The Battalion: June 9, 2010 by The Battalion

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news for you texas Man indicted for posing as student A 22-year-old man accused of posing as a high school basketball star in West Texas has been indicted on six felonies including sexual assault and tampering with government records. Montimer, who was indicted Monday, played basketball last year at Odessa Permian High School, whose football team and backers inspired the book “Friday Night Lights.”

● wednesday,

june 9, 2010

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

dude perfect

Aiming even

HIGHER

Dorm to be renamed The University of Texas has appointed a 19-member panel to recommend whether a dormitory named for a former professor who was a Ku Klux Klan member should be renamed. Simkins Residence Hall, opened in 1955, was named for William Stewart Simkins. He taught at UT’s Law School for 30 years until his death in 1929. He was a leader of the Klan in Florida after the Civil War.

lowest gas price

$2.56 CITGO at 101 S.W. Pkwy. and Wellborn Road. www.texasgasprices.com

nation &world Amish man accused of assault A 26-year-old Amish man has been charged with sexually assaulting ﬁve underage girls in Missouri and Wisconsin, authorities said Tuesday. Chester Mast, of Curryville, Mo., was arrested in late May after members of the Amish community in Pike County contacted authorities.

Church dissidents rally at Vatican The clerical sex abuse crisis is energizing Roman Catholic dissidents who want to open up the priesthood to women and ditch celibacy requirements. In Rome on Tuesday, church reformers pressed their case on the eve of a three-day rally of the world’s priests summoned by Pope Benedict XVI.

Editorial, page 5 Staff and wire reports

Courtesy photo

Sean Townsend, Cody Jones, Garret Hilbert, Tyler Toney, Cory Cotton and Coby Cotton are six Aggie friends known nationally as Dude Perfect.

Dude Perfect continues to plan trick shots, while giving back to charity

See for yourself ◗ View the original video that placed the group in the spotlight and the GMC promo at www. dudeperfect. com.

Megan Ryan | The Battalion

see story on page 6

justice

Miami 10, Texas A&M 3

Supreme Court reinterprets Miranda In a recent Supreme Court decision, a precedent was set for criminal suspects to explicitly voice intent to implement their Miranda Rights in order to employ the rights of the Fifth Amendment. “We ask if they understood those rights that have just been given to them, and now they need to specifically say that they wish to remain silent in order to invoke that right,” said Bert Kretzschmar, assistant chief of the University Police Department. Kretzschmar said no drastic changes to police procedures will occur from the ruling. “It is not going to affect our dayto-day operations because we are very careful about following the Miranda procedure,” Kretzschmar said. The ruling was taken from a case in Michigan where a male suspect under investigation for murder was silent for three hours until he was asked if he had prayed for forgiveness of the shooting, to which he replied “yes.” The suspect attempted to overturn the ruling, saying that he had previously pleaded the Fifth and never waived his right to silence. “A suspect who has received and understood the Miranda warnings and has not invoked his Miranda Rights waives the right to remain silent by making an uncoerced statement to police,” said Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the court. Vicky Flores, staff writer

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eet Dude Perfect. You may have heard of them. You may have seen them on campus. The six best friends have scored viral fame with their YouTube videos of unbelievable trick shots made in their backyard, from the third deck of Kyle Field and, most recently, from an airplane. While they continue to scheme up more outrageous stunts, the group remains focused on the friendship that catapulted them to fame and using their popularity for the greater good.

Baseball team’s season ends with loss

Your rights ◗ “You have the right to remain silent.”

◗ “Anything you say

Beau Holder | The Battalion

can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

◗ “You have a right to talk to a lawyer before answering any questions and you have the right to have a lawyer present with you while you are answering any questions.”

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A&M Head Coach Rob Childress argues with an umpire during the Aggies’ 10-3 loss to Miami on Tuesday.

The team that has been playing with their backs against the wall for a solid month can finally stop to breathe. It will be a while until next season. After severe thunderstorms in the Miami area delayed Monday’s 6 p.m. start time by an hour and thirty minutes, forcing a postponement until Tuesday, Texas A&M fell behind early Monday night and returned the next day to sluggishly stumble into the offseason. The Aggies repeatedly issued costly walks and discovered an untimely dearth of hitting See Miami on page 3

◗ “If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you before any questioning, if you wish.”

◗ “You have the right to decide at any time before or during questioning to use your right to remain silent and your right to talk with a lawyer while you are being questioned.”

careers

Graduates face tough job market Patrique Ludan The Battalion When the subject of employment comes up in conversation with a recent college graduate, you can expect them to cringe. There is a barrage of press today that concerns the dire situation college graduates face when they enter the work

force. The York College at Pennsylvania recently released a study that said graduates are illprepared to enter the real word. Kelly Matush graduated with a degree in political science in May took the LSAT on Monday and is taking the GRE on Friday. “I didn’t think about the negative press surrounding the

job market too much,” Matush said. “However, I was not really pursuing a certain job when I graduated.” Next week, Matush will travel to Ecuador and live there for a year while teaching students English. She said she wants her senior year to pursue See Graduates on page 2

6/8/10 8:43 PM

Y L L U F PED P I U EQ

Summer night of Vienna music

Birthday bash set for the Bushes

The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum will have a birthday celebration for former President George Bush and Barbara Bush from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday at the museum. Mrs. Bush turned 85 Tuesday, and President Bush will be 86 Saturday. The Bushes will not be in attendance.

