Image provided by: Texas A&M University
About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 8, 1993)
I Opinion r 8,1993 nr office in whether tion. But the sen- : serious rs is sub- at letter claimed Earle be- son less 'ho have torney's n Earle's ?r Attor- reasurer 3 — dis- le while r of the i getting a ted dif- haven't r known e prose- m. (ednesday, September 8,1993 The Battalion Editorial Board CHRIS WHITLEY, editor in chief |Ull PHILLIPS, managing editor MARK EVANS, city editor DAVE THOMAS, night news editor ANAS BEN-MUSA, Aggielife editor iELINDA BLANCARTE, night news editor MICHAEL PLUMER, sports editor MCK HARRISON, opinion editor WILLIAM HARRISON, sports editor KYLE BURNETT, photo editor The Battalion Page 11 *’«■'/ Nit M!C Vil TW( u(,H! f,n ov4!a<!o*iI VK.„ 'fituf to r</«)«! rij ije>. audH!!! mv u. f)^T \\m id alted the teered to y for the ug Odle, shot but tion date Woody xecution il the full half. The nth. EDITORIAL Time to act IN. must stop chaos in Somalia 's by far ■eceived, ng out of ncerned enough some of ?ir oppo- a't even nent is," ponding tied." ill intro- >f the re- 1 discus- ?ht. the Stu- : affairs sitively saying, nth poli- ecoming ucation, id. itives of a rally in front ing at 3 Die United Nations needs to Jserious in Somalia. Following the recent attack that " 1 seven Nigerian soldiers, So- iwarlord Mohamed Farrah ilid is still at large and still featening U.N. peacekeeping ef- iince the United Nations took Itrthe humanitarian effort in f, 47 peacekeepers have been and 175 wounded in clashes militia forces. There is little that Aidid can be blamed ilmost all of these casualties. Jeanwhile, tons of food des- jfjdfor the Somali interior are f pgin port because the United ins has been forced to reas- •,'units normally usedjfor con- duty to secure a safe, environ- atfor aid workers. I ielief groups have criticized Aidid manhunt, claiming that itary objectives are taking pri- tyover humanitarian ones, but 5’fail to realize that these mili- Jobjectives must be accom- ihed before food can be deliv- d safely. Ihe latest attack on U.N. icekeepers was the deadliest tejune, when 24 Pakistani soi ls were killed. There is reason Relieve that these attacks will %ue until Aidid is captured, pe United Nations must step jefforts to apprehend Aidid as quickly as possible so they can continue with their relief mission. However, it seems ironic that al though CNN can interview Aidid on a daily basis, the U.N. forces cannot even figure out where he is. However, Aidid may not be the only factor distracting the U.N. Disagreements within the 29-nation U.N. force may be pre venting the United Nations from effectively carrying out its hu manitarian aid mission. The commander of Nigerian forces in Somalia has accused Ital ian troops of not coming to the aid of his soldiers and Italian offi cials have repeatedly criticized U.N. tactics and caused problems within the command system. The Italians have already re placed their controversial com mander and are in the process of pulling out of Mogadishu, but the United Nations have requested that the Italians leave their last few hundred troops for an "indef inite time." If the Italians are undermining the U.N. effort, the U.N. com mand should realize it would be better off without them. If the U.N. is to fulfill its hu manitarian aid mission, it must establish order in Somalia as quickly as possible to prevent the waste of more food and the loss of more lives. So you want to be a star? Head east American culture continues to fascinate people of Japan MELISSA MEGLIOLA Columnist H ave you ever wondered what it feels like to be recognized everywhere you go? I have. As a kid, I used to dress up and walk around in high heels hoping someday to be a famous model like Brooke Shields. My dad is 5' 7" and my mom is 5’ 2". The odds weren't with me. Although I would still sell my soul to look like Cyndi Craw ford, I thought I had cured myself of such interests. I don't buy tabloids, read People or follow royalty. But this summer 1 experienced it. Stardom. And Fm hooked. I was flocked to by people interested in looking and dressing like me who wanted to take my picture and occasion ally ask for autographs. I was asked for in sight on people known to be a part of my world. Michael Jordan's name probably came up most — I was thrilled to he questioned about him. Upon seeing me, many of my fans giggled out of nervousness or became unusu ally quiet as they pointed in my direction. What happened? A number one album? A hit movie? A genetically unexplained growth spurt? No. No. And I wish. In May I traveled to Japan with my family. We hit all the tourist attractions — mostly an cient shrines and temples — at a time when many Japanese childiWi were taking school trips to the very same places. Girls and boys alike were totally captivated by Americans. At the Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto, a little girl about 10 years old approached me and asked in English if I would please pose for a picture with her. About 30 seconds later, my sister and 1 were standing in front of a cam era surrounded by her entire class. They each held up two fingers making the peace sign rather than the rabbit ears I remember clever ly sneaking