme of things at A&M. Realistically, the Greeks are here to stay, but recognizing them as on campus organi zations would be a step in the wrong direc tion. We have a good thing at A&M, so let’s work to preserve it. Keep your laundry Editor: thousands of energetic Aggies anticipating the first cut. Yet, to my surprise, the place was near empty. Only about 30 students associated with OCA bothered to show up. I live in McFadden Hall and on many occasions I have carried all my dirty clothes down four flights of stairs only to find the washroom full of guys doing their laundry. When I moved into McFadden I thought it was a girls dorm. I don’t appreciate these guys taking up my laundry space. There are not enough washing machines as it is without guys com ing over and trashing the place up. I am sick and tired of having to wait until after visita tion hours are over to wash my clothes so guys, keep your dirty laundry to yourself. You don’t have to show me yours and I won’t have to show you mine. Ags, I think thats disgraceful. At fish camp I was taught that Aggie spirit and tradition were extremely important. Is this no longer the case? I should think that out of the 23,000 students living off campus, more ought to experience the Aggie spirit and help with Bonfire. After all, it represents our burning desire to beat the hell out of t.u. We do want to win, don’t we? Brent Putman ’85 Letters policy Holly Wright ’85 OCA needs support Editor: Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 words in length, and are subject to being cut if they are longer. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit letters for style and length, but will make every effort to maintain the author’s intent. Each letter must also be signed, show the address and phone number of the writer. Brett Peabody ’82 Editor’s note: This letter was accompanied by 208 other signatures. I am writing in regard to the involvement of off-campus students in Bonfire. I’m not familiar with OCA’s participation in the past, but it seems to me that there is a lack of it this year. Saturday morning (Oct. 3) I rushed over to Duncan expecting to find hundreds if not Articles for Reader’s Forum are also wel come, and are not subject to the same length constraints as letters. Address all in quiries and correspondence to: Editor, The Battalion, 216 Reed McDonald, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843. Warped By Scott McCullar it more and more, my feelings changed quite drastically. Some of what he said, and some of his arguements were valid, but the way in which he went about solving his problem was quite radical and unnecessary. Most of the answers to his problems lie within him self, not in the University. He needs to re-examine his feelings and he will prob ably determine that his misery was self- induced. Every student up here at one time or another will experience school oriented problems. That’s life. We all face that. In many aspects, I pity Noe, because he is not being honest with himself. He is blaming the University and many innocent students for problems that involve only a small percentage of people. We have been convicted of a crime we did not commit. It such a fine University. Sheila Cloudt Legett Hall Catch the next train Editor: your fellow “inmates” at the "Moses of this virtual chamber of horrors 4 this plea. However, “Mr.” Gutierrez, my stinct tells me that you may have son* committed yourself to this “giant house. ” This is still a democracy, th sians haven’t invaded yet and youareij to leave this ghastly place as youn enter. I’m sure the “warden ” will than helpful in granting you an e: lease. By reading your letter, I eantel you have been rehabilitated and the less rest of us will be forever stuclti doom, forced to wallow in our own After you finally leave this place's^ come president of the Associationdl mer Self-Righteous Aggies, 1 hope find enough pity in your heart to forgiveness of our sins. I seriously doubt that I will ever watching another football game, wat another bonfire burn, drinking an beer at the Chicken, or dancing two-step at the Hall of Fame afterra your heartbreaking take... BUI SURE GONNA TRY!!! P.S. Noe: Hurry and run outside, a train going by! Dear Mr. Gutierrez, your letter to the editor of Oct. 19, 1981 struck the cords of my hear and those of many others, Tm sure. Tears welled up in my eyes and frequently blotted my Batt as I read this sorrowful account. What a pitiful case — being held prisoner in this hellhole for four years. It is my sincere wish — and I’m sure the wish of countless others — that you be rewarded with a parole as soon as possible. I’m sure Dean Men Editor’s note: A total of 19 lettersre#i | ing the letter written by Noe Gul have been received. Due to space I tions, only a portion of those letters run. The responses run here pro\il cross section of the sentiments expre by readers about Gutierrez’s comm bwk. Slouch By Jim Earle The: rithlar leak, (1 lis trail cross months have bi oner, art of irds ol Tuesda “rilhave to admit, I’d enjoy our celebration of t. u. s defenes tration more if Baylor hadn’t done what they did to us. ” The Battalion USPS 045 360 MEMBER Texas Press Association LOOK OUT FOR THAT S/^ALL DITCH IN THE ROAD?!? OH NO, HALF THE SHIP MENT HAS FALLEN nusr BE A NEW ADVERTISING G/MMICK. Editor Angelique Copeland Managing Editor Marcy Boyce City Editor Jane G. Brust Asst. City Editor Kathy O’Connell Photo Editor DaveEinsel Sports Editor Ritchie Priddy Focus Editor Cathy Saathoff Asst. Focus Editor . Debbie Nelson News Editors Phyllis Henderson Bernie Fette, Belinda McCoy Diana Sultenfuss Staff Writers Gary Barker Frank L. Christlieb, Randy Clements Gaye Denley, Nancy Floeck, Colette Hutchings Denise Richter, Mary Jo Rummel, Rick Stolle Nancy Weatherley, Barbie Woelfel Cartoonist Scott McCullar Graphic Artist Richard DeLeon Jr. Photographers Brian Tate Colin Valentine The Battalion also serves as a laboratory newspaper! students in reporting, editing and photography cits# within the Department of Communications. Questions or comments concerning any editorial m# should he directed to the editor. LETTERS POLICY Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 wordsi 1 length, and are subject to being cut if they are longer.®* editorial staff reserves the right to edit letters for style®" length, but will make every effort to maintain the author intent. Each letter must also be signed, show the addre* and phone number of the writer. Columns and guest editorials are also welcome,: not subject to the same length constraints as letter* Address all inquiries and correspondence to: Editor,® 1 Battalion, 216 Reed McDonald, Texas A&M UniversilJ' College Station, TX 77843. EDITORIAL POLICY The Battalion is a non-profit, self-supporting newspaper operated as a community service to Texas A&M University and Bryan-College Station. Opinions expressed in The Bat talion are those of the editor or the author, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Texas A&M Universi ty administrators or faculty members, or of the Board of Regents. The Battalion is published daily during Texas A&M stf and spring semesters, except for holiday and examinat# 1 periods. Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester, $33 $ per school year and $35 per full year. Advertising raW furnished on request. 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