Image provided by: Texas A&M University
About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (June 6, 1990)
The Battalion OPINION T] I r — Wednesday, June 6,1990 Opinion Page Editor Damon Arhos W Bart’s expulsion a mistake, dude Bart Simpson is being kicked out of school. According to an Associated Press wire story, Bart’s smart-aleck attitude has led to his expulsion from some elementary schools. Students at these schools are considered to be breaking the dress code if they wear the Bart Simpson T- shirt bearing the slogan “Underachiever: And Proud of It, Man.” Now, I’m not a big Simpson’s fan, though I am quite fond of the comics that their creator Matt Groening has produced under the “Life in Hell” title. But I do think that it’s about time somebody came to Bart’s defense. Ellen Hobbs Columnist Elementary school officials think that Bart is a bad role model for these kids. They think these kids are going to grow up to be bad-mannered and underachievers and cuss too much and say “dude” and “man” all the time. They’ll be trouble-makers in school and in the community. They’ll use drugs. They’ll go on welfare. They’ll spend their lunch money on beer and tatoos. That’s really pretty silly. Any educator who believes that a cartoon character is going to corrupt the life of an elementary student is kidding himself. Sure, Bart Simpson may not be the best role model in the world, but it takes more than a irritating pop-culture cartoon character to ruin the minds and attitudes of youth in America. But these educators seem to believe he will, so they’re doing the best they can to solve the problem. They’re censoring him. Censorship is a pretty common problem in the public school system. Books have been pulled from library shelves and out of the classroom. Certain songs have been banned from being played at school functions. Halloween celebrations have been eliminated in case school might inadvertantly be promoting Satanism. Dress codes keep unattractive elements of pop culture like Bart Simpson from being viewed across students’ chests. The book bannings, unfortunately, have been rather successful. Students just don’t read enough out of the classroom to expose themselves to such offensive works as “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “The Wizard of Oz” or even “The American Heritage Dictionary.” But the other bans are just a waste of the censors’ time. Top 40 songs will play on the radio anyway, and students will hear them whether or not they are played in the school cafeteria at lunch. Most students’ parents will let them dress up on Halloween whether or not the school will. And elementary students are going to see Bart Simpson again, whether its on a T-shirt or on TV or in the mall. No school rule is going to keep them away from it. Only in our most open-minded dreams is book banning that ineffective So, to all you overly-moralistic school officials out there, try to forgive Bart. He was never created to be a role model it Elementary school officials think that Bart is a bad role model for these kids. They think these kids are going to grow up to be bad-mannered and underachievers and cuss too much and say “dude” and “man” all the time.” just a funny character in a sitcom. And don’t worry. Most of the time Bart Simpson seems to learn from his mistakes, and good prevails over evil. Instead of worrying about the kinds of clothes your students are wearing, worry about the quality of the education they’re getting. It’sjust a T-shirt. Don’t have a cow, man. Ellen Hobbs is a junior journalism major. Flag burning only defaces individuals involved, not country flag represents There’s a controversial issue that has been burning in my mind for some time now. It’s the controversy surrounding the burning of the American flag. Recently, I have seen several n.ews stories showing people lighting up flags on the steps of the Capitol and getting arrested or assaulted because of it. This has also been a hot topic in the courts, where there are efforts to pass a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning. But I have to ask myself, what is so wrong with burning the flag? How do you feel when you see pictures of third world countries, or anyone who is not an American, burning the American flag? I was born on Flag Day, a day to celebrate the adoption of the American flag, so if anyone should be offended by the burning of the flag, it should be me. it I was born on Flag Day, a day to celebrate the adoption of the American flag, so if anyone should be offended by the burning of the flag, it should be me. But, I realize what they are doing is not hurting anyone. It only makes them look bad. I would not even have known about it if it weren’t for the media playing up to them.” But, I realize what they are doing is not hurting anyone. It only makes them look bad. I would not even have known about it if it weren’t for the media playing up to them. Here in America, those who choose to burn the flag say they are exercising their constitutional rights. Although the First Amendment guarantees our right to freedom of expression, I don’t feel this is how the flag burning issue should be supported. How can anyone say they are exercising their rights by standing in a public place, waiting for a crowd to gather and then setting a flag on fire? This is not freedom of expression. This is a fire hazard. But burning the American flag in a safe place is just like burning any piece of material with 13 red and white stripes and 50 white stars. The American flag is just a symbol. It is a symbol we can be identified with and that is all. Veterans who say they fought for the flag, and those who are willing to die for the flag have a real problem. What they are really fighting for and dying for is freedom, democracy and the American way — not for a colorful piece of material. So what happens if an amendment is passed banning flag burning? Will this cover every form of flag destruction? Will little Johnnie in the fourth grade, who draws a picture of the American flag to commemorate President’s Day, be able to throw it away if he doesn’t like it? Or will this amendment just cover flags flown over the Capitol for a few seconds? Or perhaps flags made just of American cotton? Also, what about the practice of burning the flag if it touches the ground? What will become of this tradition? I can see it now. All flags will come with a tag reading: Machine wash cold. Do not bleach or the flag will turn pink. Tumble dry, but do not use too much heat. Keep away from flames. Do not burn or destroy under penalty of the law. If the lawmakers are so concerned with this burning issue, then they should require that flags be made of nonflammable material. I realize that the burning of an American flag may offend a lot of people, but so does