The Optimist (Abilene, Tex.), Vol. 77, No. 8, Ed. 1, Wednesday, September 21, 1988 Page: 2 of 6
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Opinion
Optimist
Volume 77 Numbor 8 Page 2
Wednesday September 21 1988
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Mexico deserves
I look at the front-page color photo
briefly. But I have to look again.
Yes it appears to be a family a
grandmother two parents and five
children. The outline says they are
walking across the International Bridge
over the Rio Grande into the United
States.
One of the little boys is clasping his
hands together and stretching the ends
of his too-small shirt in a feeble attempt
to shelter his five-year-old skin from the
wind and rain.
He isn't wearing any shoes.
One of the little girls is clinging to
her big sister's hand and burying her
head into her grandmother's side. No
doubt she too is cold and wet.
Neither of the girls is wearing shoes.
Only the grandmother and parents
have shoes.
The three adults and the oldest child
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Optimist
U JOttllA
Kenneth n Pybus Editor In Chlel
Rebekeh Glbbs Wednesday Edition Editor
Tom Craig Friday Edition Editor
Krlstl Buchart Managing Newt Editor
Cindy Leeper Opinion Editor
Dawn Trent Sport Editor
Julie Flbpatrick Features Editor
Cody Moore A&E Editor
Roy Cade White Chief Photographer
Julie Stlgers Wednesday Assignments Editor
Blake Dunnavent Friday Assignments Editor
Kevin Marshall Design Editor
Jonathan Witt Senior Stall Writer
John Paul Browntow Stafl Photographer
Terrl West Wednesday Copy Editor
Wendy Hornbaker Stafl Photographer
Amanda Appleton Friday Copy Editor
Qretchen Schulu Associate News Editor
Mary Banks Associate Sports Editor
Donna Southerland Advertising Manager
Eric McMillan Ad Production Manager
Fritz Miller Ad Production Manager
Sharla Smelling Ad Sales
Holly Howard Ad Sales
Mike Alexander Circulation Director
Dr Charles H Mailer Adviser
Editorial opinions appearing In the Optimist are views of
the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect the of-
ficial policy of the ACU administration and signed columns
represent the Individual views of the authors
The Optimist founded In 1912 Is published semi-weekly
except during the summer vacations and final examina-
tions by the Journalism and Mats Communication
Department of Abilene Christian University Abilene
Texas 79699
The Optimist is associated with the Associated Col-
legiate Press the Texaa Intercollegiate Press Association
the Southwestern Journalism Congress the Associated
Press and the Rocky Mountain Cobeglate Press Associa-
tion The Optimist Is i charter member of the ACP Hatl of
Fame
The Optimist encourages
reader response In the form of let-
ters to the editor however wo
reserve the right to refuso letters
based on personal attack
obscenity defamation erroneous
Information and Invasion of
privacy. We rosorvo the right to
limit frequent writers and to edit
for length or error.
Please address letters to "Edi-
tor" and mall to ACU Box 8203
AbllenoToxa8 79699.
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arc carrying bags. These bags contain
what's left of their home.
This Mexican family is running from
Hurricane Gilbert to the "safety of the
United States" the outline says.
Yes we in the United States are the
lucky ones. The 450-mile-wide storm
with 120-mph winds slammed into the
Mexican coast twice.
Gilbert gave us a scare as hundreds
along the U.S. Gulf Coast evacuated
their homes. But most will return to
erect and unscathed homes.
But just for a moment pretend we
weren't the lucky ones this time. What
if Gilbert had decided to make landfall
120 miles to the north in Brownsville?
I've no doubt that other citizens
would rush to provide comfort shelter
and food to the homeless and hungry.
Yes we are generous when it comes to
looking out for victims of disaster.
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Medical directory
would meet needs
An ACU student from out-of-state
recently suffered severe abdominal
pains and was left little choice but to
go to a hospital emergency room.
After an extended period of waiting
the student finally was seen by a
doctor.
