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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 26, 1983)
Page 2/The Battalion/Wednesday, October 26,1983 Letters: Corps Commander’s comment damages image more than cadet’s story Edito l •, Oct. to AN the A We Hr. 1 the re Editor: We would have to agree that lying to the police falls a little short of the Aggie ideal, but what about Corps Commander Preston Abbott’s suggestion that Cadet Clarence Brown be shot? Would Abbott want to do the shooting himself? If not, who should do it? More importantly, should Brown be killed or merely injured? Should he be shot in the throat so he can tell no more lies? Perhaps we should be good Christ ian Ags and simply ventilate his foot. The options are limitless. We agree that the Corps has no place for those who “lie, cheat, or steal.” But if the Corps is combating an image prob lem, perhaps it should consider such irresponsible statements from its leaders as a major cause of the problem. Commander Abbott’s comment will do far more damage to the Corps’ image that Cadet Brown’s senseless fabrication could ever do. John Hundt ’86 Kelly Parker ’86 Statement idiotic Editor: I would like to comment on your amazing “Buddy Brown” story. In that article, Brown admitted to lying about his heroic prevention of a rape. He also said he would probably leave the Corps voluntarily to save it from being associated with his actions. However, no sooner was the Corps saved from the embarrassment of one cadet, than it was subjected to the idiocy of another. I am referring, of course, to Corps Commander Preston Abbott’s statement that Brown should be shot! No doubt Abbott has led a spotlessly clean life and has never lied so stupidly that he should have been sTot. Perhaps he has only been guilty of a few “white” lies w-hich would be worthy of no more than having his tongue cut out. I do not intend to denounce the Corps The Battalion USPS 045 360 Member ot Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism Conference Editor Hope E. Paasch Managing Editor Beverly Hamilton City Editor Kelley Smith Assistant City Editor Karen Schrimsher Sports Editor Melissa Adair Entertainment Editor .... Rebeca Zimmermann Assistant Entertainment Editor Shelley Hoekstra News Editors Brian Boyer, Kathy Breard, Kevin Inda, Tracey Taylor, Chris Thayer, Kathy Wiesepape Photo Editor Eric Evan Lee Staff Writers Robin Black, Brigid Brockman, Bob Caster, Ronnie Crocker, Kari Fluegel, Tracie Holub, Bonnie Langford, John Lopez, Kay Denise Mallett, Christine Mallon, Michelle Powe, Ann Rams bottom, Stephanie Ross, Angel Stokes, Steve Thomas, John Wagner, Karen Wallace, Wanda Winkler Copy Editors Kathleen Hart, Kristal Mills, Susan Talbot Cartoonists Paul Dirmeyer, Scott McCullar Photographers Michael Davis, Guy Hood, John Makely, Dean Saito Editorial Policy The Battalion is a non-profit, self-supporting news paper operated as a community service to Texas A&M University and Bryan-College Station. Opinions ex pressed in The Battalion are those of the editor or the author, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Texas A&M University adminisoators or faculty mem hers, or of the Board of Regents. The Battalion also serves as a laboratory newspaper for students in reporting, editing and photography das scs within the Department of Communications. Letters Policy 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 and show the address and telephone number of the writer. The Battalion is published Monday through Friday during Texas A&M regular semesters, except for holi day 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 Building, 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. in any way for Abbott’s incredible state ment, but I do wonder bow a person of his apparent mentality rose to the highest cadet position in the organization. I certainly hope there are not many others like him who will soon be entering our military to protect us from the terri ble injustice of the communist system. Michael Strickland Corps thanked Editor: To all the men and women of the Corps of Cadets: We would like to thank you for being members of the finest ROTC program in the country. Some of finest officers that my friends and I have had the honor to serve with were Aggie graduates. The system and traditions that you have in the Corps of Cadets helps prepare you for a sound future in the military or civilian life, whichever you choose. We also would like to remember the many fine officers and