A musical exploration of Vienna in the twilight of Romanticism through the chamber music of its composers is from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday at Annenberg Presidential Conference Center.

corrections The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.

For daily updates go to thebatt.com ●

Today 70% chance of heavy rain High: 87 | Low: 74 courtesy of NOAA

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Expand your sci-ﬁ mind at Cushing exhibit

Holistic Garden sale features native plants

Exhibition features pieces from Cushing’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Research Collection, including manuscripts, first editions, pulp magazines, and other items that capture science fiction’s influence on literature, media and popular culture.

The Holistic Teaching Garden’s June plant sale, which will feature Texas native plants, tropical plants for the garden and patio, house plants, herbs, ﬁg and citrus trees is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Horticulture Forest Science Building.

Thursday 50% chance of storms high: 89 low: 77 Friday 20% chance of storms high: 95 low: 77 Saturday 20% chance of storms high: 96 low: 77

pagetwo thebattalion 06.09.2010

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If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt. com, or call 8453313.

news for you

Think you know every nook and cranny at Texas A&M? The ﬁrst people to get the answer correct will have their names published. Send your response with your name, class and major to photo@thebatt.com.

The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out. We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary.

texas Bill White releases 2004-2008 tax returns AUSTIN, Texas — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bill White, who has been under ﬁre for saying too little about how he obtained his vast wealth, on Tuesday released his tax returns for the years he served as Houston mayor. The returns show White made more than $1 million a year from 2004-2008, while he was mayor of the nation’s fourth largest city.

Utility crew hits gas line, 1 killed CLEBURNE, Texas — A utility crew that accidentally hit and ruptured a natural gas line, killing one worker in a massive explosion, followed the proper procedures in locating that line before digging, a company ofﬁcial said Tuesday. Fred Haag, chief operating ofﬁcer of Oklahoma-based C&H Power Line Construction Services, said the crew already had a survey map showing gas lines in the area but also made calls to verify the line location at the site in rural Johnson County, about 50 miles southwest of Dallas.

Stairway to Coke Building basement First correct response: Blake Adami, class of 2007 Matt Young — THE BATTALION

Graduates Continued from page 1

the opportunity to live and work abroad for a year. After more than 50 applications were sent to various agencies and companies that hire English-speaking workers in Ecuador, Columbia and Peru, she received the offer to teach in April. She credits the Career Center for finding the leads to the agencies and much-needed encouragement. Matush is unsure of what she wants to do after she finishes the program. Some graduates are not so fortunate to have a job or program lined up after they graduate. Kyle Rensmeyer, who graduated in May with a degree in agribusiness, has been searching for jobs tirelessly, to no avail. “I do wish I would have done a few things differently in college,” said Rensmeyer. “Last summer I had an internship offer, but I passed it up to take summer classes in order to graduate early.” Rensmeyer said he did receive adequate training at A&M to pursue a career. “It is hard to differentiate yourself out of a thousand can-

COME

didates for one job opening,” he said. “Thirty years ago, differentiating yourself meant graduating from college. Now, things like internships are what set you apart from other applicants.” Another thing employers’ notice is a graduate degree, said Jason Newman, who graduated in May with a master’s in biomedical engineering.

“After I received my bachelor’s, I made many calls, received 12 interviews and only got a few call backs,” Newman said. “Once I got my master’s, I was getting contacted by people from the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Veteran Affairs hospital and many

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TA KE

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TAKE ADVANTAGE

others. It seemed I was more of a viable option for them when I received my master’s.” One factor that interviewed graduates cited as the help in finding a job was the Career Center. On the second floor in the Koldus building, the center is “an integrated source of career opportunities for individuals and talent for employers.” Katie Leatherwood, assistant director of employer services, said there are about 1,400 employers who use the Career Center as a resource for hires. Along with finding employers, the center also offers resumé and cover letter touchups and career road-mapping. Patricia Barron, class of 1994, is the career coordinator for liberal arts students. She brings a blend of experience from Fortune 500 companies and human resources management. “When [students] come in here, I already know I can help them pretty immediately,” Barron said. “[They] are going to come out of this appointment or the near future with an awesome solid resumé that they’re going to feel real confident about.”

A&M faces more budget cuts Texas A&M, along with other universities and state agencies, was asked to reduce the baseline budget for the upcoming biennium. The Legislative Budget Board is requesting the first reductions, of five percent, to go in effect for the remainder of the fiscal year 2011, beginning Sept 1. The school was instructed to submit a plan that to reduce the general revenue-related funding budget by an additional 10 percent for the 2012-2013 biennium. University President R. Bowen Loften recognized the importance and difficulty the situation . “We must work quickly, but we will do so in consultation with many groups of faculty, staff and students,” he said. He also made the commitment to students that they will see minimal impact from the budget cuts. The University is not the only organization having to deal with reductions in the programs, and it is not expected to be the last time. A&M has shown resiliency in similar situations from the past and Loften said he was confident this dilemma will make the University stronger. Sarah Ammerman, staff writer

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Border agent shoots, kills teenage boy EL PASO, Texas — A U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and killed a 14-year-old boy after a confrontation at an international bridge near downtown El Paso, Mexican authorities said Tuesday. Agents detaining suspected illegal immigrants Monday came under assault from rock throwers across the border in Mexico, FBI spokeswoman Andrea Simmons said.