into pictures at that age. "Thank you, thank you," I heard from all directions as they left to join their teacher. The scenario was similar all over Japan. At the home of the Great Buddha, three junior high school students approached my sister and I. Eager to practice their English, they shyly began a conversation, consulting one another tor vocabulary. English is a compul sory subject for Japanese students, and they speak it surprisingly well. I answered questions on my family, my home and basketball. I was amazed by their questions and even more so by their knowl edge. When I answered that I live in Dallas, the girls knew that Dallas is a city in Texas. Asking about Jordan — I swear I didn't initiate the topic — one girl was concerned about his match up with Patrick Ewing in the playoff series against the Knicks. "The Bulls are down by two right now," she informed me. "But I think they will win the rest. I think Michael Jordan is a very nice man." From the color in her face, I loosely translated "nice" to mean good looking. Being the subject of so much attention en hanced our trip. Interaction with the Japanese people in general was overwhelmingly pleas ant. Neither I, nor anyone in my family, speak any Japanese. I can now say goodbye (say- onara) and thank you (domo arigato), but that is the extent of my attempt to be bilingual. More than once when we looked lost, someone ori the street would stop and walk us blocks out of his way to our destination. When my mother asked a department store hostess where to cash a traveler's check, the woman escorted her out of the store and was in the process of walking her to the nearest bank before my mom could stop her. Both generosity and thoughtfulness are character istic of the Japanese culture. But thougntfulness doesn't explain the au tographs and pictures. Japanese children love Americans. Movies and American television contribute, but parents and teachers must teach their children to know and love the Unit ed States, an honor I'm not sure we deserve. In our own country, we are constantly try ing to increase our awareness of groups within our society, yet we forget about everything outside it. We wonder if children in New York should be read stories about kids with two daddies. We struggle to understand different reli gious sects, identify with the plight of the homeless and appreciate all types of social and political opinions. We get so wrapped up in our subcultures, we forget that there is life outside our borders. Although many different lifestyles and be liefs are surfacing here at home, we need to remember that other countries are emerging and changing as well — like Japan, the lead ing world economic power. Melissa Megliola is a senior industrial engineer ing major H<?wpy Yall f JAPArt f yAU- HAVE- AWy-TH'.Vfi T fc»e ci A CUSTOMS Doua«me_ TZoll_ Editorials appearing in The Battalion reflect the views of the editorial board. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other Battalion staff members, the Texas A&M student body, regents, administration, /acuity or staff. Columns, guest columns, cartoons and letters express the opinions of the authors. The Battalion encourages letters to the editor and will print as many as space allows. Letters must be 300 words or less and include the author's name, class, and phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters and guest columns for length, style, and accuracy. Contact the opinion editor . for information on submitting guest columns. Address letters to: :• The Battalion - Mail Call N' I-l:. 013 Reed McDonald Mail stop lilt Texas A&M University Station, TX 77B43 iiliilii wmm A school by any other name does not smell as sweet to some 1 That's in a A name? 'Y That f ch we call a ^by any other he would smell jLeet. j'Veil Shakes, j^times have ’ since you ‘e "Romeo & iet." The impor- :eof a name is ' widely ar- IM Even in your 'idhe big deal | ft male primacy No carry on the | lily name. 1 oday there are women who decide to 1% their maiden names when marrying, 1 ftuits over product names and, of I pe, disputes over university name 1 ; nges. So, is it what's on the inside that I %s or is it the label? 1 On Friday, August 27th, the Texas I M University System Board of Regents 1 |d unanimously to change the names I pee System schools in South Texas. The only problem is that one of the schools has quite a few people very un happy with the change. Texas A&I Uni versity isn't having a party about being re named Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Now, the other two schools. Corpus Christi State University and Laredo State University, aren't having any qualms about the name changes. But we must re member that both of these schools, before the A&M initiative, were only two-year institutions. Along with the name change, they will expand into four-year institu tions and enroll freshmen and sopho mores. These two schools have more to gain from Texas A&M than just a name. Texas A&I University, on the other hand, is different. As a former student of Texas A&I University and a current stu dent of Texas A&M University, I find my self in an interesting spot. I can see the pros and cons of both sides of this issue. Both universities have so much in