friends that laid down their lives in the defense of this wonderful country. Now Mr. Jeng, I would say to you that 16 weeks of training does not make you an expert on military history or traditions of the military. Aggie graduates that be come officers through the Corps of Cadets can stand beside the United States military graduates, Sandhurst graduates or any other military school graduate. Because it is the individual through the system that make the outstanding officer. Robert C. Mathis Jack W. Crowson Brenner Sayers Phil Roberts First of all let us say that I am not in the Corps and 1 really don’t care if I date a non-reg or a C.T. with boots or a black- belt. 1 also have never been a girl scout. To disband the Corps is not a bad idea, it is an unthinkable one. Texas A&M was built on the Corps. The Corps is as much a part of Aggie tradition as yell practice, muster, bonfire, and oh, yes, standing at the games and keeping off the MSC grass. The medals that the cadets wear may or may not be for battle, but they do earn them. To make a 3.25 with 15 hours while being active in the Corps of Cadets de serves more than just a pat on the back. The Distinguished Student medal recog nizes this effort and the Cadets wear it with pride. The other various medals are for extracurricular activities such as Ross Volunteers, special honor guard to Gov ernor, and student government. These activities take a lot of extra time and de dication by the Cadet and deserve recog nition. If you are going to begrudge a senior or his boots, why not say something about the preps and their topsiders? After spending three years in the Corps, don’t you think they deserve the boots for their fourth year? If you would like to attend a World Class University that has no Corps, where you don’t have to be in the Corps to be in the ROTC program, that recognizes fraternities and sororities, and where you don’t have to follow tradition, why not go to t.u.? I have been told that they have a good ROTC program there. One last comment: you talk about peo ple “reacting with childish behavior” to your letter, grow up “Lech Walesa,” let’s pretend is a child’s game. can possess the sheer audacity to even write, must less submit, a letter such as the one written by Johnny Jeng that I had the misfortune to read the other day. Perhaps Mr. Jeng actually did com plete basic training, etc. in the United States Army. Funny, it seems in the exact same letter, he also stated “Who cares?” Well, obviously, he really didn’t care — about A&M, about tradition, about re spect, and even about common everyday politeness which is really very sad. For your information, Mr. Jeng, Texas A&M has been a military school for a lot longer than you have been around. It might still be now except they decided to let us non-regs in as well. Personally, 1 have a lot more respect for the members of the Corps of Cadets than 1 do for any of the fraternities or sororities. And another thing: 'Texas A&M Uni versity is, was, and hopefully, always will be, the Home of the Fighting Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. 1 have never met anyone in the Corps who made me feel that I am not a true Aggie nor do I con sider myself a “local boot-chasing girl scout.” I am sure many people will agree with me. As for you, Mr. Jeng, l am sure you have heard the saying, "Highway 6 runs both ways.” If you are so apparently dis gusted with the state of affairs, tainly are free to leave. ;git out ai I . (1 frien and unwelcome. world You began you assault onthetl at A stating that you made it thron, hiem camp...Well congratulations, t-u., must state that I am not inthe&ij U'dvt the more reason for this letter, sides ( You first showed your igniji; theyc ilegrading the Corps medals. 11: belie' not earned by picking up six! came summer school. Hid " Af ter your career in bootauflH (2) sume you entered specials prom great ease. Have you received an Jkdou for counseling MacArthurorP-j landi bravery maybe? And I wondent and 1 one of your stature decided toJ v|iy a suit ide by writing such aworkottH At certainly impressed. Doyoubti Talk have any medals for beingawritfti to Ids camp: how you cer Julie Hope ’87 More Corps support... Denise Pool ’84 Editor: In response to Johnny Jeng’s letter appearing in the Oct. 19 Battalion. HIGHWAY 6 RUNS BOTH WAYS. Lori Graham ’86 (Editor's Note: This letter was accompa nied by 20 signatures.) On the “Corps mentality"K.