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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 31, 1985)
WE WANT YOU TO LEAVE ...ER, LOVE THIS NEW 0AB,K, JOB... AND HOPE wa m OFF.. 0?. TAKE IT... v _ I rrptxjNfc NWvamts TIKE IMS JOB AND SU... j Vigilantism requires responsibility Bernhard Goetz, that gun- slinging hero of victimized Ameri cans everywhere, just can’t seem to win. First, f o u r black youths de mand five dollars from the “vigilan te” and he gives them five pounds Loren Steffy of lead instead. Then he’s charged with attempted murder and illegal possesion of a handgun. He manages to dodge the murder charge and just when things start to look better, he gets slapped with a $50 million lawsuit by representatives of a paralyzed and comotose victim. Now lawyers are talking civil rights vio lations. Darrell Cabey, the would-be mugger turned vegetable, was shot in the spine as he tried to flee Goetz’s barrage of self-defense. If Goetz is a hero, why did he shoot a 19-year-old kid in the back? Most people of vigilante ilk are more than happy to let go of bullets, but they are usually selective about it. Obviously, Goetz was scared. He’d been mugged before, and being of rather scrawny stature, he probably felt particularly vulnerable. So he donned enough guns to make a metal detector go into seizures and boarded the sub way. At this point, Goetz became a well- shaken Dr. Pepper waiting for someone stupid enough to pop his top. Enter four youths trying to join the New York Petty Thieves’ Union and say hello to di saster. Instead of firing warning shots or simply pointing his gun at the youths and telling them to back off, Goetz emp tied his magazine in their direction. Later, he said he wanted to kill the kids, but that he ran out of bullets. This man is not a hero, this man is sick. As his bloodlust rose, Goetz shot at anything young, black and moving, and it didn’t matter in what direction his targets were thing that is out of control in New York — he should be criticized for the lack of responsibility he shbwed in that de fense. If someone attacks you, it’s a nat ural reaction to fight back. But if your assailants run from your act of defense, it is not necessary to sever their spines just for good measure. Guns can be used for everything from target practice to mass murder. The person who pulls the trigger must decide the purpose. Potential vigilantes should remember they are trying to de fend themselves against crime, not erad icate criminals from the face of the earth. Self preservation is our right. Pro claiming ourselves judge, jury and exe cutioner is not. If vigilantes are going to be responsi ble enough to pull the trigger, they must also be responsible enough to know when to stop. Is first lady next in line for new job? By ART BUCHWALD Columnist for The Los Angeles Times Syndi cate running. While Goetz can be admired for de fending himself against crime — some- Loren Steffy is a sophomore journa lism major and a weekly columnist for The Battalion. The President was adjusting cjuite well to all the musical chairs in the White House, but even he wasn’t pre pared for the big one. One night last week Nancy Reagan said to him, “I’d like to swap jobs with Secretary of Health and Human Services, Margaret Heckler.” “How can you do that? You’re the best First Lady a President ever had.” “I’m burned out, Ronnie. After giving all those luncheons and din ners for heads of state, and making all those official appearances, I feel 1 need a new challenge. At least as a Cabinet officer 1 won’t have to smile all the time. Ronnie, my cheekbones hurt.” “But,” the President protested, “I’m losing Deaver, Baker and Meese. You’re the only one left from the old gang. With them gone, who can I confide in?” “Margaret Heckler is well qualified to be the First Lady. She knows the inners workings of government and she’s a quick study. Besides, Ronnie, it’s not as if I’m leaving Washington. I’ll only be a few blocks away, and I'll come over any time you want to talk." “Gee whiz, Nancy, 1 just don’t think it would work. If you leave me now, with all the other staff changes the American people will get upset. They sleep better knowing that you’re in the White House.” “I was afraid you'd try to talk me out of it. But I have to think of my own career. There is no future in be ing a lame duck First I^idy. As Secre tary of HHS I’ll have a high profile, and I won’t have to deal with all the power plays in the White House any more. I’m sick and tired of everyone coming to me and asking me to put in a good word with you for all the silly ideas they have.” “You don’t understand, Nancy. I can afford to lose Deaver, Baker and Meese, but who is going to look ado ringly at me when 1 make a speech?" “I’m sure Margaret Heckler can do that. We’ve talked it over and I ex plained what the duties of First Ladv entail, and she said as far as she was concerned there wasn’t one she couldn't handle.” “You mean you talked it over with her before you talked it over with me?” the President said. “1 knew if 1 asked you first you might raise an objection. I got the idea when Donald Regan asked Jim Baker if he wanted to swap jobs. If Regan had gone to you first he could have been turned down." “Suppose 1 put you on the Na tional Security Council? Would you slay then?” “I’d rather be in charge of Health and Human Services. I’ve proved myself as First Lady, and after lour years there are no surprises.” “1 can’t believe anyone who has the ear of the President of the United Stales would want to throw it all away for a Cabinet position. Do you