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Page 9
Wednesday • October 2, 1 996
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iturday’s match up«
Tech at Kyle Field.
Conjecture
suits in
onfusion
fit looks like a duck and quacks
like a duck, then it must be a
duck. If beer prices are changed
he middle of the night, then the
edy owner is out to screw us.
ception is always reality. Or is it?
Two
Columnist
David Boldt
‘fflior management
nd marketing major
m
nued from Page
ieir first
)wa State.
career got 1SI
king the Offensive
kggtes continue
ir mark in Central!
i national offen
>ards.
Sept. 23, junior
m Blalack contir
ie nation andCenii
in three categorii
acked up 13 goals,
ind four game-wii
ds just midwayii
m.
side Blalack is
Kristen Koop,
xth regionally with
I seven assists totalig
ints. Junior m/dtff
iwe is tied
n the Centralkegio
goals and
ior forward Yvette.
I for seventh withi
ming goals,
weeks ago,
my room
mate and I
decided to
go to the
Texas Hall of
Fame for the
Bonfire ben
efit. Of
course we
love Bonfire,
but we had
heard that
pitchers of
mere $1.50 that night. So we
bbed our laundry money and
ikoff. When we arrived, however,
learned that pitchers were no
.50, but now could only be
timed for a nasty $4.50.
Iwas pissed. Out of sheer greed,
managers, owners, or whoever
heck was in charge, had raised
price in the middle of the night,
immediately began investigat-
-I was going to have this
«dy villain’s head on a platter. I
1’t wait to expose this atrocity
dscrew his business.
So I found out who the owner
and called to get some answers.
The original deal was that we
ild have $1.50 pitchers until 9
lock,” said Paul Emola, co
mer of the Texas Hall of Fame,
didn’t even charge them
anftre coordinators) any rent,”
said. “We try real hard to work
I the Aggies in every way we
uldn’t \
s senii
five m\
Stellar Goalie
sively, Wilson is at
! Central Regionn
i a 0.59 goals-
which also ranks
ie nation. For the
freshman has stac>
ie game for the
!4 saves and 765 i
laying time,
ily five goals.
of Ol
EFELD
6 from Page/
hearf hi
more, but because
at position,
ik to him. Just by
le’s running,
up role.”
arrier Jerry Snid
ooks to Lengefrf
i since he’s alv
the pack,
ooking for his
er said. “Heg
. He works hatd fl
id hard in ever)'
r that and exped
of the top gu)
h he is pressuP
dinze said
b it by continui 11 :
t the level of
e.
no doubt in in
is going to be3
ler,” Hinzesai 1
;ot an outside sl , _
For the national^
s a sophomore
at, and if he! 11
he would be th E
ie conference!
I’ve ever had. H 1 '
tro Barrios, wh 1
rld-record hold
meters.”
Ithr
... oops.
Iwny arrogance I had made
assumption that this business
strying to suck mbhdy out of
motivated fo*! 1 Bonfire,
enitwas simply a matter of
i-communication.
An assumption is defined as any-
.jj agtaken for granted. Obviously,
ne assumptions are well made,
lassuming a guy wearing senior
its on campus is in the Corps,
tthere are many assumptions we
that are destructive.
Coming back from All-Universi-
sight earlier this fall, the fresh
en my outfit were circled up
our outfit guidon (flag) to
lard” it. They were yelling and
earning out of sheer motivation
(they had “guarded” it success-
ywhen a group of nonregs hap-
jjjjjlted to walk by. The nonregs, as-
ning that the cadets were yelling
lem, began reacting with ob-
jnities. However, the fish in the
tpshad no idea the nonregs
re even there. The two groups
ised without major conflict, but
Qplnreg-Corps relations were left
ihtly scarred — all because of a
assumption.
When people find out I write
The Battalion, I sometimes
reactions like, “Oh, you’re
e of those liberal types that
esn’t like A&M.” They assume
it just because I am an opin-
columnist, Chris Stidvent is
best buddy.
On the other hand, the first time
alked into the newsroom in uni-
some really weird looks,
atthe heck is that CT doing in
newsroom?” some thought. “I’ll
a right-wing militant who
led walks around campus
doping at everything.”
Bad assumptions, including
fjjfeotypes, are usually made
on emotions. And thinking
hour emotions often gets us
o trouble.
The ancient Greeks used the
m harmartia to describe har-
ny between intellect and emo-
n. A person possessing har-
nia was said to have a well
lered life.
If we think and act based more
our intellect and less on our
lotions, then bad assumptions
Jn to thin out of our lives.
All of us should strive to achieve
tmartia. We should realize that
don’t always know exactly what
ioing on behind the scenes, and
ngs aren’t always what they
itn. We need to educate cur
ves about a matter before jump-
do conclusions.
The key to avoiding bad as-
niptions is always having an
on mind. But that just may be
(assumption.
itf mi got;
leb ihe’s;
Traditions traditionally perpetuate
stupidity
W arning: The Surgeon General has decreed that
blind adherence to tradition causes dullwitted-
ness, herd mentality and bad livers.
