i;i!'
The Battalion
V IE WPOINT
Lo
November 18,1981
Slouch
By Jim Earle
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SLOUCH 1953-1981
3600 CARTOONS LATER
Debate turns into free-for-all
fl
r
With controversial issues, you expect a
heated debate. Last night s debate wasn’t
even lukewarm.
The issues supported by the Moral Ma
jority (anti-abortion, anti-homosexuality
and pro-morality) should have provided
plenty of material for debate. Instead, Fred
Mason, for the Moral Majority in Texas,
and John B. Duncan, with the American
Civil Liberties Union, flopped. It’s becom
ing this year’s trend in debates.
Rather than debating the issues, each
man gave a pre-packaged promotional spiel
for his organization.
However, I was treated to a circus: Ro
man style.
Mason and Duncan were like gladiators
pleading for the audience’s approval so they
wouldn t be slaughtered. Duncan was quite
theatrical with his stories on the recent sa
ber incident. When he wandered back to
the debate topic, he sensationalized the
“danger” to citizens if certain Moral Major
ity programs were to become law.
Even though I’m against the reinstate
ment of voluntary prayer in the public
schools, I can’t seriously believe it would
lead to a “Church of the United States” with
the president as head, as Duncan warned.
Hrr
if - %
Nancy
W!/
Weather
ey
Also, I don’t feel the Moral Majority’s
presence in America is going to lead to a
bloody religious revolution in the vein of
Khomenini’s revolution.
However, I may be wrong because
Mason never refuted any of Duncan’s
claims. He talked a lot on the Moral Major
ity’s right to air their views, but if he men
tioned any issues at all, they were vague. It
was as though Mason was scared someone
(Jerry Falwell, perhaps?) was looking over
his shoulder.
Some of the audience must have agreed it
wasn’t a good debate, because when they
weren’t practicing their yell-practice
sounds, they were shouting one-liners at
Duncan and Mason.
At one point I thought the circuswoolj
stop. A “former Ag” approached the rak
rophone and publicly chastised theaudi
ence for their behavior. Others, like my
self, who had paid our 50 cents to see;
serious debate, decided to join thecirat
just once and cheered the man.
Perhaps the audience should have beet
debating the speakers. Quite a lewquei
tions asked at the end of the program deal
ing with the Moral Majority’s standonab
tion were more to the point and relev*
than had been debated earlier.
Even with such straight-forward qi»
tions as “What is the Moral Majority’s
tion on abortion if the pregnancy jut
caused by rape or incest? Mason managec
to reply without giving a straight answer
I le said statistics on that happeningweir
so low we shouldn’t concern ourselveswit!
it. That’s too bad for the girl asking lb
question; it happened to her. i
In the end, it was Duncan who receivd
the sought-after thumbs-up sign
approval. But it wasn’t due to any gi
debating skills; most of the audience
rived with their opinions already wel
formed.
§J«
fill
iiyii
111
Bonfire debate: is the spirit misguided
?
Eva Jacl
Robert 1
Let the burning
desire never die
Editor:
I am writing in response to the letters by-
Mrs. Carter and Dr. Carter. I feel that bon
fire is a worthwhile project for both the
civilian students, and the Corps. It is a pro
ject that promotes unity in the student
body. In regard to the size, I will admit that
when my father went here, it was not as big
as it is today. I would not go so far as to say
that it was a pile of scrap wood, and it only
took a few weekends to build. My father
had to go out gnd carry logs that were as tall
or taller than 50 feet. It also took more than
just a few weekends to build. This was back
in 1956, so that was no more than 25 years
ago. I would like' to know how you know so
much about bonfire, as you have not been
here more than a few years ago. To the
response that it is a waste of wood is utter
nonsense. The trees that are cut for bonfire
would have been bulldozed down and
burned to clear the land. There have ony
been two people who have died since the
beginning of this tradition. I do feel sorry
about these unfortunate circumstances.
But do you really want to stop the tradition
of bonfire for this? If you want to, then why
not stop the tradition of Christmas since so
many people have been killed in accidents
while going home. You are entitled to your
opinion and I respect it. I feel that I speak
for quite a few when I say I hope we always
have a bonfire, and that that burning desire
that unites the student bodv NEVER EX
PIRES.
Charles Miksch ‘85
Company C-l
good examples are the Corps’ March to the
Brazos for the March of Dimes and a girl I
know who visits the elderly on a regular
basis. I don’t think that cutting firewood for
the needy could even compare to the good
works done by the students here year
round. Especially since most poor folks
don’t have fireplaces or wood stoves. This
school is full of compassionate caring people
who really don’t care to he mentioned by
Paul Harvey or Johnny Carson. That is what
Aggie Spirit is all about.
bonfire is a work of art, and a magnificent
one, at that.
