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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 9, 1996)
a v • Octobe The Battalion OPIIN Page 11 Wednesday • October 9, 1 996 ISSUES ^forces Of good and bad battle it out Females win in ‘Battle are on death™ 1 not be pemte y appeal theirco# the expense oftij ■ricans.” )ss Perot gies enthusiastically strive to do these ings. Good-bull activities are also related to lasses. This can be seen simply by watch- drug dealerwS ghighly motivated Fish Camp counselors I with drugs shoi ath penalty. Term face quick and ment.” :ts to driving. if he had ever ops s; if he had ever ve a blood, breal >e a conflict, dn’t knowit )e grounds riissal from Columnist any do not acknowledge the wonder ful system of how Aggies know what is and is not socially acceptable in eland. The secret is in the bull. You see, instead of confusing all of Ag- gieland’s residents with complicated rationales about why an Aggie should or should not perform a certain act, W ' m W. our forefathers compiled a comprehensive list of what was good and bad. Hence, the origins of good and bad bull. Certain activities are labeled good bull and of the Sexes’ at A&M Chris Miller junior English major id cadets. Whenever something is declared good bull, eperson committing the good bull be- mesred-assed. I’m not really sure if a physical transfor- ition takes place, but that’s not impor- nt.Just being known for having a rouge arend seems adequate for most good res ents of Aggieland. Dunking Aggie rings is one example of good I I I H \/i s practiced in Aggieland because it is I ^| | y lisputably good bull to dunk one’s ring in a J • cher.The Dixie Chicken’s recent enforcement he defense attornt an old law about serving pitchers to individu- asked potentia caused many red-ass Aggies to worry, questions relate! How could they possibly act in a good-bull inner if they could no longer dunk their uld have been as igsinone huge glass vessel of alcohol? The swercame roaring from the wise authori- er consuming tlira son good- and bad-bull practices. It was tided that dunking an Aggie ring in a sub- iute vessel, known as a schooner, would wbe proclaimed good bull. Red-ass Aggies £ht that them Eat ^ a co ^ ect i ve sigh of relief knowing 1 eycould continue practicing good bull thout violating Texas law. But bad-bull distinctions can be just as ky.Some may be able to relate bad-bull ac- itieswith being called a two-percenter. The id of two-percenter has proven to be the tmfall of many once-respected Aggies. It is ikiss of death in Aggieland. -bull activities include “pulling out” ffithan one class when doing a “wildcat.” ihmen who choose to whoop are put in category. (However, whatever the distinction between good and bad bull may be, Aggies should make sure to cherish the system. Knowing the difference has made my life much easier. Questioning the reasoning or rationale behind society’s values just leads to chaos. If all Aggies started to use their minds instead of the bull system, many different and new ideas might result. But new ideas usually lead to change, and change is always bad bull in Aggieland. Per haps if the United States could formulate uni versal good- and bad-bull traits we could end racism, homelessness and the troubling phe nomenon known as political liberalism. So Aggies should stick to their guns and keep our bull system by following the general rule: If you detect any trace of bad bull, sniff it out and eliminate it. Do not allow room for pity. But, on the other hand, if a demonstration of good bull occurs in Aggieland, give the partici pants an affirmative “gig ’em” and let them know that you appreciate the redness of their butt. If we all work together as Aggies dedicated to good bull, we can move mountains. I t is rare at this school that a “first” occurs. However, this freshman class marks the first time that males are in the minority. This is truly a big deal, because it was only back in the 1960s that females weren’t even allowed to attend this University. It is only natural around here that every “first” brings drama. You can count on the fact that, at this very moment, there are men scratching their buzz cuts and calling Grandpa, whining that girls' are taking over their beloved A&M. This is pitiful. How can anyone complain that females are wreck ing tradition? Why, if this place were ruled by females, the Uni versity — and its traditions — would be far better off. For instance, a little more style could be imparted around here. I have long thought that those beige Corps outfits are bland. Why not add a hint of col or to them? It is unlikely that Old Ags would turn over in their graves if the Corps uniforms were snazzed up a little. The yell leaders could benefit, as well. Those boring white jumpers could be shortened into really fly yell outfits and that stiff walk they continually do could do choreographed into a so phisticated strut. Of course, those raggedy Adi das shoes would have to go. Suitable replacements from the Lady Foot Locker would be a relief indeed. As for the Aggie Band, they could certainly use some feminine consultation. Their formations