Okay, the Surgeon General didn’t really say that, but
she would if she ever visited Texas A&M. She might re-
quire a warning label pasted on
every Bonfire pot, Sbisa tray and
Aggie ring.
Beginning with Fish Camp and
continuing into the first few semes
ters, freshmen entering A&M are in
oculated with a dose of Aggie spirit,
much in the same way that elemen
tary schools pound patriotism and
citizenship into the skulls of children.
The freshmen learn about our ha
tred for the University of Texas, re
ferred to lovingly as t.u., and our love
for Bonfire, symbolizing our “burning
desire to beat the hell outta t.u.”
Sure, Bonfire is cool, but why do we want to beat the hell
out of the University of Texas? Are Longhorns so different
that we must shun them, so terrible that we must burn them
in effigy in order to satisfy our self-righteousness? Sounds
closer to paranoia than school spirit.
Yes, the idea of Bonfire reveals an Aggie inferiority com
plex. Bonfire resembles a phallic symbol more and more
with each passing year, and we are always reminded that
ours is bigger than everyone else’s.
The funny thing is, Bonfire is actually a binding force at
A&M, uniting us in a common, if somewhat misguided,
cause. Perhaps Aggies could direct that positive energy to
ward building houses for Habitat for Humanity. With
43,000 students, we can build entire Habitat neighbor
hoods. B.T.H.O.H.F.H. would be the redpots’ cry.
Another pointless-and-negative-tradition stronghold is
Sbisa, the home Sbisa yell. Sbisa yell begins with hall yells
and quickly regresses to food fights and insults. Physical
confrontations often occur, leaving some wondering
whether the point of Sbisa yell is not to demonstrate
school spirit, but to pick fights with rival dorms.
What constructive end does the lovely tradition of
throwing wadded-up napkins at the pretty women getting
ice cream at the freezer case serve? Historically, women
have shown little interest in such outbursts of sexism and
childishness. But, sadly, this is the single-most effective
way the assailants can get women to look at them.
Even though Sbisa yell adds to the Food Service em
ployees’ already-immense workload, the second lunch
room tradition is the more disturbing. Complimenting
women with catcalls and projectiles does little to raise the
self esteem of anybody involved. Worse is the objectifica
tion of women that results from this harmful tradition.
Finally, there is the ultimate tradition of Aggieland: Se
nior rings and ring dunking.
Every semester, hundreds of eager Aggies trot off to
one of the numerous bars in town and proceed to dunk
their rings in pitchers of beer. The theory behind this
tradition is that after 4 years (or five or six), our toler
ance for alcohol has skyrocketed, leaving behind alco
holics who continually drink to get a buzz.
Thankfully, even the state of Texas recognized the dan
ger in this silly tradition. Although seniors may whine
about the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission cracking
down on their freedoms, their bodies and minds will thank
the T.A.B.C. later for the enforced moderation.
Why do we do these things if they are so harmful? The
stock answer to that question is because they are tradi
tions — they are a part of A&M.
History proves the danger inherent in blindly adher
ing to tradition.
Until 1910 or so, the Chinese had a tradition of binding
women’s feet so they remained 3 to 5 inches long. The
process involved folding toes and breaking arches, and
was excruciatingly painful. When asked why this was nec
essary, the men replied that small feet and their effect on
mobility sexually aroused them, and the practice had been
around for 1,000 years.
In Africa’s Sudan region, the tradition is even more
cruel. To ensure virginity, the practice of fibulation is
performed on young women. The procedure involves a
village elder sewing up the young woman’s vagina.
Again tradition is one of the driving forces in perpetu
ating this atrocity.
A&M’s traditions pale in comparison to violating basic
human rights. However, the principle stiil applies: Do not
perpetuate destructive and harmful practices just because
that’s the way it’s always been done. Try perpetuating
helpful and creative traditions.
Bonfire, Sbisa yell and even the alcoholic ring dunking
are harmful and frivolous. Perhaps, as the world progress
es further toward some sort of unity, Aggies might help it
along by forgetting the old, childish and wasteful tradi
tions of yesteryear and adopt more fully the creative and
nurturing traditions of activities like Big Event and Re
plant. Hey, without Bonfire it would just be Plant.
Columnist
Patrick Smiley
Sophomore
zoology major
Mail
Guns provide the
means for defense
Regarding Bryan Goodwin’s
Oct. 1 column, “United States
shoots itself in the foot:”
Once again, ignorance in the
media rears its ugly head. Good
win’s obvious lack for under
standing basic English phrases
became apparent in his column.
Ironic for an English major, don’t
you think?
The first part of the Second
Amendment says, “A well regulat
ed militia, being necessary to the
security of a free State,” stands as
a qualifier, not an exclusion, to
the rest of the statement. In the
late 18th century, militias were
defined as all able-bodied men
available to fight. They were not
organized by the government for
its defense, as are the Reserves
and the National Guard. They ex
isted only in times of need, for the
defense of the people against the
government. As Thomas Jeffer
son duly noted, “The most effec
tive way to enslave a people, is to
first disarm them.”