Matthew N. Belden ‘78
Flag divides, not
unites students
Student s advisor
raises questions
Editor:
Editor’s note: This letter was accompanied
by 80 other signatures. '
Bonfire is Aggie
art masterpiece
Editor:
The Battalion
USPS 045 360
MEMBER
Texas Press Association
Southwest Journalism Congress
Editor Angelique Copeland
Managing Editor . Marey Boytle
City Editor Jane G. Brust
Asst. City Editor Katliy O'Connell
Photo Editor ])ave Einsel
Sports Editor Ritchie Priddy
Focus Editor Cathy Saathoff
Asst. Focus Editor Debbie Nelson
News Editors Phyllis Henderson
Bernie Felte, Belinda McCoy
Diana Sultenfuss
StaffWriters Gary Barker
Frank L. Christlieb, Randy Clements
Gave Denley, Nancy Floeck, Tim Foarde
Colette Hutchings, Daniel Puckett
Denise Richter, Mary Jo Hummel, Kick Stolle
Nancy Weatherley, Barbie Woelfel
Cartoonist Scott McCullar
Graphic Artist Richard DeLeon Jr.
Photographers Daniel Sanders,
Colin Valentine
EDITORIAL POLICY
The Bnttnlion is a non-profit, self-supporting newspaper
operated as a community service to Texas A&M University
and Bryan-Collcf'c Station. Opinions expressed in The Bat
talion are those of the editor or the author, and do not
necessarily represent theopinions of Texas A&M Universi
ty administrators or faculty members, or of the Board of
Beyents.
The Battalion also verves as a laboratory newspaper for
students in reporting, editing and photofiraphy classes
within the Department of Communications.
Questions or comments concerning any editorial matter
should be directed to the editor.
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the Editor should not exceed 3(X) 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, hut will make every effort to maintain the author’s
intent. Each letter must also he signed, show the address
and phone number of the writer.
Columns and guest editorials are also welcome, and are
not sohjeet to th same ha.-. 'onstrain! - ’ -Iters.
Address all inquiries atiu con espoudence to. isuuor. The
Battalion, 216 Reed McDonald, Texas A&M Universitv,
College Station, TX 77843.
The Battalion is published daily during Texas A&M’s fall
and spring semesters, except for holiday and examination
periods. Mail subscriptions are $16.75 per semester, $33.25
per school year and $35 per full year. Advertising rates
furnished on request.
Our address: The Battalion, 216 Reed McDonald Build
ing, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 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.
Both Dr. and Mrs. Carter asked some
very good questions regarding the bonfire.
I feel compelled to give what I think are the
best answers.
First of all, thousands of Aggies give of
their time freely to needy causes, on both
an organized and on a personal level. Two
Secondly, as far as the danger is con
cerned, I will grant that the bonfire is much
too close to too many houses, and I think it
should be moved to a safer place. However,
the work involved is not nearly as danger
ous as driving down Texas Avenue at 5 p. m.
I spent four years (’74-’78) working at the
cutting site and on the stack and I speak
from experience. We are never totally safe
at anytime but that shouldn’t stop us from
living.
Lastly, the purpose of the bonfire. Bon
fire is a form of self expression, our master
piece, if you will. It is a symbol of the tilings
this University stands for, and involves a
concerted, dedicated effort by those who
are involved. If the bonfire is waste of time
and wood, then Frederick Remington
should have spent his time using bronze to
make doorknobs instead of statues. The
Oh magnificent Bonfire!
You pre-eminent tradition.
You are the rallying symbol to all faithful
Aggies.
Your value is uncountable,
Your cost trivial —
Only a forest,
A thousand gradepoints.
Danger to nearby residents,
And now — a human life.
Would any faithful member of the A&M
community
Who respects all that is good in Aggie
tradtions
Question the merits of you.
Tradition of all traditions?
Maybe just me.
Editor:
Why is there a confederate Hag on lit
bonfire stack? I know some peoples
school that think the flag represents lk
“Rebel Spirit and “Good Bull." Tlii
would be fine if it was a University flag
something else. To me and other people!
this campus, it stands for many things#
eluding racism and the institution
slavery.
If some people want to, they can put4
confederate or Nazi flag in their roomom
their car; that ’s fine. When they put it«
something that is supposed to representtk
school spirit for a football game, theyoffen
and alienate a portion of the student bodi
The purpose of bonfire is to unify thest#
dents in a common cuase.
I do not understand the infatuationwil
using the confederate flag to stand for 1
bel Spirit, ” hut please refrain from doings
when you are not just representing you
self.
Sti
to
pe
By
Glenn Gardner U
C. Richard Shumway
Advisor to the late Wiley K. Jopling
Editor’s note: This letter was accompanied
by 11 other signatures.
It’s your turn
Three
Irian-veh
acted on;
ate meet
rington.
Bill,
and Mote
ing Space
presen te
lly the St
tee, said
affairs a
inittee.
The l
recomnn
Police t
illegally
raotorcyi
driven <
courages
adopt a
motorcy
offender
The
which \s
dent Sci
mends t
Hf
12th Man should back coach as well as team
To.
