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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 5, 2002)
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Steps to your Success! http://careercenter.tamu.edu 209 Koldus 845-5139 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY. BUSINESS STUDENT COUNCIL Business Student Council Career Fair Receptions Monday, February 4 th Cafe Eccell th Tuesday, February 5 George Bush Library *Both receptions are from 7- 9pm* *Business casual dress please* Come by Wehner 159 for your FREE ticket, or clip this ticket and present it at the door. http://wehner.tamu.edu/bsc Business Student Council Receptions ADMIT ONE Monday, 4 th Cafe Eccell th Tuesday, 5 George Bush Library 7:00-9:00pm 10 opimf § Tuesday, February 5, 2002 EDITORIAL Misguided Hope A 90-year tradition was postponed indefinitely by A&M President, Dr. Ray M. Bowen. Although Bowen's decision was justified, the manner in which the decision was brought forth was unnecessary. The judgement should have been made after the 1999 Bonfire collapse, not two years later. Two years ago 12 Aggies died building a tradition and it should have become apparent that Bonfire would not burn again. This prolonged and burdensome journey has led to an inevitable and irreversible conclusion. There is no justifica tion for the continuation of Bonfire regardless of the over whelming response and support by students, former stu dents and administrators. Since the day of the collapse, Aggies have known Bonfire would never be the same but instead of accepting this they filled their minds with false hope. Two years passed, which allowed enough time to end a generation of Bonfire activists and lengthy protests, but also to overcome a "tunnel vision" and realize the harsh reality. In spite of this, persistent actions were taken to continue the tradition. Bowen stipulated three important decision altering factors: money, safety and liability, the important aspects of Bonfire 2002. Thousands of dollars were uselessly spent rebuilding this tradition, student input was sought and substan tial feedback in favor of Bonfire 2002 was provided, but all of this led to nothing. Private meetings were held by administrators, pertinent infor mation was withheld from a vitally interested public and the three determining factors suggested by Bowen had been evident all along. All the facts pointed one direction but were ignored. Therefore, as progress seemed successful, apprehension grew. Students, administrators and even Dr. Bowen believed this facade because we held Bonfire so close to our hearts. Bowen is not to blame. As hope for Bonfire 2002 caught on, Aggies perpetuated this set of circumstances. The time has come to stop fooling ourselves and realize that there was no malicious intent on anyone's part. We uncon sciously hid the facts from ourselves because we were not ready to face the staunch reality. This recent decision will be difficult for everyone to accept but the deceit has finally ended. Bowen did not end a 90-year tradition, Bonfire's fate was decided when Aggies were lost participating in the tradition. THE BATTALION EDITORIAL BOARD Managing Editor Opinion Editor News Editor News Editor Editor in Chief Brian Ruff Cayla Carr Sommer Bunch Brandie Liefick Mariano Castiu. Member Member Member Member Melissa Bedsole Jonathan Jones Jennifer Lozano Kfi.ln Zimmer CARTOON OF THE DAY SAFETY LIABILITY THE BAJTM. 1 SBP Houser stands strong As saddened and d« pointed at the decision^ was made at the press conference, equally impressed wifr( job that Schuyler Ho, did giving her speech, student body preside- believe she has dor-i excellent job of repre ing the students of A&M. You know she el cares about the tradit: Tlxas A AD bonfire and has fouHha e know the right to keep the ol Bonfire Monda> tion alive even tld greater authorities done all they can to sc forever. This is a tough for all Aggies as westc with accepting a decisic' end a great traditior I'm glad that we haver w; ited the leadership to ge! Hsoluteh through. Binlire am ■tare Age DovidyfL Class o/JN It \V(l: reasingl uld coni As the I naining >uld not e care o While to CO Bonfire 2002 lost Vision Yesterday came the fire decision that has years in waiting. ( member of the 2003, and a worker or seen tered il 1999 Bonfire, anticpstitiually rei the decision more cid. It wa- most. Bowen's dec know that however, did not sur aid highly me. Did it disappointirrkmbers c Yes. I was not surpYjBd dedica though. Maybe Bow students ai too blinded by the her It The spii "Vision 2020" progra' alource ol ever see what boiAggies to c meant to this schoo: is my pray* this community. Mat:- find ways i eliminating Bonfire, hr of Bonfire the campus of a subs!: - that provid amount of hazing, dr ues io builc and tom-foolery thatsslj in the way of that 'visu,;f It is unfortunate that s: _* thing so cherished muy sacrificed in such Yesterday was a sad d-L Aggies everywhere | Bonfire fell for a sc:: time. Bonfin Brandon Class oil01 Bowen Is the hatchet man It should be no surf Ray Bowen ran scared", the Bonfire issue. Dot hesitate to blame f though. He is justthela"' hatchet man sent fromi politicians and acadr who seek to "reinvent'" University. Believe me they have their way will become nothings than t.u. east campus.! only hope now is that' Vet School can elf General Rudder. Christopher J. Id Class ol I? Dickson Productions Presents... cross mm with very special guest Seth James THURSDAY February 7 th ADVANCE TICKETS HIGHLY SUGGESTED fjy IT iC <1116 HcUTV 1 Available at . _ . . . 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