realize you're the first person who sees mein the morning and the last person who sees me at night?” “1 know that. Ronnie. But as First Luidy, I’m still perceived as nothing more than your wife. As a liberated woman, I want to l»e appreciated for myself.” "But you promised if I were re elected you'd remain on board as First Lady of the country for the next four years. You’re indispensable to me.” “No one is indispensable to the President of the United States. And you can prove that by letting me switch with Margaret Heckler.” “I’m going to have to sleep on this one,” the President said. “Why don’t you do that? And while you’re at it, remember, it could be worse.” “How’s that?” “I could have of fered to swap with Jeane Kirkpatrick.” By Class | spring s< Texas A. said dui Symposic Jim A1 |8o; Keit ^aurent, and obje< ter durir the semes “One < mester a council.” To he dents, the lablished John D. student s hessmen San Anto j In the tomewha but the i Pass of c gaining i on cam pi j “In thi Blass coi Bomparat ; Allen sail | On the this seme ift. “We w; [oing,” A :ern war nove mo One of gallery tc fontribut Said. Fundr; >ation a laid, espi ■vhich is t * than any ! . amount ■42,000, Tits goal at I Allen Class of't f be no pi *: Though I doubled ■barticipai llpe said. « In a qi ■alter (he The Battalion (ISPS 045 360 Member of Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism Conference The Battalion Editorial Board Brigid Brockman, Editor Shelley Hoekstra, Managing Editor Ed Cassavoy, City Editor Kellie Dworaczyk, News Editor Michelle Powe, Editorial Page Editor Travis I ingle, Sports Editor The Battalion Staff Assistant City Editors Kari Fluegel, Rhonda Snider Assistant News Editors Tammy Bell, Cami Brown, John Hallett Assistant Sports Editor Charean Williams Entertainment Editors Shawn Behlen, Leigh-Ellen Clark Staff Writers .....Cathie Anderson, Brandon Berry, Dainah Bullard, Ann Cervenka, Tony Cornett, Michael Crawford, Kirsten Dietz, Patti Flint, Patrice Koranek, Trent Leopold, Sarah Oates, Jerry Oslin, Tricia Parker, Lynn Rae Povec Copy Editor Kay Mallett Make-up Editors Karen Bloch, Karla Martin Columnists Kevin Inda, Loren Steffy Editorial Cartoonist Mike Lane Sports Cartoonist .Dale Smith Copy Writer Cathy Bennett Photo Editor Katherine Hurt Photographers Anthony Casper, Wayne Grabein, Frank Irwin, John Makely, Peter Rocha, Dean Saito Editorial Policy 'The Battalion is a non-profit, sell-supporting newspaper operated as a community service to Texas A&M and Bryan-College Station. Opinions expressed in The Battalion are those of the Editorial Board or the author, and do not necessarily rep resent the opinions of Texas AScM administrators, faculty or the Board of Regents. The Battalion also serves as a laboratory newspaper for students in reporting, editing and photography classes within the Department of Communications. Letters Policy Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300 words in length. 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 be signed and must include the address antftelephone number of the writer. The Battalion is published Monday through Friday during Texas A&M regular 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 Building, 'Texas A8cM University, College Station, TX 77843. Editorial staff phone number: (409) 845-2630. Ad vertising: (409) 845-2611. Second class postage paid at College Station, TX 77843. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battal ion, Texas AScM University, College Station, Texas 77843 Senate seating hinders productivity Many senators are so impatient for the rectifica tion of the world’s ills that they have not taken time to notice that the Senate itself needs some attention. However, Dan Quayle has no ticed, and has — for one member to bring the Senate to a standstill by dilatory devices (frivo lous amendments, filibusters, etc.). And he would reduce the size of committees and the number of subcommittees. Quayle’s ideas are sound, but not suf ficient. The Senate should rearrange its desks and chairs, for Churchillian rea sons. George Will some proposals, to which I add this one: Rearrange the furniture on the Senate floor. Quayle is in the fifth year of what will be, if God is willing and Indiana is wise, many terms in the Senate. A lissome young Republican of 37, he looks 27, and during his 1980 campaign he was accused — yes, accused — of looking unfairly like Robert Redford. (When will the Federal Election Commission is sue regulations to correct the unfairness of candidates not looking equally splen did?) If the Senate is to be what it is pleased to be called — “world’s greatest deliber ative body” — it must be disjxosed to, and able to, deliberate. But deliberation takes time, and a certain rhythm of insti tutional life. Deliberative senators can not live like dray horses in harness, driven by staff from one hearing to an other. But for 30 years the number of senators has remained constant, as has the number of hours in the day. Neither number is apt to change soon. The number of committees and especially subcommittees has grown’ rapidly as senators have sought new opportunities to hire staff and make news. When a German bomb destroyed the House of Commons, the chamber could have been rebuilt along various lines. But Churchill insisted that its traditional j>hysical features be reproduced be cause they sustain particular political principles. Quayle has a number of ideas to im prove two things: the conduct of busi ness on the Senate floor, and the com mittee system in which most Senate business is done. He would reform