Blast in panhandle kills 2, injures 3 DARROUZETT, Texas — A Texas Panhandle sheriff says two people are dead from a natural gas pipeline explosion. Lipscomb County Sheriff James Robertson said in a news release Tuesday that the men were killed shortly after the blast in a remote part of the region.Three people were injured. One was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Oklahoma City. Two others working near the explosion had injuries not considered life-threatening.

nation&world GM recalls 1.5 million vehicles after repairs WASHINGTON — General Motors Co. said Tuesday it was recalling about 1.5 million vehicles worldwide to address a problem with a heated windshield wiper fluid system that could lead to a fire, its second recall over the issue in two years. The recall affects several pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers and passenger car models from the 2006 to 2009 model years. GM conducted a similar recall in 2008 but came across new reports of fires in vehicles that had been fixed. Staff and wire reports

thebattalion THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT VOICE OF TEXAS A&M SINCE 1893

Vicky Flores, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111. News: The Battalion news department is managed by students at Texas A&M University in Student Media, a unit of the Division of Student Affairs. News offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901. Newsroom phone: 979-845-3313; Fax: 979-845-2647; E-mail: metro@thebatt.com; website: http://www.thebatt.com. Advertising: Publication of advertising does not imply sponsorship or endorsement by The Battalion. For campus, local, and national display advertising, call 979-845-2696. For classified advertising, call 979-8450569. Advertising offices are in The Grove, Bldg. 8901, and office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Fax: 979-845-2678. Subscriptions: A part of the Student Services Fee entitles each Texas A&M student to pick up a single copy of The Battalion. First copy free, additional copies $1. Mail subscriptions are $125 per school year. To charge by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, call 979845-2613.

6/8/10 9:01 PM

thebatt.com Join Steve Brock and Zach Papas for their podcast, “Redass Radio,” as they ramble about the sporting world.

sports thebattalion 06.09.2010 page3

track and ﬁeld

Looking to repeat history

ASSOCIATED PRESS

In 2009, both the men’s and women’s track and field teams won the outdoor national championships. Now, the No. 1 teams in the country look to defend their title beginning Wednesday at the 2010 NCAA Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

No. 1 men’s and women’s teams gear up to defend national championships Kyle Cunningham The Battalion Texas A&M’s top-ranked men’s and women’s track and field teams will attempt to defend their NCAA championships starting today at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus. The Aggies will make their second trip to the venue this year, after competing in the Pepsi Team Invitational in April. Both teams finished second to Oregon, the home team. “It’s a venue that includes fans who are very educated track people,” Texas A&M Head Coach Pat Henry said. “While they love their home team, which creates a nice environment for Oregon, they also understand great performances. When someone is doing something that is outstanding, they also cheer for other teams.” Oregon, however, is not merely a host. The women’s team is ranked second in the country, with the men holding down the No. 3 spot behind the Aggies and the Florida Gators, who won the NCAA Indoor meet. Florida’s women

are ranked seventh in the USTFCCCA rankings. The Oregon women took first place in the NCAA Indoor championships, with the men tying Texas A&M for second place. The three teams are the three front runners, according to Track & Field News. The magazine predicts a Texas A&M victory over Oregon on the women’s side, and Florida on top for the men, with Texas A&M finishing second. “Every once in a while, if you do everything right, you have the potential to win a national championship like this,” Henry said. “This is that type of group.” “We think we have the potential to be in the top three to four schools. We just need to have a good day on the same day. We are in good shape right now,” Henry said. The Aggies will have 28 athletes (13 men and 15 women) make the trip to Eugene, including alternates for relays. Texas A&M will have 37 entries – 16 men’s and 21 women’s events. In last year’s national championship meet, the Aggies took home the titles despite only winning

two events – Porscha Lucas won the 200 meter sprint, and the women’s 4x100 relay took first. “If you look at last year’s meet, we didn’t win that many events, but we had people who were scoring in events,” Henry said. “This is a little different dynamic this year. I think that we have the potential of some people being absolute event winners. We will still need to have others step up and contribute points from fourth, fifth and sixth places.” Lucas will try to defend her title, but will be facing off with teammate Jeneba Tarmoh, who took the 200 meters crown with a time of 22.65 in the Big 12 Title meet. Tarmoh will also compete with Lucas and Gabby Mayo in the 100 meter sprint. Mayo is also in contention in the 100 meter hurdles with a career-best time of 12.81 seconds. Jessica Beard, who took second place in the 400 meter last year, returns to the event with five other strong contenders at the top. For the men, Curtis Mitchell carries a 12-race winning-streak into Oregon in the 200 meters.

