Should students care
about representation
j IM^WGoev
om OUR
■UWi yuj*. OR
The important
question concerning
Student Government
is not “Does anybody
care?” The answer to
Jerry Oslin
Support
wf Goerz
2 VM OP
IV v»<3'ihhte5
:.I sense a sliitt in public opinion..."
Working for college newspaper
invaluable real-world experience
The Battalion.
Those iwo words
can stir up more
conflicting opin
ions and emotions
on campus than
most any other
subject.
I’ve tried lately
to imagine myself
as the regular
A&M student.
Ed Cassavoy
How would I imagine The Battalion?
So I went outside and looked at the
Reed McDonald Building in an entirely
new manner. It is an ugly red building
that squats on the corner of Ross and
Ireland Streets. It looked the same as
ever.
So I decided to try something more. I
just read the letters to the editor.
In my years at The Batt I have seen it
compared to Pravda and the New York
Times. Come to think of it, I think both
were used in the same letter.
I think that one of the problems with
the ordinary Ag is figuring out who to
complain to. Looking through the staff
box, I count 19 editors.
Lean understand some of the irate
and frustrated callers to the newsroom,
“Can I speak to an editor, uh, because,
uh it’s about this story, and I want to
know what ”
Some positions are pretty straightfor
ward, sports editor and editor. But
looking at the majority of job titles
things get pretty hairy.
Who, unless you are a journalist,
knows what a managing editor is? Or
what pray tell, is a makeup editor.
I think life would be less complicated
if you adapted job titles to daily reality.
So next time the phone rings and
someone says, “I’ve got a complaint...”
immediately the caller would be trans
ferred to the complaint editor. Easy.
If someone began with “Why doesn’t
the Batt...?” the caller would immedi
ately be transferred to the Why editor.
It is easier for me to joke, because
journalists, at least good journalists
learn that criticism, complaints and
questions are a natural and necessary el
ement of their trade. We learn to de
velop a thicker hide.
Rightly or wrongly, our mistakes are
usually all that we hear about. After
awhile you learn to temper the critics.
Sometimes the reader’s complaints
are valid and fair. That’s when we take
our lumps.
But other times I am proud of what
the paper does.
Indepth articles, editorial board
statements and stories that take a hard
look at certain subjects affecting the
University are a necessity.
In many ways, The Battalion is a very
strange beast.
Frequently other university newspa
pers will send questionnaires asking
about our newspaper operation. Most
times I end up writing “not applicable”
or reel off a long written explanation of
the circumstances here.
Unlike most college newspapers. The
Battalion does not have an official fac
ulty adviser.
Such an adviser would probably have
some editorial control.
Except for the wise advice of our
hard-nosed journalism profs, the editor
makes all the decisions. And much of
our criticism is received when we’ve
made the decision and the paper has al
ready come out.
Financially The Battalion is a regular
newspaper business. Ads and advertis
ing dollars pay our wages.
Unlike many college papers, the Uni
versity administration has no control
over the editorial or news gathering op
erations of The Batt.
And the students who work on this
paper probably have more freedom to
say and try new things than they will
ever have an opportunity to do on a real
world newspaper.
And that is why I feel that students
should realize what a gem they have
here. There are few subjects that The
Battalion cannot report or comment on.
We have the ability to inform and ex
press many ideas and views every day.
Best of all, I get paid to do something
I love to do.
Ed Cassavoy is a senior journalism ma
jor and a weekly columnist for The
Battalion.
that question is obvious when you con
sider the low turnout for student senate
meetings, issues and grievances commit
tee meetings, the recent presidential
candidates debate, recent Student Gov
ernment elections, etc.
The important question concerning
Student Government is “Should any
body care?”
Student Government claims to rep
resent and be the voice of the student
body. If this were true, the answer to the
previous question would be yes.
But unfortunately, Student Govern
ment does not represent the student
body.
By denying the student body two very
important parts of the election process,
Student Government has denied itself
the right to say it truely represents the
student body.
First of all, it has been the policy of
the Student Government’s election com
mission to withhold the names of candi
dates who have filed to run for a Stu
dent Government position. The election
commission releases the names after the
filing deadline.
This means that a student who might
be interested in running for a position
cannot find out through official chan
nels who his competition is.
The argument to this has been if a
student really wants to run, then it
shouldn’t make any difference who his
opponent is.
This would be a valid arguement if it
weren’t for one very important fact. ^
Through talk, gossip and other infor
mal means, people in Student Govern
ment already know who is running and
have an advantage on the student who is
not associated with Student Govern
ment.
The election commission has also de
fended the closed files by saying the
elections would become a popularity
contest if the files weren’t closed.
Popular (though presumably worse)
candidates would be able to pick out a
less popular (though presumably bet
ter) candidate and beat him in the elec
tion.
The commission’s desire for good
government might be sincere, but its
methods for attaining it should be ques
tioned.
At the very worse, it looks as if the
commission is trying to manipulate the
elections.