Editor:
Pot smoking appalling
In the history of Texas A&M football only-
two coaches have been allowed to maintain
their positions for more than eight seasons.
These two men were 13.X. Bible and Hom
er H. Norton. They are also the only two
coaches to lead the Aggies to more than one
SWC championship. Bible guided A&M to
the conference crown in 1917, 1919, 1925
and 1927. Norton’s teams captured the title
in 1939, 1940 and 1941, winning the Na
tional Championship in 1939.
Roth of these men were given the three
essential items that a coach needs to form a
winning football program: the support of his
players, the backing of his fans, and the
time to accomplish his goals.
Our “burning desire” to win should not
cause us to alienate members of our own
family. Tom Wilson is part of the Aggie
Family. His football program is just now
being weaned into maturity. If it is given a
chance to grow, under his guidance, it may
blossom into a winner.
Are we Aggies going to allow Coach Tom
Wilson to be run out of town the same way
Emory Ballard was, by the fingertips of the
Alumni’s checkbooks?
Editor:
Aggie football during the past 30 years
did ont gain respect for some awesome
number of victories or conference crowns.
Instead it is reknowned because of the spirit
of the players and the Twelfth Man.
We (the student body) have always sup
ported the players. How about now rising
up and supporting a man who has given his
heart and soul to Texas A&M; Coach Tom
Wilson.
We must not let the Alumni run another
Good Ag out of town.
Recently I have witnessed a number of
students smoking pot on campus. They
were seen both in dorm rooms, as well as
walking to class. Frankly, I was appalled. I
couldn’t believe Texas A&M students
would do something like that. I hope the
users realize what they are doing to their
bodies and the University’s reputation.
Texas A&M University regualtions state:
“You may not manufacture, posses, have
under your control, sell, transmit, or use
any illegal narcotic, stimulant, or halluci
nogenic drug on campus.” The Bible tells
us not to harm our bodies. U.S. law pro
hibits the use of pot. They have a point.
Using grass has physiological effects on the
body, such as altering sense of time and
reasoning, altering perception of spatial re
lations, affecting short-term memory, male
testosterone levels, and causing disorienta
tion, headaches, nausea, depression and
the like. It may well enhance one’s activi
ties, but for the risks involved enhance
ment is not a sufficient reason to use the
drug. Ags are known for being good, law-
abiding citizens. It’s a shame that a few
want to lower our prestige.
needed? Several times this has happened to
me. But I always check the restroom before
I give up on finding it.
It is really bad when a group of mature
people don’t know how to put books where
they belong or at least on the shelves desig
nated for books to be reshelved.
Coming from a small town with a small
library I appreciate the number of re
courses available to me in our library here
at A&M. I think others would too if they
realized how bad other universities had it
with a closed library where you have to ask
at the front desk for books instead of being
able to browse through the library.
So if you go to the library, and can’t find a
book be sure to check the restroom before
you quit looking.
contain some — like orange juice— offfl
ing the health concious student a rei
choice.
Junk food eaters have it made, Will
others like me are left feeling worn outaml
unable to cope because they don tgetprop-
er nutrition. Why should the health con
cious student be left out when junk food
eaters are in hog heaven?
Elizabeth Everett‘83
Todav
the 322i
follow.
The i
The
curv. M
The
Tho:
under t
On t
In
adoptee
four zo
Mount;
In h
Preregis tra tion
Editor:
Todd Harris
P.O. Box 9123
Down with junk food
Editor:
Elizabeth Mitchell
Plantation Oaks
Check the restrooms
Editor:
Donn Friedman
Sports Editor, 1981-82 Aggieland
Have you been to the library here on
campus and couldn’t find a book that you
I am tired of Coke and chips for break
fast, hut that is all I can find in the vending
machines around campus; junk food is
abundant, hut nutritional food is scarce.
Many students like me depend on vend
ing machines for breakfast because they
don’t have time to prepare a breakfast at
home or money to eat in Sbisa.
Haven’t studies shown that students do
better work when they eat nutritional
foods? If we can choose from a million
barieties of sodas, chips, and candy bars,
why can’t we also choose from foods with
vitamins and protein?
The machines wouldn’t have to be filled
only with nutritional goods, but they could
This is my first semester to attendTefl-'
A&M University, and after hearing all of
the rumors about the horrors or preregis
tration, I was dreading the task sheath
me. The long lines, hassles with dt
mental secretaries and waiting! hadhearf
about did not fit into my schedule at
I went to my department lastweeka» ;
the head of the department sat down wit
me and answered all of my questions. H
then gave me a copy of registration infortt.
tion which explained the exact procedure 1 -
preregistration. Still, I was dreading th
process.
Today when I picked up my card pack
and entered the registration area I
quickly and efficiently ushered throughtl
entire process. Since the University is
large, I had expected the procedure tot
confusing. I would like to commend 4
University on this effective and uncompl
way of registering for the following sein f
ter. With such a competent system, it on
makes sense that the University wouldt l>
the procedure for summer classes also.