are stun ning, but don’t you ever wish that they’d just lay down their in struments and shake their booties? Even if it were just the macarena, Columnist Aja Henderson Senior political science major band members could certainly stand to learn a few moves from the gals. Maybe then they would loosen up a little. And we can’t forget Bonfire. For one thing, that sucker wouldn’t be so high if this were a pre dominately female cam pus. I get tired of strain ing my neck looking up at it. If we had a nice cute heap, the entire event would be much more comfortable for everyone. The fe males could sport pink pots and make the male participants wear them as well. Any man secure in his manhood would not complain. Anyone who remains uncon vinced that Texas A&M would im prove if females were in the driver’s seat should consider the other ex treme. What would this place be like without us? Guys would have to mug with each other at Midnight Yell, and that could cause some seri ous butt-kickings at Kyle Field. And whom would dudes party with? If they danced with each other, who would lead and who would follow? The picture is pretty grisly, eh? Let’s not even go the Bonfire Buddy route. It would be hilarious, indeed, to see fellows with paint pens putting the finishing touches on cutesy gifts for one another. It is obvious — A&M minus es trogen would equal a sad campus. So to the sweeties of the Class of’00, raise your head high and enjoy your leg endary sta tus. I can not share the enjoy ment of being in a predomi nately female class, but I can cross my fingers and hope the trend continues. It is obvious — A&M minus estrogen would equal a sad campus. nen for the pi l intoxication; oti n an automobile alcohol was ernor spent ig milling around nty courthouse, :r prospectivejni )t in the courtn neys in the case h of County Coot David Crain ai i. rg told the ju ) Bush’s being itise “he has the trity to grant clef in.” Mail esponding to The ttalion’s charges Becent changes in the conces- ns guidelines have been de- ed in Battalion articles, edito- te system,”Belviiu s anc j!y[ail Call for the past aid the marrow* era ] ^ a y S _ n the pelvic bonj 1 [ti s obvious to me, as chair of ng syringe wIp Concessions Committee, that nder anesthesia giderable confusion exists as to compared the ft at changes were made to the i ice or beingkiw i cess i ons Guidelines and the . son for these changes, t costs $45, but, fhe guidelines now in place grants. Thedoc il w jth various aspects of er the remaining'! i)ii csa i es and solicitation on aid donors are* n p USi including how ofteri >ay the money," j scan occur, aelp in covert p or f ir st time, the rules spec- that items being sold to the aossible, thenm aii c mus t: the longer I will ^ [ g e fl ect q ie mission and/or 10 and the fun ■" p ose 0 f organization; and t dry up, Mabry ^ pj S pj a y t j-i e name Q f the rec- id there is an *. ^ sluc l e nt organization or i ation process ‘ j Vers ity department in a loca- give vials of . ; s i ze an d design clearly visible do not meetw J hepublic at all times when the A health scree , tchandise for sale or distribu- ne needed info n carr ies a licensed mark of as A&M University; and think peopled ^ Be from current student or- in charge, I 1 '" Nation or University depart- t as student 1^ at inventory purchased by the Van Eman saii lanization or purchased on con- bout the car# ct with return privileges or re- f movements a 1 ! 1 fed on consignment, the Corps anti 11 These new guidelines are ad- process [for ft; tedly restrictive, the women However, the changes were ’e getting a lot 111 plemented after a year-long tdy of the problem s that have id the class cf* stedin concessions by stu- eave a positi' ,f : ntorganizations, f women in lt ! The Concessions Committee 'been concerned for several st difficult chalb trs^ man y 0 f the sales in the ist regardleft Itvays of the MSC and Rudder ' not I were a f untain area were not by student “My challenge [anizations, but by vendors us- ,000 highly nr* 1 [the student organization name, minted in thf ' ivious attempts to restrict sales vendors and place responsibility for the sales on the student organi zation have not been successful. You may be wondering why would the University be concerned about vendors “setting up shop” in the MSC. The answer to this ques tion is not simple. The original intent of sales in the MSC hallways was to pro vide student organizations with an opportunity to promote their organization and raise some funds to support the organiza tions endeavors. The Concessions Committee remains committed to this pur pose. However, the University has entered into contracts with corpo rations such as Coca-Cola and Barnes and Noble Bookstores which restrict sales of certain items by others on campus. Further, commercial vendors in the community have questioned why certain vendors were selling merchandise in the hallways of the MSC virtually every day. By affiliating with many student organizations, certain vendors were able to have almost unlimited access to buyers without the ex penses associated with a regular business — rent, utilities, advertis ing costs, etc. In