At best, it looks as if they don’t trust"
the student body to pick the right candi
date. •
At any rate, the commission is exhib
iting an elitist attitude, one that denies
the average student the information
LETTERS:
Poem about Islam
offensive to some
EDITOR:
I was flabbergasted and completely
astonished at the shallowness presented
in Cathy Riely’s article entitled “Creative
drive gives varying results.” A Texas
A&M Battalion staff writer should have
enough responsibility and developed
sense to ensure logic and validity in her
journalism. Her capacity to recognize,
appreciate and understand the subject
matter was not up to par and this was
very evident in her piece.
The references made to Islam and
Muslims in th£ article were rude and
disrespectful. Islam, the faith that tea
ches respect and justice for all, was
treated unjustly. Millions of people in
many countries, with diverse cultures
and customs, believe in Islam. Some of
these customs, however, are not in full
accordance with Islam and it would be
unreasonable to characterize the reli
gion based dn customs and practices of a
people in one corner of the world.
In the article, Miss Riely lacked the
depth and professionalism expected of
responsible journalists. I hope that in
the future The Battalion staff writers
will research to obtain pure facts so as
not to be swayed or controlled by other
people’s prejudices.
thor and her opinions about her experi
ences in Afghanistan. The story was writ
ten about Norris because she was the au
thor of first place poem in the 1985 Texas
A&M Writing Contest.
Wrong group got
credit for work
EDITOR:
Poet’s views not
intended as insults
EDITOR:
I would like to state that my inten
tions when I wrote “Kabul, 1974” was
not to insult the Islamic people or their
religion. Since I was raised in an envi
ronment that encourages one to pursue
any chosen goal it is hard for me to ac
cept the limited freedom of the Afghan
women. I did not and do not imply that
these women lead a life of misery. Afg
han women are well-respected by the
men and community for being good
wives and mothers. I only know I would
not be content in their place considering
my background. Nor do I want to sug
gest that Christianity is a better religion.
I would like to call attention to an ar
ticle that ran in At Ease (Friday, April
5). This article, titled “OPAS Brings
Good Music, Comedy” said in error that
MSC OPAS instead of Townhall Broad
way is sponsoring “Gigi” and “Brighton
Beach Memoirs.” Because there are so
many different campus organizations
and activities, it is essential that we re
ceive accurate coverage. We appreciate
your cooperations.
there is no such thing as a single ticket.
We have nothing against couples, we
would just like all seniors to feel free to
take a part in Senior Weekend. We are
not blaming the MSC Ticket Office for
this problem, yet this was where we were
informed that two girls or two guys may
purchase a couple’s ticket; thus entering
the Bash as a couple.
Jody Boarnet
MSC OPAS Chairman 1985-86
Are only couples
allowed at functions?
EDITOR:
Would it be too much to ask that two
kinds of tickets be available for the
Bash: couples — $5 and singles —
$2.50? Technically, two people buying a
ticket as a couple is all fine and dandy
because it still because it still gives us the
opportunity to attend the Bash; how
ever, from reflecting on past experi
ences, we feel that purchasing tickets
under the status of a couple will discour
age many single seniors who would like
to attend the various weekend func
tions.
As two single seniors who have at
tended Texas A&M University for four
years, we would like to address Senior
Weekend.
Amr Ali
EDITOR’S NOTE: Cathy Riely’s story
about Therese Norris was not a news
story about Afghanistan or Islam; if it
had been all sides of the issue would have
been presented. It was a profile on the au
I wrote of the sights, sounds and fla
vors of a foreign land. My poem was in
tended to present those memories in
such a way as to give the reader a
glimpse of another place. It was not
meant to be a historical documentary on
Moslem women. Just as a painting is
only an artist’s interpretation of an
image not an exact duplicate.
Therese Norris
We have no statistics concerning the
ratio of couples to singles attending
TAMU; however, it appears as though
somewhere, at some time in the history
of this great institution, someohe de
cided that Senior Weekend, in regards
to the Bash, Banquet, and Ring Dance
can by synonymously referred to as
“Couple’s Weekend.”
This argument may sound picky and
petty, but being seniors, we are hoping
to motivate those single seniors who
were going to miss out on the weekend
(at least the Bash) due to the emphasis
on couples. We also hope that those re
sponsible for handling the tickets now,
and for future events will consider our
view of this matter. Who decided that
Texas A& M University consists of more
couples that singles? Hope to see you at
the Bash.
people in Student Governmentaln
know.
Secondly, Student Governmem
denied the student body therighti
ness the appointment process
dent senators.
With the high turnover rate it
student senate, a special appoint! more than 7(J
sponsored anc
tions from the
U.S. Rep. J
upport for la
mdget and ci
md loans to rr
at the College
Center Wedne
Barton gav
that he has eii
Barton said
proud c
thorecl — tl
amendment,
the federal go
getary outlays
and also place
amount of the
“I think th;
bullet on the
we raise taxes,
Even thou]
continued pr
missile, he s;
should be inc
Barton recor
done by closin
process is needed to fill thevacande
A student who wants to filla
vacancy must be interviewed and
approved by a panel of senatorsijjmost proud
the internal affairs committee.