picking your nose. That does not mean there should be a constitutional amendment banning it. I feel we should respect what the flag stands for and stop worrying about what color flames it will produce. But for those of you who think it is necessary to take your frustrations out on the American flag, I say go ahead and burn it. We’ll make more. Colin Moss is a senior joui~nalism and speech communication major. Mail Call Administrators make majority decisions The Battalion (USPS 045 360) Member of Texas Press Association Southwest Journalism Conference Associated Collegiate Press The Battalion Editorial Board Monique Threadgill, Editor Melissa Naumann, Managing Editor Damon Arhos, Opinion Page Editor Holly Becka, City Editor Meg Reagan, Lisa Ann Robertson, News Editors Clay Rasmussen, Sports Editor Eric Roalson, Art Director Todd Stone, Lifestyles Editor Editorial Policy The Battalion is a non-profit, self-sup porting newspaper operated as a commu nity service to Texas A&M and Bryan- College Station. Opinions expressed in The Battalion are those of the editorial board or the au thor, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Texas A&M administrators, faculty or the Board of Regents. The Battalion is published Tuesday through Friday during Texas A&M sum mer semesters, except for holiday and ex amination periods. Mail subscriptions are $20 per semes ter, $40 per school year and $50 per full year: 845-2611. Advertising rates fur nished on request: 845-2696. Our address: The Battalion, 230 Reed McDonald, Texas A&M University, Col lege Station, TX 77843-1111. Newsroom: 845-3313. Second class postage paid at College Station, TX 77843. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, 216 Reed McDonald, Texas A&M University, College Station TX 77843-4111. FAX EDITOR: My first semester at Texas A&M University was the fall semesterofi;< By reading The Battalion I realized that many of the students compl and griped too much. They complained about bonfire, the parking situation, the Corps; dels, fraternities, sororities and many other issues. When I returned to Texas A&M University two years ago, I againj reading The Battalion. I felt like I had been transported back in time first year here. The same issues were being complained about in Mail Cal I asked myself, “Why?” The administration apparently views the students as a continuousc, four-year faces. Every year, one year’s worth would enter and one worth would exit. The administration realizes that the students will complain regarc they basically make decisions based on University needs as a whole,m needs for the few. Bonfire and the Corps of Cadets are but two of the traditions at A& Those who serve in the Corps are and should be proud of their co: ment. However, the Corps should also respect other student’s feelings; mitments just as you should respect the Corps’. Bonfire was originally intended to raise the spirit of the studem prior to the University of Texas football game. Its construction builds character in those participating and creJ deeper unity among the student body. The actual size and location of bonfire are not relevant as long as 11% pose is served. Fraternities and sororities are and should be recognized organization long as any student organization meets and follows the requirements ;! has the duty of officially recognizing them. So Aggies, please remember that this University is for allot the: You are here a very short time. Complete your education to the best of your ability, enjoy your time quit complaining so much and learn to respect the opinions, desires an tudes of others, for this is just a sample of the real world. James A. Scott ’86 Daughter of Williams sets record straight EDITOR: I’ve stood by long enough and listened to the liberals talk about myt attitudes toward women. Yes, that’s right. I’m Clayton Williams’ daughtei And I believe I know more about his attitudes toward women than do. I think a man’s true attitude toward women is shown through hisfe relationships ... mother, wife, sister and daughter. Ask my Grandmother and my Aunt about by Dad and they’ll tell you he has always encouraged them in all of their endeavors ... from huntini game to working in the business world. Now, how did Clayton Williams raise a daughter in today’s world? you. From the time I was a small child he has encouraged me to do my many ways. While most men leave the females home when they go hunting, fisii camping and working, he not only took us with him but also taught us good shots, to love and respect the outdoors, to clean our own game.tohit far as any man and to be good sports (not to mention teaching me ate business). Does that sound like a man vftjth prehistoric ideas about women? No. He has always encouraged all of his children to “do something their lives ... to find their niche. In our endeavors to find my place in I tried a lot of things. (1) Construction: He tried to teach me to drive a bulldozer, with noli helped him survey parts of the ranch with some success. (2) Cow work: It turned out that I’m not such a hot horsewoman si; stampeded a whole herd somehow. (3) Flight school: When I thought I might make a good pilot, hepaic and encouraged me during the three lessons I took (airsick each time). Finally, after earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Texa: lieve it or not) and working at a large Dallas bank for awhile, I started we an MBA in fianance. With his emotinal and financial support I earned that degree in 1? Now, here is a man who encourages his daughter in all her non-tradie pursuits, who teaches her the kinds of things most men only teach therrw And the liberals say he has a bad attitude towards women? BALDERDASH! The women of Texas ought to wish they’d had a father like Clayton liams. Here is a man who believes in equal rights and has put it in pradi; boot. Clayton Williams is a friend to people from all walks of life. I truly bd he will prove to be a historically great governor for all the people of Texa: Thank you for letting me speak in support of my father. Kelvie Williams Muhlbauer Daughter of Clayton Williams Have an opinion? Express it! Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words in length. The editorial staff reserves the right to ek'i for style and length, but will make every effort to maintain the author’s intent. There is no guaranttO letters submitted will be printed. Each letter must be signed and must include the classification, adirtsi telephone number of the writer. All letters may be brought to 216 Reed McDonald, or sent to < Stop 1111. P h ii by Brett Bridgen WriT/a/g To f\UY0N€ XA^FbRTn/\/r? Nope. -Judr THE Board op WHffT'3 IT RBour? , * X 5U$T 1>onY ( $EE AHVTH/NG ftmcnZAL ABOUT Lowering the MAYBe rffi-lb VcoprlOCflL- ECCtNOAdY ExpdTLy. tukt'$ IVMY MY PlAN IS So BETTufR.