Mitchell was the Indoor Champion for the 200 meters as well. Tabarie Henry, Bryan Miller and Demetrius Pinder will be competing in the 400-dash. Pinder had the top qualifying time in the NCAA preliminary rounds (44.93), while Henry placed fourth in the World Championship 400 last summer in Berlin. Miller raced in last year’s NCAA final, finishing eighth. The Aggie men will also be trying to finally take first place in the 4x400 meter relay, after taking the silver medal the last three years. The relay has won the Big 12 Indoor, NCAA Indoor, Texas Relays and Big 12 Outdoors. “That championship was a tremendous feat for us and was a great, great championship for us,” Henry said. “But this is a new group of young people, where we have some people who have been there before and some who will be in this meet for the first time. While the makeup is different, we hope the attitude is the same.”

baseball

Miami Continued from page 1

that led them to bow out of the NCAA tournament with a 10-3 regional final loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Sophomore right-hander Ross Stripling helped the Aggies (4321-1) into an early hole that the offense would later do nothing to help them out of, issuing two walks in the first inning and another in the second. Miami (43-18) capitalized, leading 3-0 heading into the bottom of the second. A&M responded with two runs in the frame, but still trailed 3-2 when the delay hit. Once play resumed, the Aggies promptly put a man in scoring position and ended the inning after getting thrown out at home. The Miami Hurricanes added on a run in the fifth without needing to record a hit and, leading 4-2, retired A&M with a grounder and

a strikeout-throwout double play. They then returned in the sixth to score three runs on back-to-back doubles by the ACC Player of the Year, junior catcher Yasmani Grandal, and sophomore infielder Harold Martinez. The Hurricanes tacked three more runs on the board in the top of the seventh and A&M went meekly before scoring a run in the bottom of the ninth to set up the final margin. “As far as the game, we just didn’t play well enough to win,” Aggie Head Coach Rob Childress said. “When you walk guys against Miami, they’re going to get their hits. They scored their 10 runs on nine hits, which tells you they had a lot of free base runners. They got the big hits when they needed them.” Stripling (6-5) took the loss, his second of the regional against the Hurricanes after starting Saturday’s 14-1 loss. Texas A&M pitchers issued eight walks, which tied a seasonhigh, and surrendered double-digit runs to the Hurricanes for the second time in three games against them over the weekend. After

the third inning, the Aggies failed to get a hit until the ninth. Following the game, sophomore closer John Stilson, whose Sunday heroics against Dartmouth and Miami helped A&M earn a shot on Monday, junior catcher Kevin Gonzalez and senior shortshop Brodie Greene were named to the Coral Gables Regional All-Tournament Team. Greene The team loses six seniors at the conclusion of this season: lefty pitcher Tyler Dyer, designated hitter Joe Patterson, right-handed reliever Shane Minks, R.L. Florance, Ehlert and Greene, a fourth-round pick by the Cincinnati Reds who finished his career with 252 hits, sixth in Aggie history. “This is my fifth year here at Texas A&M, and I’m more proud of this team than any other I’ve had here,” Childress added. “We haven’t gone as far as some other teams, but I’m more proud of this group than any other, I can tell you that.”

TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU · Reserve your 2011 Aggieland The 109th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook will chronicle traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, Greeks, campus organizations and seniors and graduate students. Distribution will be during Fall 2011. Cost is $64.90, including shipping and sales tax. Go to the optional services box in Howdy when you register for fall. For info, call 845-2613.

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6/8/10 8:39 PM

voices

page 4 wednesday 6.9.2010

thebattalion

MAILCALL From Alex Horn, junior political science major

From Josh Pudnos, class of 2010

From Nathan Kaufmen, senior political science major

From Henry Wise, parent

Just because Helen Thomas lived in an era where anti-Semitism was tolerated does not give her an excuse or a free pass. Age is not an excuse for racist and incendiary remarks. Her remarks elude to the darkest era in modern history and suggest that the Jewish people abandon their homeland and return to an area where six million of their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters were slaughtered by their neighbors. On May 27, Helen Thomas proved that she was no longer worthy of sitting in the front row of the White House Press Brieﬁng Room. Since Thomas’ birth in 1920, many countries have been formed. Are any of the other countries founded A.T. (after Thomas) discounted? No. Does Austria require Thomas’ approval? It wasn’t an independent nation until 1955. Does the Czech Republic? It was founded in 1993. Does Germany? It wasn’t a uniﬁed country until 1990. What about Russia? It wasn’t a country again until 1990. What about most of Africa? The list goes on and on and on and on. Pakistan, Italy, Taiwan, all on the list of countries founded after Thomas’ birth. Israel is an internationally recognized nation and deserves to be treated as such. Also, there was never a country of Palestine. Ever. Palestine is a geographic area that has fallen under the control of different rulers throughout the ages. It was under British mandate from 1920 until 1948. The truth is that following both world wars, international borders were redrawn and reassessed. The piece written by the editorial board is despicable. It condones anti-Semitism and racism. I suggest that the writers of the editorial take a history lesson.

Your opinions about Thomas’ retirement were offensive for three reasons: 1) “It is understandable why she does not view Israel as a recognized country”... Thomas grew up in a time before the creation of Israel, 62 years ago. That does not warrant denying a country’s halfdecade plus existence. I grew up in a world where there was no Serbia, yet I have no problem accepting their sovereignty since 2006. 2) Your article completely neglects the fact that she is, above all, a journalist. Her response to the inquiry of “Any comments on Israel?” should have sounded something in the ballpark of “None. I am a journalist. I ask the questions and record others’ comments.” 3) Your article is misleading! Thomas was talking about JEWS and JEWISH ISRAELIS. Not just Israelis. While some argue that calling for the Israelis out of Israel is not anti-Semitic, Thomas’ comments were. When she says “them,” she was implying Jews. This was not a comment about the Israeli government’s presence in the West Bank or the blockade of Gaza. It was a negative comment about Jews having a homeland of their own. a homeland which has existed for more than 62 years. Thomas served the news corps well for many decades, but this hateful comment is inexcusable. This is the right way for an antiSemite to leave her position: shamefully.

