Texas A and M University - Aggieland Yearbook (College Station, TX)

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Protest Arises Over Construction 21

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Once so beautiful, the crepe myrtle (Photo Below) adorned the campus through the warm months, but construction-destruction (at right) came in and there was crepe myrtle “nevermore.” Aside from occasional gripes about noise or other minor inconveniences, the construction never received much comment, but last fall concern was suddenly aroused over the area between the Coke Building and the YMCA. Two streets passed between these two buildings, and between the streets existed a median that contained a grass-type lawn and three crepe myrtles, tall with age and blooming every year in pink and white. One night phones started ringing and word got around that the next day a bulldozer was going to come in and dig up the median (and everything in it) and a “temporary” parking lot was to be built in its place. People were in¬ formed of the situation and asked to be present in protest of the event the following morning. The morning came and found a small band of students (about 20) led by Karl Drescher, of the Environmental Awareness Committee, ready to protest the event. Presi¬ dent’s aide Ed Cooper and executive vice-president Alvin Luedecke also showed up to explain the situation. Argu¬ ment ensued between the two parties, but explanations were made and bulldozing began right on schedule at 8:00 a.m. Who won? We don ' t know, but the parking lot is there and it looks as temporary as “Sully.” One thing has to be said though, the students spoke and there was someone present to listen. We hope this happens more and more — on both sides. j Concerned students led by Karl Drescher, of the Environmental Aware¬ ness Committee, had a showdown with Ed Cooper, president’s aide and executive vice 7 president Luedecke. 20

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Fall P.F. Presents Proxmire and Bond Before a large MSC gathering, Wiscon¬ sin Senator William Proxmire criticized the government funding of the Supersonic Transport developmental program. He claimed it should be in the hands of pri¬ vate enterprise if it was considered at all. He also went on to list the SSI’s disadvan¬ tages such as pollution of the ozone area and the unpleasant, sometimes hazardous sonic boom. Paul Turner, chairman of Political Forum, introduced Proxmire.