The doctor hurriedly prescribed
medication and sent the student
home. That same night the woman
was admitted into another local
emergency room with a serious il-
lness that hospitalized her for almost
a week.
Whether serious or minor an il-
lness a long way from home can be
an annoying as well as a dangerous
experience. It would be more than a
worthwhile endeavor for Abilene
doctors to furnish a publication
describing their specific practice
location and office hours.
If the student had been in her
home town a quick call to her fami-
ly doctor probably would have ex
Singing best option
to open daily Chapel
The worst way to get people's at-
tention is to demand it from them.
The best way to get their attention is
to convince them they should give
it.
ACU administrators have tried for
years to obtain quick control of the
Chapel audience so the assembly can
begin. And rightly so. They have
tried starting announcements early
hoping students will be interested
and become quiet.
Administrators have tried beginn-
ing a prayer so students will silence
themselves out of reverence. They
have tried standing at the podium
and glaring at the student body until
it shuts up.
And the idea of gaining the stu-
dents' attention by having Reg Cox
U.S. financial assistance
Julie Fitzpatrick
WlUVMUlM
EM3
And I also firmly believe our gov-
ernment would label the hurricane-torn
land as a disaster area and.send gov-
ernment aid.
I doubt the victims would have to
bother to ask for it.
Instead the hurricane ravaged the
people of another land. In Matamoros
Mexico a city of 280000 about 5000
people are homeless.
The only thing separating
Brownsville U.S.A. from Matamoros
Mexico is the Rio Grande.
Does the river-separation of these two
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pedited the process. Her family doc-
tor could refer to her medical re-
cords and medical history.
Students with hectic schedules and
limited time cannot be expected to
research Abilene doctors if medical
attention is needed. A simple
publication by area doctors contain-
ing information such as location of-
fice hours telephone number and
type of practice would benefit stu-
dents. Although the telephone book in-
cludes this information a current
listing from the Taylor-Jones-Haskell
Medical Society in the Wel-
come Week Sourcebook could be more
convenient for students.
Inevitably a student will become
ill at least once during his college
career and require the services of a
doctor. This type of directory would
be worthwhile for out-of-town stu-
dents who arc unable to go to their
regular physicians.
cheerfully read the announcements
from the Moody Coliseum press box
is self-defeating. Students do not
hear the announcements.
The administration should realize
that many students' favorite aspect
of Chapel is the singing. Four thou-
sand Christians under one roof make
for the most beautiful music around
and ACU students realize they rare-
ly will hear music that beautiful
after they graduate.
Chapel should begin with "10
minutes of singing as students come
in. If the crowd is singing as people
walk in they will be less tempted to
talk with their friends.
If students are given a reason to do
so they will give Chapel their attention.
m
-. I
lands mean wc selfishly should refuse to
offer assistance to the Mexicans?
A U.S. State Department
spokeswoman announced the U.S. gov-
ernment is unlikely to provide direct
assistance to Mexico because "they'd
rather handle these things themselves."
The spokeswoman said disaster
assistance would have to be requested
by the Mexican government and such a
request is not likely.
I am ashamed and appalled at such a
statement. Why should wc wait for
Mexico which now harbors thousands
of homeless hungry citizens to ask us
for help?
The United States cannot claim ig-
norance or an unawarcness of their
needs. After all the government lias
sent some emergency trucks to the Gulf
Coast. But as Janice Barbieri
spokeswoman for the State Depart
Bookstore bashing ridiculous
To the Editor
When I went to purchase my textbooks my heart swelled with pride as I
walked passed the rows and rows of learning materials. I was looking for books
of good quality but I didn't want to buy a brand new book.
I purchased a used one with stickers across the middle saying "Another qual-
ity used book." Although I thought the stickers looked great and of superior
design I reluctantly began to peel them off.
As I slowly took them off I found the words "Complimentary review not
for sale."