It sounds like none of you have been to Israel. For Jews, to “get the hell out of Palestine” is just not an option. As a Jew myself, I don’t take that from anyone, from the guy on the street to Helen Thomas. And I am very surprised to ﬁnd your viewpoint the way it is. I don’t care that Thomas started reporting before Israel became a country. Her country has accepted Israel as a sovereign entity, as has most of the rest of the world, she needs to as well, especially with her public exposure on the front row of the White House Press Brieﬁng Room. And just because it is her ill-conceived position, doesn’t mean it should be yours. The most appalling part was that the comment “those recorded in a bad moment like Thomas should be judged by the weight of their careers, rather than compelled to retire because of one bad moment in the spotlight” essentially condones racism! The comment about political correctness is good; I’m against that, but there’s a difference between not being politically correct and saying something racist and hateful.

I was very disappointed with The Battalion’s editorial on Tuesday, “Let Thomas retire the right way.” While I do support her right to her opinion (a person is entitled to their opinion, no matter how wrong it is), a reporter should be basing their opinions on the facts, which both she and the editorial board appear to not be fully cognizant of, or worse, are ignoring. There has never been a country of Palestine, and prior to the 1960s, there were no “Palestinian people.” Palestine was an area of the Middle East, so named by the Romans after they conquered ancient Israel. Jews have lived in the area since the Kingdom of Israel, although most were forced out of the area 2,000 years ago. The area of Palestine was actually part of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in the centuries prior to World War I. After World War I, it was occupied by the British and considered to be part of the Jordanian Protectorate. After Word War II, the area was supposed to be divided into a Jewish state (Israel) and an Arab state (Jordan). Unfortunately, the king of Jordan didn’t want to share his kingdom with anyone, so that meant dividing Israel’s territory more. Israel has been trying to make peace with their neighbors since before the modern-day Israel came into existence. Their wars have

From Noah Ginsberg, senior business honors major I am personally offended by “Let Thomas Retire the Right Way.” The editorial claims that the comments made by Thomas were not offensive, and then attempts to support her comments. This practice is disgusting, and it makes me sad to be an Aggie. Please stop making all of us look neo-conservative and closedminded. Although Thomas grew up in a time without Israel, it does not give her the right to denounce it. That’s like saying nothing new after we enter the job market will matter. A new technology will affect us, a new policy on Internet will matter, and a new trade policy with foreign countries will shape our economic future. Just because an event happens after a person has aged does not delete it from existence, there are billions of other people in the world who it is happening to while they themselves are growing up. This is why The Battalion has the reputation for being poorly written, but because it makes all Aggies look bad. Please never insult the State of Israel again. You insulted the Jews, heartily and soundly.

been ones of self-defense, not aggression. They’ve returned most of the land they conquered and have made peace with Egypt and Jordan. Others in the area don’t seem to care. They only want Israel gone. The Jews should go back to where they came from? Eastern Europe and Russia? Should we go back to an area of the world where we were forced to live in ghettos and killed in the Holocaust or beaten and forced to move from our homes in pogroms? Maybe we should move back to Spain? Oh, wait, those who didn’t die or were forced into Christianity during the Inquisition were forced to leave because “we didn’t belong there.” Seems to me, we are where we belong, in the land of our forefathers, Israel. The time for complacency and hoping others will defend us ended with World War II. That attitude only brought us death. Israel exists, has a right to exist, and will defend itself. Israel wants peace badly, but expecting us to sit passively by while rockets fall from the sky on our children and schools is unrealistic. It’s time the world sat down with the representatives of Gaza and told them to make peace with Israel. An excellent ﬁrst step would be to remove the article in their charter that calls for the destruction of Israel. Would you make peace with someone who insisted the U.S. had to be destroyed ﬁrst?

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FOR RENT 2bd/1.5ba w/study. Fenced, covered parking, pets ok, updated. 1714 and 1716 Leona. On shuttle and biking distance to campus. $750/mo. 979-739-4455. aggielandrentals.com 2bd/2ba 4-plex. Spacious floorplan, W/D connections, close to campus. $550/mo. www.aggielandleasing.com, 979-776-6079. 2bd/2ba, less than 1-mile from campus, 1-block from shuttle &park. NCS, close to shopping. www.hollemanbythepark.com 3/2 duplex, fenced, pets allowed. New carpet/tile, w/d, off Graham Rd., $930/mo. total. 210-687-5111. 3/2 duplexes. Prelease August. Very nice. 5mins to campus. W/D. Lawn care, security system. $900/mo. 979-691-0304, 979-571-6020. 3/2 Townhouses &Apartments, 1250sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, walk-in pantry &closets, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 979-694-0320, office@luxormanagement.com 3/3 newer duplex includes all appliances, tile floors, backyard, pets allowed. Available August. Call Tia 979-739-1160. 3bd/1.5ba, carport, on shuttle, pets ok, fenced, $750/month. aggieLandRentals.com 979-739-4455.