Until we focus on the real prob
lem of criminal conduct and lack of
personal responsibility, we will con
tinually be insulted with remarks
like Goodwin’s that liken firearm
ownership to drug abuse. If the day
ever comes that Goodwin is faced
with protecting his life, property, or
family from a burglar, rapist or
tyrannical government, with his
trusty Swiss Army Knife, I can offer
him only these two pieces of advice.
I told you so, and good luck.
Joe Benningfield
Class of’99
Bonfire cut unifies
disparate groups
I would like to extend my heart
felt thanks to Dunn Hall for inviting
Phi Kappa Theta to help build the
hell outta Bonfire last weekend.
The crewchiefs and residents of
Dunn Hall showed amazing enthu
siasm in helping bridge the gap be
tween Greeks and nonregs.
To be honest, we were at first a
bit intimidated by the “NO
Greeks” pots, the “Rent A Friend”
T-shirts and the other anti-Greek
sentiments resulting form this
gap. It was wonderful, though, to
realize that Dunn Hall and Phi
Kappa Theta both understood
that we are all building the same
Bonfire, for the same University
and for all Aggies — Corps, non
regs, OCA’s and Greeks alike.
A. Peter Shukis III
Class of’99
Phi Kappa Theta Associate
Member Class President
Accompanied by 16 signatures
The Battalion encourages letters to the
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The opinion editor reserves the right to
edit letters for length, style, and accuracy.
Letters may be submitted in person at 013
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ters may also be mailed to:
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For more details on letter policy, please call
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opinion editor.
Never deny education
W ho says our
tax dollars are
ill-spent? Last
week, the House of
Representatives
passed a bill that al
lows states to deny
children of illegal im
migrants a public edu
cation. The ignora
muses who support
this bill think it will
discourage illegal im
migration and ease
taxpayer expenses.
There have been many at
tempts to pass outrageous bills
up on Capitol Hill, but this has
got to be the doozy of them all.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not
pro-illegal immigration. But if
this legislation becomes law,
there will be hell to pay.
Aside from the problem of
the country making a moral de
cision to punish innocent chil
dren for no good reason, if Con
gress foolishly overrides a sure
presidential veto, we will all suf
fer — not just illegal aliens.
The best way to ensure an ex
plosion of crime and disease is
to deny children of illegal immi
grants an education.
Just imagine what the coun
try will look like in 10 years
when the children of our 3.5
million undocumented immi
grants become teenagers.
We Aggies will be in the
process of building our families
and careers in an America
where there will be millions of
unvaccinated, uneducated and
probably angry teenagers.
Hmm. Can you see crime? Can
you see disease?
If you cannot,
you need to open
your eyes.
Some might
yell, “We have a
staggering deficit!
We can’t afford to
take this burden!”
But, although it
costs about
$62,000 to edu
cate a child
through the 12th
grade in a public school, it costs
about that much per year to in
carcerate some individuals.
Upon doing the math, the ques
tion clearly changes from “how
can we afford it?” to “how can
we not afford it?”
Columnist
Aja Henderson
Senior political
science major
The best way to
ensure an explo
sion of crime and
disease is to deny
children of illegal
immigrants an
education.
So, now the big wigs
who puff their chests out
and talk big talk about
getting tough on immi
gration think they have
won a battle against the
evil immigrants. Why,
Newt Gingrich has even
said that this joke-of-a-
bill will send a clear mes
sage to immigrants that
America is not going to
take care of them!
But illegal immi
grants will always come here as
long as someone is hiring them.
Isn’t it ironic that businesses are
so often left out of the criticism?
A look back in history reveals
that from the very first immi
gration bill this country passed,
these laws have been conve
niently relaxed and designed
with loopholes which alloVv
American businesses to hire il
legal immigrants, especially in
the agricultural industry. How
else would America remain the
largest supplier of food (and
cheap food, at that) in the
world? Surely it’s not because
we have a lot of farmers.
These businesses pull bene
fits from illegal workers and, in
directly, we all benefit every
time we head to Albertson’s.
But no one talks about that.
Instead, we get a dose of rhetoric
on the benefits the United States
will gain from denying the chil
dren of illegal immigrants a pub
lic education.
How can this bill be the answer
when the economic contributions
from illegal immigrants benefit
our country so greatly? Illegal im
migrants are com
ing and staying over
here for a reason,
and it is not just so
they can hold out
their hands for
some food stamps
or line up their kids
for the school bus.
The key to stop
ping the tide of il
legal immigration
is to penalize per
petrators, such as
the businesses who greedily ex
ploit undocumented immigrants
with the help of Uncle Sam. Cru
elly denying children an educa
tion is be far too dangerous —
and perhaps even deadly — for
our nation.