These words meant nothing to me when upon opening the book I realized
the contents were exactly the same a3 the other books and equally enlightening
in my ongoing quest for knowledge.
I was impressed with the Bookstore's fine example of capitalism free enter-
prise and the American dream in selling these books. I felt equally warm in-
side when Lu my cashier wished me good luck and happy reading as I left the
store full of glee and mirth.
I think most ACU students appreciate the Bookstore and all it's employees.
The Bookstore and it's staff are competent and helpful.
Arc they operating illegally in selling "Complimentary review" books pur-
chased from others?... I think not. Is this unethical?... I think not. Is recent
"Bookstore bashing" a good example of making a mountain out of a mole
hill?.. .I'm ashamed to say yes.
I think in the future we all shoujd be more careful about accusing others of
trying to make a "quick buck" and learn to appreciate those so willing to help
us.
'The Brotherhood Against Bookstore
4V
TmHarr
Senior management major
Dallas
Don Morris
Junior marketing major
Abilene
Chapel touches new Christian
To the Editor
I'm wondering what percentage of those attending Chapel Friday left Moody
Coliseum feeling they had caught just a slight glimpse of Heaven. Surely the
Almighty had tuned us in and was pleased with the offering.
It's amusing to think that the clever "artsy" Hollywood-type person would
spend about $20 million to exploit and manipulate the emotions and sen-
sibilities of an audience in the churning out of some sentimental thinly-
veneered pap.
And here in West Texas we sit in a basketball stadium transformed not
manipulated; inspired never exploited filled with authentic gratitude devo-
tion rejoicing and inexhaustible love that lays the heart bare before the Cre-
ator. We continuously are invited not as a passive audience but called to par-
ticipate in his undeniable reality. Free for the asking.
Friday his reality not only was undeniable: it was overwhelming. So over-
whelmed was I that I could not give a proper thanks to the stranger named
Will sitting on my right who offered a kind hand on my shoulder as I tried to
hold back the tears of my reaction. A simple Christian gesture that was much
appreciated.
I say "Amen" to the Father for his presence in Brother Rowley's stalwart
and graceful songleading. I also want to extend my thanks to John Rowley for
making himself available to that presence.
Few moments in my life have surpassed the beauty of that particular rendi-
tion of "Holy Holy Holy." As a young Christian I suspect the adventure in
Jesus is just beginning. I thank you all and pray that you left Chapel Friday-
last feeling energized knowing Christ a little better and perhaps a little more
eager to touch another as you have been touched.
Sreven Malumphy
Junior Bible major
Pittsficld Mass.
Former coach thanks students
To the Editor
Words cannot adequately express the gratitude I feel toward the students
who contributed to the travel fund to send me to the Olympic Games in Seoul
South Korea A special thanks to the social clubs for their generosity.
There is no doubt that ACU is the greatest school in the world. I hope that
you all will be pulling for Billy Tim Ian Ahmed Joseph Greg Chris Janets
and Yolandc. I seriously doubt if any University in the world has more athletes
in this year's Olympic Games.
Thanks so much.
Don Hood
Former ACU track coach
ment's Hurricane Gilbert Working
Group said the State Department
primarily is involved with assisting
U.S. citizens who were caught in the
storm on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Are we so blind that we cannot see
their drastic needs? Arc wc hiding from
the barefoot shivering Mexican
children who really don't care what
government gives them a piece of bread
and a blanket just as long as they get
them?
I would hope as our Mexican
neighbors return to their homes or
what used to be their homes our gov-
ernment voluntarily will show compas-
sion. I think if Mexico formally asked us
for assistance we would meet that re-
quest. But why do we have to wait for them
to ask?
Bashing'
Troy Smith
Senior management major
Nashville
Brad Yarbrough
Junior general business
Belton
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The Optimist (Abilene, Tex.), Vol. 77, No. 8, Ed. 1, Wednesday, September 21, 1988, newspaper, September 21, 1988; Abilene, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101471/m1/2/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Abilene Christian University Library.