SPECIAL

see ads at thebatt.com

PRIVATE PARTY WANT ADS

$10 for 20 words running 5 days, if your merchandise is priced $1,000 or less (price must appear in ad). This rate applies only to non-commercial advertisers offering personal possessions for sale. Guaranteed results or you get an additional 5 days at no charge. If item doesn’t sell, advertiser must call before 1 p.m. on the day the ad is scheduled to end to qualify for the 5 additional insertions at no charge. No refunds will be made if your ad is cancelled early.

FOR RENT 3bd/2ba house, large fenced back yard, tile floors, less than 1-mile from campus. www.aggielandleasing.com 3bd/3ba. duplex, both sides at 925/927 Crepe Myrtle. Pets o.k. Available July/2010, August/2010. $1050/mo. Call Dawn 936-499-7183. 3bdrm/3bth house. Great floor-plans, fenced yards, W/D, tile floors, icemakers, alarm systems. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

4/2 Country home, all appliances. $1500/mo. Available now, 979-229-6326. See photos and info at www.texagrentals.com 4/2/2 off Dominik. Updated house, tile, carpet, with W/D, pets allowed. $1600/mo. Tia 979-739-1160. Available August. 4bd/2ba. House! 2 open rooms for girl or guy. Fenced yard, W/D, $400/mo. +1/4bills. Available Summer and Fall. 361-463-6763 or 361-463-1726.

FOR RENT 4/3, 3/3 &3/2 Townhouses, Duplexes &Fourplexes, 1250-1700sqft. Very spacious, ethernet, large kitchen, extra storage, W/D, great amenities, on bus route, now pre-leasing for 2010, excellent specials. 694-0320. office@luxormanagement.com

FOR RENT Duplex near campus. 2bd/2ba. W/D. No backyard. 307 Spruce. $695/month. Call 254-760-8242. Duplexes near campus. 2 and 3/bedrooms and 2bd/2ba. in country. 979-229-3420.

4bd/2ba house, covered and garage parking, tile and hardwood floors, less than 1mile from campus, www.santinos.com

House for lease. 3/2/2, large fenced backyard, off Rock Prairie. W/D, refrigerator, fire place. $1500/mo. Available 6/1/10. 281-342-6969, gary@garygillen.com

4bdrm/2bth house. Close to campus, wood floors, tile floors, ceiling fans, W/D, fenced yards. 979-776-6079, www.aggielandleasing.com

Immaculate 3bd/2bth house. 812 Blanco, in Bryan off 2818. Updated. Fireplace, fenced. No pets. No HUD. $895/month. Available August. 254-289-0585 or 254-289-8200.

Clean 3/2 available August. Rock Prairie area. 3703 Marielene, W/D, refrigerator, lawn-service provided. 979-450-5666. CS 1.3 miles from campus. 4bd/3bth house, new tile and paint, fenced yard. $1650/mo. 1401 Lawyer. 979-219-6108.

puzzle answers can be found online at www.thebatt.com

Master bedroom in nice mobile home with private bath and closet, $450, Central-air/ht, internet, cable, everything included. 210-364-7006.

FOR SALE Ag Discount! 4bd/3ba brick 2100sqft house. New flooring, new applicances, on tree lot. $213,000. 979-595-5050, 979-690-1126. tlturner72@yahoo.com, nancy.turner@avon.com

HELP WANTED Athletic men for calendars, books, etc. $100-$200/hr, up to $1000/day. No experience. 512-684-8296. photoguy@io.com Cleaning commercial buildings at night, M-F. Call 979-823-5031 for appointment. Full-time night labor position, 11pm-5am. Transportation required. Call for interview. 979-450-0060. Household cleaning, ironing, organizing help needed. Minimum 6/week $10/hr. Heavy detailed cleaning inside and out, year-round commitment necessary, begin work immediately. Fax info to 979-690-8075. J. Cody’s Hiring kitchen and meat table help. Apply within, 3610 S. College. No experience necessary just common sense! Part-time farmhand wanted. Maintenance and improvements to small hay and cattle farm. 979-690-6192. SUMMER WORK, Great Pay, immediate FT/PT openings, customer sales/svc, no experience necessary, conditions apply, all ages 17+, 979-260-4555. Wanted: Part-time Administrative Assistant, M-Th, afternoons and evenings, immediate opening. 979-846-4988.

