The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current, February 05, 2002, Image 10

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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
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