|and i of,..Do you have a 4.0? Of coil A^M must. You wouldn’t knocksomrltitnib without having a perfect record fit p b< Next, you put down the toyl 11 ! 111 1 Corps — Ixiots, sabers, cannoiuHf3) l ighting Texas Aggie Band.Ipjchrer would not mind wearing boot lleade medals and a uniform at Texas,lidents other places, as they soproudltdlgaine 1 certainly do not minddaiminjilthese poi ting tne Aggie Band. jpuie At the end of your letter youtsijlefedii cares?” Td like to state that the signatures that accompany this Idjstpne not to support me in pickingilsl n utes with you. They are, in factjusiiJthat of “Who cares.” I know this letter will proMUP 1 ^ you furious . . . But who cares: l a l°tt Closing now Mr. Jeng, Ivvoi ven 1 say that the Corps may have its iy et times, everyone does. Butnoontfl(-|) get l id of it. Be sure and travelHqquit. soon — Tin sure you’ll find a C.T.|Ffank to pay for your gas. plop Disband Cadets Corps respect nsults unwelcome Editor: I would like to reply to the letter writ ten by Johnny Jeng: Editor: In reference to the Oct. 19 letter to the editor concerning disbanding the Corps of Cadets: It is beyond me how someone Editor: This letter is in response to Johnny Jeng’s contribution to The Battalion on Oct. 19. I want to say that your pompous statements and insults are unwarranted game Greg De: hell v (Editor's note: //m/ettenvasa Mr. I- nied by 616 signatures. Thosesimer th letter, however, do not /lectt&'jbract: port lleavers’ letter. ThesignatuHlf from those who wish to show $u Aggii the Corps oT Cadets.) stavec Advice for Read the drivers and pedestrians: Texas Drivers Handbook you what I'll in m; the d draw loude In i on hr Editor: Stephen Weiss, who thinks that “pedestrians always have the right of way, no matter where they are,” should con sult the “Texas Drivers Handbook,” which contains a page of laws and safety tips for pedestrians. The “Texas Drivers Handbook” says that pedestrians who cross a street other than within a cross walk must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles. Mr. Weiss is apparently confusing rules for pedestrians with rules for driv ers. It is true that pedestrians must yield to all drivers except in designated cros sing areas; however, drivers are taught that when a “destrian enters the street anywhere, the driver should act as though the pedestrian has the right-of- way. If all drivers follow this advice suc cessfully, the pedestrians will not get run over in the street, but they may still be ticketed for jaywalking! The reason that drivers should yield to pedestrians who are in the wrong is to prevent pedestrians from getting hurt because some (such as Mr. Weiss, perhaps) refuse to follow the rules, and others (such as “little children in the street") may not know better. I agree with Mr. Weiss that Texas A&M has many drivers who seem in attentive or incompetent or rude, but pedestrians are just as guilty of contribut ing to the bad traffic situation as drivers are. Until a solution is found, the only way to alleviate the problem is for all who use the streets on campus to be cour teous, follow the rules, and use common sense. e; it is much easier for us to stop and wait a few seconds. I agree that, optimally, all vehicles should remain outside the core of the campus. T his doesn’t mean that we should harass the people who presently desire to drive there. Perry G. Ramsey ‘Basic Aggie’ gay Editor: Monica A. Mallini Right-of-way is given Editor: Anyone who has taken a defensive driving course, Mr. Weiss, also realizes that right-of-way is something that is given, rather than taken. Drivers are not entitled to run down pedestrians who are outside of the cross walks, but neither are the pedestrians en titled to step out into traffic whenever they please. We are all supposed to be big boys and girls and be able to cross the street by ourselves. Cars require a certain amount of energy to stop, idle, and accelerate. We as pedestrians should be sensitive to the effort required to operate a motor vehicl- I am writing this letter as an outlet for my total fustration and anger toward my fellow Aggies. I have been at Texas A&M since 1980. In most respects, I am your basic Aggie. I stand at all football games and go to midnight yell practice, I don’t walk on the MSC grass, I wait in line at pre-registration, I eat at the cow-hop, I dislikle 92 KTAW, and I study like crazy. To see me on campus, you wouldn’t think that I am different from the rest of the student body. And as far as I am con cerned, I am not. You see, I am one of the 1,000 students here at A & M that is gay. That’s right— I am a good Ag and a homosexual. And I am sick and tired of putting up with the daily oppression dished out by my fellow Ags. Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of the hatred that this campus has for gays. Every day there is a joke about faggots or AIDS, or something some prejudiced straight person has come up with to mock us. Well, the day has finally arrived — I am not going to sit by and listen any more. Why can’t people give us a break? Do you think that any gay person wants to be gay? Do you think that one day we just wake up and say, “Hey-I think it would be neat to be ridiculed the rest of my life. I want all of my classmates to joke about me and laugh behind my back. I think I’ll be gay.” No one has a choice whether or not to be attracted to the people of the same sex. Our only choice is whether or not to accept our sexuality and deal with it. I spent nine long months in counseling in trying to convince myself I was staight. But all I was was misreable. I can accept all of you just like you are — so why can’t you accept me? I’ll mind my sex life, and you mind yours. Each semester I (and all other gays) talk to hundreds of students in psycholo gy, sociology, and physical education classes at the request of their profeesors. To each class I pour out my coming-out story and try to give them some under standing of what it’s like to be 21 and gay. And I enjoy it — speaking to classes is one of the pleasurable and rewarding parts of being gay — to have a chance to speak to a “receptive” audience. Students are gen erally polite and respectful. If you can be polite while your’re sitting in front of us, why must you make jokes behind our hacks? Once while grocery shopping, a girl recognized me from her class. She said, “Look! It’s that queer from GSS that spoke to us!” I wish you could have seen the people coming to the aisle to get a real look at a genuine homo. C’mon! We don’t have three heads and we don’t all have limp wrists and swayed walks. We are hu man. We laugh, we love, we cry, we bleed, we hurt, and we live. And we are Aggies. Please think about that next time you laugh at a faggot joke. Oh, for any replies, I am not a faggot — I am a lesbian. acade: When you took the jobasa‘jiext t you had to know that you were.Jook n deal with the public, didn’t you! what, you just there to eat and getpaiftecac To be a waitperson means you#Tnei adapt to your customer, and I told, : looks of your letter, you mustli land.’ an expert. And as far as Greeks, 1 personally enjoyedii,H then 1 knew that the peopleIwaiH work for at least had a persona!® the way, it’s a prerequisite to Greek, besides being loud a ous.) When I gooutforadi have fun, not just to intonvenit«J t esses, there are other ways toil In closing, Ms. Smith,myadd* is to start judging individualsM to his or her own merits instead! G. Brown Greek personality group they belong to. Andanotlfl quit your job if you haven’t already for your poor attitude,fiT ing tables just doesn’t seem tobe!| of tea. May 1 suggest perhapsajd ing radar on the North again you’d probably complainalj polar bears. SamPii Editor: This letter is in reply to the provoca tion submitted by Gathy Smith in the Oct. 19 Battalion. In that issue, Ms. Smith claims that the stereotyping of Greeks at Texas A&M is justified, and through her personal experience as a waitress, site has uncovered enough evidence to have ev ery Greek on campus, or in the world for that matter, fed to the lions at sunset. Well, Ms. Smith, if it is true that stereotyping is an art only practiced by the narrow-minded, then you are indeed a master. I am a Greek, and I too an speak from experience when I say your letter is full of holes. I worked at a popular “drinking spot” myself as a waiter, and then as a bartender, and to tell you the truth I can sympathize with your prob lem of large crowds at one table, boister ous behavior, and drunk and disorderly customers. But, you know what? I’ve got a surprise for you — they weren’t all Greek. But I guess when you’re looking for scape-goat, the Greeks are the easiest to point a finger at, for you that is. Major topics a Editor: What is going on here? Everyone is giving their c trivial topics. If Ags, legs, noi Greeks have nothing good to remain wallpaper. C’mon and let’s write some! 1 ters to the editor about: topics. David D. Drc Expensive restripii Editor: $400 a space to restripe tM lots?! Consider this my submission' to do it for $50. Perry S. wl