Pg. 4-06-09-10.indd 1

MUSIC Party Block Mobile DJ- Peter Block, professional 22yrs experience. Specializing in Weddings, TAMU functions, lights/smoke. Mobile to anywhere. Book early!! 979-693-6294. http://www.partyblockdj.com

PETS Adopt Pets: Dogs, Cats, Puppies, Kittens, Many purebreds. Brazos Animal Shelter, 979-775-5755, www.brazosanimalshelter.org Chocolate Lab male and female puppies. Champion pedigree. OFA-CERF-DNA. $700-$900. Doug, 713-201-7731, madeley07@gmail.com

ROOMMATES 1 roomate needed. Spacious 2 story townhouse in Canyon Creek. Fully furnished. 4/2.5 $400/mo. +1/4 utilities. 713-823-9340. 1-female roommate needed for fall 2010. Privae bath, wi-fi, w/d, $500/mo. +utilities. For more info call 409-748-0400. One female roommate needed. 4bd/4ba townhome in Waterwood. $565/mo. Utilities included in rent. W/D, cable included. 214-263-2555. Roommate needed. 1-block from campus. All amenities. 979-846-3376. Roommates needed, 4bd/2bath house, available June 1st, clean, good condition, on-shuttle. Free cable/Wi-Fi. $350-400/mo. 512-203-5888. Roommates needed. 4bd/4bth $325/mo., washer/dryer. University Place on Southwest Parkway. 281-844-2090. Wanted: female roommate to share 2bd/2b apartment, close to campus. $450/mo. 979-777-9751.

SERVICES A&M Alterations, professional clothes alteration same-day service, 30-years experience, guaranteed lowest prices, 3601 East 29th, #12, in Bryan, 979-260-2400.

the battalion Classified Advertising • Easy • Affordable • Effective For information, call 845-0569

6/8/10 9:07 PM

‘

EDITOR’SNOTE The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reﬂect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Make your opinion known by submitting Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail

call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. Guest columns must be fewer than 700 words. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns. Anonymous letters

will be read, but not printed. The Battalion will print only one letter per author per month. No mail call will appear in The Battalion’s print or online editions before it is veriﬁed.

thebattalion 06.09.2010

EDITORIALBOARD The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility. Editor in Chief Vicky Flores editor@thebatt.com Managing Editor Megan Ryan battcopy@thebatt.com Opinion Editor Ian McPhail opinion@thebatt.com

EDITORIAL

ummer doesn’t have to mean sk skimpy. We all know it’s hot, but the clothes - or lack thereof - worn around this time of year leave little to the imagination. It seems like I can’t w walk anywhere in town without seeing a half-clo half-clothed woman shamelessly flaunting her attrib attributes for the entire world to see. Not only does this have potential for personal safety cconcerns, but it also leads to poor first impre impressions.

The recent sex abuse crisis surrounding the Roman Catholic Church has opened up a forum of discussion. Protestors are calling for priesthood to be opened up to women and to withdrawal all celibacy requirements. Our generation has grown up in a world where we are taught, despite race or gender, we can grow up to be anything we want to be. It’s the American dream, right? So why does the Catholic Church refuse to allow the ordainment of women? It is time for a change. It is time for women to be allowed every right and opportunity that a man is given, and it is time for the church to recognize women having a calling to become ordained. Women as well as men deserve the right to serve the church if they Women believe they are meant to. should be Although many groups are allowed to pushing for women to beenter the come ordained, many are also priesthood. pushing to remove the celibacy codes for priests. While both are valid changes that the Catholic Church should carefully consider, advocates should focus on the issue of first allowing women to be accepted into the ranks of priesthood. Although altering the tradition of a male leading mass will take effort, especially as they aim to reverse thousands of years of tradition and doctrine, leaders of these groups are making the first steps in the right direction. Let us remember that it was in 1974 when women were first accepted into Texas A&M and it was because of advocates fighting for equal acceptance. If we are to one day tell our daughters that they will be able to grow up and become anything they wish to be, shouldn’t it be the truth?

Those who frequent about situations with alcohol impressshould carefully consider ing men, how their clothes strike especially at the the people around them. expense of Even though women their self should be safe no matselfrespect aand ter what, showing too Matthew much skin when around safety. G Guys Poarch who do men who are more prone senior wildlife and think tha to elevated emotions and that ﬁsheries major lowered inhibitions can lead a women and special to the should to dangerous situations. Battalion dress dow Even those who seem down to show off are not worth the perfectly trustworthy have trouble aanyway. A man who the capacity to make incredis impres ibly stupid decisions under the impressed by the very thing that reve influence. There is no acceptrevealing clothes accentuate will m able reason for men to act like most likely be shallow animals, but showing too much and disre disrespectful. The w skin in these situations can way you dress also sets an examp heighten the inherent dangers. example for the younger girls, wh By dressing to attract attenwho can be more impressionable and care more about tion, remember this includes being co unwanted attention. Sexual cool. Daisy Dukes and a revealin assault, stalking and harassment revealing half of a top are creepy an are not issues to be tossed and inappropriate on yyounger girls. around lightly, but in this context, “I wish it wasn’t they are of the style to be utmost imimmodest,” Despite the heat, portance. said Amanda there are many Nobody Boudreaux, a reasons for women wants to senior meteoto be conservative be in a rology major. with their summer situ“When you go clothes. ation to the pool, if that you’re covered, could enyou aren’t following th ‘cool’ trend.” danger them the Accor even slightly; dressAccording to the Bible, Christian is a religion that ing a little more Christianity emphasiz modest clothing. modestly in that emphasizes environment can As the ap apostle Paul wrote in 1 be a preventative Timothy 2:9, “women should measure. adorn th themselves in respectImmodest appa able apparel, with modesty dress also does selfand self-control.” The direct not portray conseque consequence of immodesty is an image of to arouse illicit desires in men. dignity or im More importantly, revealself-respect. cloth do not reflect the ing clothes “It looks like image of one who respects they’re just body God has called his her body. rebelling or children to a life of purity and trying to be holiness that extends beyond a cool,” said once a w week service. ChristiDane Molire, anity, however, ho is not the only a senior t supports modreligion that biomedical esty, and even those with no science major. religious affiliation can benefit “It makes cov from covering up. them seem it hot, but please dress Yes, it’s like they’re in a way that shows dignity and immature.” rath than skin. Dressing class rather Women modestly is not only safer, but shouldn’t it reflects true character and have to self-respe along with respect self-respect, worry for others. other

