I would just like to thank Misters Ed De La Garza and Kevin Pennell for their fine work in the March 9th edition of the Daily Cougar. It really helped me understand something about myself.
I see Mr. Pennell's claim that he's "the only columnist worth a damn," and I see Mr. De La Garza's claim that he didn't get a "Handy" award because he didn't resort to nudity. Gentlemen, I congratulate you both for making me thankful that I don't think like a student - or at least, not students like you. The only reason I can't call your contributions childish is because my nephew might find that offensive someday.
Take a look around you, gentlemen. Participation in campus activities is at a 30-year low. Between a fifth and a third of our freshman class will stay freshmen forever because of inadequate preparation for college. Meanwhile, one of our arch-rivals, Texas A&M, is planning to annex the South Texas College of Law. Does anyone else find the concept of Aggies with law degrees less than two miles away frightening? (That's satire, folks. Get it?)
Instead of talking about these issues - which I would find much more interesting to read than what I saw today - you use valuable space for personal attacks. I recently did something that upset somebody, as Mr. De La Garza did to Mr. Pennell. The person I offended approached me with civility, explained clearly what was bothering him, and I was glad to accommodate him.
As journalists, you must be well-acquainted with the art of rhetoric. Perhaps a less drastic approach might have been more effective. It isn't too late for that, is it?
Richard C. Auclair, junior math major
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