the rules governing the Senate floor to make it more difficult — it is now simple When Jim Buckley left the Senate af ter one term representing New York (1971-76), he said the work load had doubled during his six years. One rea son the load is so heavy is the prolifera tion of subcommittees. That has multi- jJied the burdens of the executive branch. When William Rucklshaus first served as head of the Environmental Protection Agency 15 years ago, he had to report to 15 committees and subcom mittees. When he ret urned to that job in 1983, the number was 44. He wanted the chamber to be oblong, with benches on two sides, facing each other, rather than with individual seats arranged in a semicircle. And he was ad amant that the chamber be only big enough to seat about two-thirds of the members. He warned against “semicir cular assemblies with buildings that give to every member not only a seat to sit in, but often a desk to write at, with a lid to bang” — a description of the U.S. Sen ate. Churchill believed that the oblong shape was “a very potent factor in our political life” because it buttresses the rule of two durable and disciplined par ties. Semicircular assemblies, he said, encourage loose assemblages of lesser groups in constantly shifting coalitions of weak principles. He said the semicir cular assembly encourages “the group system” because it does nothing to en courage party identification, party disci pline and clarity of principle. He said) strong two-party system, and a govern ment capable of vigorous ac tion, is nur tured by an oblong chamber, fhephysi cal lact of confrontation concentrates minds on the reality to two competing blocs, and the act of voting with the other side becomes more momentous. Churchill thought a legislative chan her should be so small that it can nol contain all its members without over crowding. Otherwise almost all debate! will be conducted in the dispiriting,trn ializing atmosphere of an almost empi' chamber. He thought good legislative rhetoric should be conversational, noi haranguing, and the conversational style requires a small space. Further more, on great occasions crowding give a sense of urgency. It will be said that Americans not want the Senate to sit in a smaller chamber (with, say, 50 chairs — 25toa side) because party cohesion and con versational, cut-and-thrust rhetoric art not important to American goals perhaps they should be. And Chut chilli theory — call it architectural determin ism, or the Seating Arrangement Hie ory of History — is easier to ridicule than refute. George Will is a columnist for thi Washington Post. A <k a: by MSC schedul ater. betweei Stan at LETTERS: Battalion editors not in step with mainstream EDITOR: I for one am getting tired of opening my Battalion everyday to read another very liberal editiorial. It would seem to me that a quality campus newspaper would at least attempt to provide edito rials from both liberal and conservative viewpoints. I also find some of the edito rial cartoons by Mike Love very preju diced and distasteful. Your staff’s sup port for homosexuals and pro- abortionists is very obvious. I find it ironic (almost humorous, but not quite) that at a university with such a strong conservative and anti-homosexual phi losophy that certain members of your editorial staff can be so out of step with mainstream thought. I would like to explain to you, and any GSS member that will listen, why many of us anti-gay conservatives feel the way we do, in hopes that some of you will better understand us. I am tired of being called prejudiced and closeminded because I will not view do anyway. But it seems to me that if God had intended for common sex or ganisms to have sexual relations, then there would be no need for creating more than one sex. It’s my opinion that homosexuality is a sickness that can be treated. In the meantime I feel that the homosexuality as ary acceptable lifestyle. Though I am tired of this I have no guilt because I know in my heart that I am not, and have never been preju diced. I easily accept blacks, Jews and other minority groups as no greater or lesser than myself. I accept gays as peo ple, but their lifestyle I cannot and will not ever condone. I don’t need only the Bible to tell me that homosexuality is wrong. Biology tells me that. Any intelli gent person can see that no two people of the same sex are anatomically equipped to have intercourse. Of course I realize tha editorial staff and the gays should get off of our case and realize that we have rights as well. Do not expect us to accept homosexuality if we are morally op posed to it. For to accept it is to condone it, and this we shall never do! Brian Bunt Glass of’86 Meeting proposed with calculator thief that homosexuals seem to make EDITOR: This is directed to the imbecile who Steve Ginnings stole my TI-59 Programmable calcula tor from locker 666 in Sbisa Dining Hall on Jan. 28 between 7:30 and 7:50a.ni Allow me to make my case, imbecile Since the calculator is useless to you un less you have a recharger (I am assum ing that you don’t), which are hard to come by these days, I propose that we meet either over the phone or in person to discuss your demands for the return of my calculator. (I am assuming that you know how to use a phone). 1 need my calculator, and the programs you also stole, very badly. Even though you are a crook, you’re also an Aggie, and I hope that being here has made you enough of a man to admit your guilt and return what’s mine, rather man carry on as a coward who probably hasn’t the fortitude to look at himselfin the mirror.