essence, certain vendors were being given preferential treatment leading to large prof its while many student organi zations received a mere pittance for letting the vendor use the student organization name to gain pittance for letting the ven dor use the student organiza tion name to gain access to sales on campus. Throughout the Concessions Committee’s discussions on re vising the concessions guide lines, we asked ourselves (stu dent representatives included) how would these new guide lines affect student organiza tions. We reviewed several drafts, some more lenient and some more restrictive. We arrived at guidelines that we believe are in the best interest of students and the University. We fully recognize that some student organizations will be af fected by the new guidelines more than others. We remain committed to work ing with student organizations in finding appropriate means to raise funds for their organizations. At the same time, we are work ing with student leaders in evalu ating the new Concessions Guide lines and their impact on student organizations’ fund-raising efforts. Brent Paterson Director of Student Life and Chair, Concessions Committee Death should not cancel out tradition In regards to Connie Schmitt’s Oct. 8 Mail Call, "Costs of Bonfire outweigh benefits:” In the history of Bonfire, there have only been three Bonfire-relat ed fatalities. Although these deaths are unfortunate, this number is ex traordinarily low when compared to other tradition-related deaths. Consider the thousands who have died on the highways dur ing holidays. In order to prevent these accidents, should we cancel Christmas and Thanksgiving? Death is an inevitable part of life. Breaking the tradition of Bon fire would not help us to escape this fact. Instead, it would only take away one of the joys that makes our lives worth living in the first place. Heather Phillips Class of’00 CAN I FWD A COPY or MSH i Manners replace Mao in campaign The Battalion encourages letters to the editor. Letters must be 300 words or fewer and include the author’s name, class, and phone number. The opinion editor reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, and accuracy. Letters may be submitted in person at 013 Reed McDonald with a valid student ID. Let ters may also be mailed to: The Battalion - Mail Call 013 Reed McDonald Texas A&M University College Station, TX 77843-1111 Campus Mail: 1111 Fax: (409) 845-2647 E-mail: Batt@tamvml.tamu.edu For more details on letter policy, please call 845-3313 and direct your question to the opinion editor. M iss Manners may not be your next-door neighbor, but she has captured the hearts and minds of Chinese government officials. Communist China’s latest attempt to enforce discipline is through the venue of good manners. However, po liteness does nothing to hide China’s misguided hypocrisy. Motivated by a desire to boost Presi dent Jiang Zemin’s reputation, the Chi nese have cloaked their plan in the guise of calming a country maddened by economic growth. At this moment, Chinese officials are visiting lo cal bicycle shops and Communist propaganda bookstores. They are busy affixing signs to walls imploring citizens to act with kindness and con sideration toward their fellow comrades. The signs bear such inspiring slogans as: “Be a civilized citizen together” and “Strengthen the con struction of socialist spiritual civilization.” The only thing the signs inspire in me is a distant memory of reading AmraaZ Farm in eighth grade. Just imagine if Kinko’s had invaded China — the Great Wall of China would now be plastered with large, three-color banners admonishing citizens to kowtow to passing mice. However, the government is not only invading the streets, but the airwaves as well. Those who wish television in the United States would clean up its act could take a few lessons in Columnist quality family programming from the Chi nese government. A recent program profiled a kind bus conductor who is always willing to lend a helping hand. How China hopes to get anyone to lis ten to its weak pleas for decency and good manners remains a mystery to me. As those who have undergone Chi nese water torture will attest to, China Heather Pace has complete disregard for human rights Sophomore — Y et: Iho Chinese government expects English major i ts citizens to have the utmost respect for their fellow comrades. China should abandon its “act as I say, not as I do” slogan and clean up its own act. What is so amusing about the entire situation is the United States has found itself in a similar quandary. Turn on the any television show (thankfully minus the friendly bus conductor) and it is nearly impossible to miss politicians decrying the moral state of our nation. I haven’t noticed any politicians winning too many good citizenship awards, though. Their hypocritical statements are about as convincing as Fabio’s romance novels (not that I’ve read any). Even at this University, one hears pleading cries begging students to be polite, civilized Aggies. Mail Call after Mail Call floods my desk. “What happened to ‘Howdy?’” they ask. Start digging a hole to China, and you might find out.