common that it's terrible to see their alumni at odds with each other. They each have incredibly conservative student bodies, both have sweltering summers and most importantly, each university has intense school pride. It's that pride that is getting in the way. Rep. Irma Rangel, D-Kingsville, who is in favor of the name change, said the in dividuals opposed to the name change should be pleased that the school is get- There would be quite an uproar if anyone ever sug gested that we change even one letter of the Texas A&M name. Why is it so difficult for university offi cials to understand the strong emotions felt in Kingsville? ting prestige with the new name. She was also quoted in The Battalion on August 30th as saying that the alumni are too at tached to their memories and are afraid the new name will take those away. Oh, Romeo! Excuse me. Rep. Rangel, but aren't those legitimate concerns? The students and alumni at Texas A&I University chose to go to Texas A&I, not Texas A&M. Whatever their reasons were for their choice, they are proud of their school. They feel that Texas A&I has enough prestige and influence without the name change. Isn't pride one of the foundations of Texas A&M? I'm sure there would be quite an uproar if anyone ever suggested that we change even one letter of the Texas A&M name. Why is it so difficult for university officials to understand the strong emotions felt in Kingsville? Several proud Hoggies — yes, their mascot is the Javelina, similar to the wild boar but commonly called the Hoggie — feel that they are fine just the way they are. The University has survived for years without any help from A&M. Some even say that their prestige may actually drop with the new name. I must admit that Arts and Industries does have a nicer ring than Agricultural and Me chanical. Those individuals in favor of the name change keep arguing that because Texas A&M has acquired the school, it can do as it pleases. With money and power comes authority. Also, what small college would pass up a chance to have "A&M" in its name? Of course, most of these argu ments sound vaguely similar to those used to support the Imperialist Age. Re member the "white man's burden"? In the end, it comes down to whether or not what's truly important is the name or the content. Is money and funding more important than pride and heritage? We here in Aggieland should be able to answer that one in a heartbeat. Well, whatever the arguments may be, between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 8,1993, a reception will be held in Kingsville to signify the death of Texas A&I University and the birth of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Among the performing bands and offi cial speeches, a few students will be found on campus next to the Hoggie Stat ue burying a time capsule filled with Texas A&I memorabilia. Texas A&I Uni versity will then be just a memory. John Scroggs is a senior English and philoso phy major § ass. Thank you, students for blood drive help The family of Faye Caldwell wishes to ppress their appreciation to the Com mandant, Thomas Darling, and the Corps of Cadets for the blood dri ve held on Sept. 3. Faye, the mother of two A&M seniors, Chris and Shan, is undergoing treatment at the University of Texas M.D. Ander son Cancer Center in Houston for leukemia. The father, Tom, is a former student, class of '61. Faye's condition is greatly improved, and there is reason for optimism. Her recovery can be attributed, in part, to the love, care, concern and generosity of the students of Texas A&M. Chris Caldwell Class of '94 Greek, CT, non-reg: we all go to A&M Texas A&M University is set above other institutions in that it has a unique sense of unity among its students. Each student at Texas A&M can take pride' in the Aggie spirit, traditions and cama raderie. This goes for all students, re gardless of their cultures, backgrounds and lifestyles. Unfortunately, recurring incidents have illustrated that the Aggie unity we all hold so dear to our hearts is becoming a thing of the past. Demonstrating this apathy were some of the Walton Hall Warriors on All-U Night when they yelled, "Walton loads, CTs suck!" The following night a few of the Puryear Hall Playboys visited the quad in order to chant, "CTs, CTs, don't be blue. T-sips **** their roommates too!" These types of derogatory state ments would seem more appropriate at a lower class institution, not Texas A&M. However, this bitter relationship is not only held between a few non-regs and Corps members. For instance, much animosity is also directed towards Greek organizations at this campus. The popu lar slogan is "Rent a Friend ... Join a Frat," which is often advertised by both Corps members and non-regs, only adds to this growing problem. The ideal environment, which A&M provides, gives students the opportunity to pursue their individual preference in student lifestyles. No matter which orga nization we decide to be in, we all chose to be Aggies. We all attend the same fine University, cheer for the same team, and partake in the same traditions. "We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we. True to each other as Aggies can be." Kyle Robinson Class of ‘96 Francisco Sanchez Class of "96