MAILCALL From David Rahmani, class of 2010 In response to yesterday’s editorial, excusing anti-Semitism or racism simply because someone is from another generation is absolutely incorrect. Ignorance is never a valid excuse. Would you excuse members of the Aryan Brotherhood or Ku Klux Klan for their hatred of Blacks, Jews, Catholics and others simply because they were raised to think that way and that is what they are used to? Was the Holocaust “understandable” because “anti-Semitism and racism were much more profound” in that era? Additionally, Helen Thomas has had 62 years to get used to the fact that Israel is a legitimate state. Even at 89 years old, 62 years is a long time. If she would have said that Black people should “get the hell out of America and go home to Africa” she would have been cruciﬁed, and rightly so. There is absolutely no excuse for such comments, regardless of her age or audience, and for The Battalion to say that her comments are “understandable” is almost as inappropriate and inexcusable as her comments.

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Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

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CPR & First Aid Classes Health Care Provider CPR $35 Heart Saver CPR $25 Heart Saver First Aid $10

news

page 6 wednesday 6.09.2010

Need to have your wisdom teeth removed?

thebattalion

student life

Helpline reaches out to Aggies in need

Don’t hope for hocus-pocus. We have a research study.

April Baltensperger

Right now, PPD is looking for men and women for a post-surgical pain relief research study of an investigational medication. Surgery for qualified study participants will be performed by a board certified oral surgeon. Financial compensation is provided upon study completion and the surgery is performed at no cost.

The Battalion Student Counseling Services has a helpline available to students who do not necessarily seek advice, but a listener. “We are here to emphasize we’re here for the Aggie community,” said Alex McQuade, class of 2010 and volunteer at the helpline. “If there’s anything you want to discuss we’re here to listen to you. Feel free to call, don’t feel apprehensive.” Susan Vavra, helpline coordinator for the Student Counseling Services, said the helpline is user-friendly so people can be comfortable calling about anything. “Relationship problems are common,” she said. “Academic stress causes all kinds of problems. Relationships of romantic nature is the number one call,

For information, call 1-800-866-0492

Contact the helpline The helpline is available from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and all 24 hours on weekends. The number for the helpline is located on the back of each student’s ID.

which isn’t shocking because we’re dealing with a college population, followed by depression and suicide.” Vavra said students also call for basic needs such as the location of a building on campus or for information on the helpline. “Every call is different,” McQuade said. “Something I’ve learned from taking these calls is that everyone comes from different walks of life. We all have different experiences, background, beliefs, that form who we are. We get to see their backgrounds and get a glimpse at how diverse our community actually is despite what some people think.” The volunteers and employ-

ees at the helpline keep track of student deaths and are prepared for devastating events. “We are always prepared for that, and we keep up-to-date on student deaths that do occur, expecting and ready to hear from anybody who might be associated with that,” McQuade said. “It does happen, student deaths are a difficult thing for our community.” Vavra said the most calls received were after the Bonfire tragedy. Former students from inside and outside the country called to check up on the Aggie community. The volunteers are trained to take care of these types of calls. “The volunteers are required to do role play calls and scenarios, and they get a large amount of practice,” McQuade said. “If they make it onto the line, we are confident in their skills to handle any call they might take.” Hiring a volunteer is a six-day training process that includes up to three hours of mock calls per day to prepare for any situation. “It is a lengthy but important process because we want to make sure that we have the

best people working the line,” Vavra said. Dustin Grabsch, class of 2010, volunteered at the helpline for three and a half years, and said there is no interest in counseling or psychology needed to be a volunteer, just a desire to help. “I’m the one my friends gravitate toward to talk to,” he said. “I want to be a better friend, and the helpline training helped with that. It helped me become a better person and a better friend.” Grabsch said he understands how powerful it can be to have someone who will listen. “A lot of individuals think they’re the only ones going through something but actually there are a lot of other people experiencing similar things,” Grabsch said. “In daily life we don’t have people listening to us intently, so having the helpline there is beneficial in some way.” McQuade said they encourage anyone to call under any circumstance. He said the volunteers are nonjudgmental and confidential.

Dude Perfect continues to take off Megan Ryan

thebatt.com

The Battalion Six Aggies are shooting hoops and nabbing television interviews all over the nation. These six Aggies are best friends, roommates and a basketball sensation. These six Aggies are Dude Perfect. Dude Perfect was created when six friends began shooting baskets in their backyard in College Station. “One day Tyler Toney was saying ‘if I make this shot, you

Time for Three

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INTIMATE GATHERINGS

Season tickets as low as $198

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AMERICAN BLUEGRASS MASTERS October 14 TIME FOR THREE November 18 BUS STOP March 22 NAT KING COLE REMEMBERED April 7-9