Student Government has chore
close the interviews to the studentl
and is excluding them fromtakiiij
in this election process.
This might not sound too bad,
during a recent senate meetinga
ator complained about people in
dent Government tampering wiii
appointment process.
She said she overheard twodil
Student Government vice presidenm
they were going to have their inio itary bases
affairs committee members voteap . Barton said
a student seeking a senate seat. mail about i
The vice presidents from the * 1 | ot ^. r j ssue '
standing committees choose iwoi f
ators f rom their committees to sent
the internal affairs committee.
The senator also complained ih
past speakers of the senate andspeil ,
pro tern trying to use their position I
influence the vote of the intemalalig ,
committee panel.
In other words, according to this
ator, people in Student Gov
were trying to manipulate the a|
ment process to get people in the
who represented their viewsandnoti
views of the student body.
Student Government has made
sincere efforts to reach out to the
dents to find out how they feelon
sues, but this is like trying to puu
aid on a gun shot wound.
If Student Government really*:
to represent the students, thenitsl
give them the opportunity to more
share in the election process.
Should anybody care about Sin
Government? Without true repress
lion, probably not.
Jerry Oslin is a senior journalism: j speak^'fbr
Senate; Pat
Publicity tli
ence Society
panel discussi
dent Governi
tion: Does any
“Does anyb
Alders, 1984-
dent asked at
meeting. “M;
doesn’t care ;
■ ment, but we
j mation to the
j The panel
| made up of
; president foi
Murray Milfc
jor and a staff writer for The Batti
In other words, single seniors seeking
a ticket to these events discover that
Lisa G. Dornbusch, ’85
Suzanne M. Frybert, ’85
The Battalion
USPS 045 360
Member of
Texas Press Association
South west ) uu rnalism Conference
The Battalion Editorial Board
Brigid Brockman, Editor
"gi . „
Shelley Hoekstra, Managing Editor
raezy
Michelle Powe, Editorial Page Editor
Rhonda Snider, City Editor
Travis Tingle, Sports Editor
The Battalion Staff
P r
| for The Batt
chairman of
committee; E
■ SWAMP; and
J The discu?
- ing statemei
1 member. N<
: president of
S moderator o
i out questions
i Students a
Assistant City Editors
Dainah Bullard, Kari I
Assistant News Editors
Cami Brown, John Hallett, Kay Mails
Lai
Assistant Sports Editor
; mty to void
I and opinions
p ment at grie 1
not take adv;
Roberts said.
Artificial
keeping info
public recort
major short
Government
ChareanWii® | coiumnist foi
Entertainment Editors...
Shawn Behlen, Leigh-EllenClri
Staff Writers RebeccaAd»(
Cathie Anderson, 1
Tamara Bell, Brandon Ben),
J eff Brady, Ann Cervenit
Michael Crawford, MaryCtt
Kirsten Dietz, Cindy&),
Pete Herndon, Trent Leope"
Sarah Oates,JerryOs
J tine Pang, TriciaParl#
Cathy Riely, Marybeth Rolisw
Walter Si#
Copy Editors .Jan Perry, KelleySitiii
Make-up Editors KarenBloA
Karla Marne
Columnists Ed Cassavoy, KevinInt
Loren Sieti
Editorial Cartoonist Mike Lai*
Sports Cartoonist Dale Si#
Copy Writer ...CathyBenn# 1
Photo Editor KatherineHai 1
Photographers Anthony Casper
Wayne Grabein, Bill Hughes, Frank In*
John Makely, Peter Rod*
Editorial Policy
The Battalion is a non-profit, self-supportingnc*if¥.
operated as a community service to Texas MU"
Bryan-College Station.
Opinions expressed in T he Battalion are thost cl^
Editorial Board or the author, and do not necesH/rW
resent the opinions of Texas A&M administrators, ffl?
or the Board of Regents.
T he Battalion also serves as a laboratory nemmpf^
students in reporting, editing anil photography
within the Department ol Communications.
Letters Policy
Letters to the Editor should not exceed 300
length. The editorial staff reserves the right loeitil W
for style and length hut will make every effort toniMt^
the author's intent. Each letter must be signed soils*'
include the address and telephone iwmberofthe>r0
T he Battalion is published Monday through W
during Texas A&M regular semesters, except forhtw,
and examination periods. Mail subscriptions are P ,
/xt semester, f33.25 per school year and f33 pet" 1
year. Advertising rates furnished on request,
Our address: T he Battalion, 216 Reed Mchtw,
Building, T exas A&M University, College Slaw
ifuinuiig, i cxti* uiiivcisny, lauucgc ,
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vertisinff: (409) 845-2611.
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