University of South Carolina Libraries
Zetr -c&the.ed Bliztt's DEAR MR. BEEBE: As of late I have found my -usually apathetic self unusually disturbed with recent conflicts arising - from the publication dea)ing with the thoughts, and activities of former student B. Bursey. I found this article quite gratifying insofar as reminding me of the limitations on "freedom" that exist in the United States today. Although there were several points given by Mr. Bursey on which I would tend to disagree, the immediate reactionary outbursts of Sol Bl.att served me with a little deeper understanding of Mr. Bursey's feelings. However, what I cannot un derstand Is how a man of Mr. Blatt's (assumed) intelligence and character could be personally insulted to the point of attempting to remove the right to freedom of press from the Carolina Com munity. As a new resident to the state of South Carolina, I am deeply ap palled that a man who seemingly reacts without forethought is allowed this. amount of political power and influence by her citizens. Whether your personal political views tend to the right or left, I do not question. That your freedom of expression and the very existance of the Gamecock has been placed in jeopordy I found totally unjust and unreasonable. I must agree with Wickenberg that the "suggestion that it be shut down-or shut up- is an emotional sort of response and unrealistic." EDGAR DOUGLAS Paper for students DEAR MR. BEEBE: I am not a violent protestor, and usually don't make myself known, however, I-could not sit and take what is currently happening to the Gamecock. I was extremely dismayed to hear of the action now started trying to censure, if not shut down, our school paper. I wonder what kind of idiots the legislature and others think we are? The article in question, I must admit, turned me off a trifle, but I had enough of an open mind to read it for what it was worth and then Gaim T HE GAMECOCK is published tri-weel and weekly during the summer semes holidays and exam periods. Change of ac other mall items should be sent to Dra' scription rates are $7 per year or $3 per f. summer sessions. Bulk copies are $6 received $39,000 from the student activli subscription to the paper. Offices of THEl of the Russell House on the University ca 777-4220. Second class postaqe paid GAME COCK is published by the student opinions expressed herein do not necess the student body or the staff. Editor-in-chief.. .. .. .. .. .... Associate Editor... ... .. .. .. Editorial Assistant... .. .. .. .. Managing Editors... .. .. .. .. Assistant Managing Editor. .. .. . Business Manager... .. .. .. .. Sports Editor... .. .. .. .. .. Asst. Sports Editor. .. .. .. .. .. Chief Photographer.. .. .. .. .. News Editors.. .. .. .. .. .. .. Features Editor... .. .. .... Cultural Affairs.. .. .. .. .. .. .. Advertising Manager. . ... .. .. Clrct,.Ien Manager..... .. .. form my own opinion. I am quite sure that there have been numerous articles that I have enjoyed fully that have turned someone else off. How are inquisitive minds to reach out and look into dark corners if there is never anyone to turn on the light. The paper is for the student, and has done a fairly good job of presenting many angles, and often has served as a basis of com munication between opposing sides. I ask, Why should the Gamecock be harassed for printing what it receives? Is it maybe because the establishment has not been lied about and glorified'? My hope is that on May 27, the Board of Trustees will have an open mind. STAN BLACKWELL Gamecock kindles hatred DEAR MR. BEEBE: Since I have two daughters at the University, my husband and I are alumni of the University and are tax paying citizens of South Carolina, I feel I have a right to speak to THE GAMECOCK. There is something about THE GAMECOCK writers that our generation simply does not un derstand. There was no innocence in Mr. Beebe's publishing the Brett Bursey issue. ' He did it deliberately. Mr. Beebe knew the reaction that would come about by this issue. He knew it, he an ticipated it and the thought of it in all probability made him estatic. The first issues I read of this paper about three years ago were no different than they are today. THE GAMECOCK kindles hatred, stimulates immorality, and con dones vulgarity - hardly the goals for which a college newspaper should strive. THE GAMECOCK is nothing more than a therapeutic newspaper. "For the students" to be sure, but only for those that wish to vent their bitterness and hostility against a world with which they are obviously at odds. The student body should be the ones that will do something about the paper. But they are so weak ~cock dly during the fall and spring semesters ters with the exception of University idress forms, subscription requests and ver A, USC, Columbia, S.C. 29206. Sub all and spring semesters and S1 for both per 100. THE GAMECOCK this year y fund, entitling full-time students to a. GAMECOCK are in Rooms 306 and 310 mpus. Phones are 777-8178, 777-4249 and at Columbia, S.C. Although THE iof the University of South Carolina, the arily represent those of the University, .. .. .. .. ......Charles Beebe .... .. .. .. .....Scott Derks ... .. .. .. ...Cheryl Manning ... .. .. .. .. .. ..Jim Farrell' alice Potter .. .. .. ... .. ....Lucretia Jones .... .. .. .. ....Ute Huckabee .. .. .. .. .. ..Teddy Heffner .. .. .. .. .. ....Doug Williams . .. .. .. .. ....Paker Renaud . .. .. .. ....Charlie Fellenbaum Glenda Miller . .. .. .. ....Jerry Calabrese . .. .. .. .. ..Margaret Swenseld .. .. .. .. ....David Lundgreq .. .. .. .. .-.-.-.Terri Mel . .. .. .. ....,. ....Anne HgMwel nary ac and have been so influenced by the thinking in this "trashy' publication that they are afiaid to make a move. When the older generation says that is enough, then they scream "oppression" and threaten to have an ",un derground" newspaper. This is what they wanted and that is why they have gone to the lengths they have. 'They thrive on dissension, chaos, hntred and bitterness. It seems to me that with all the problems the student body now has, such as drugs, unwanted pregnancies, etc. that THE GAMECOCK would try to cool it and inspire their student body to set some standards for them selves, instead of opening up old wounds. So why don't you stop trying to upset the politicians, the alumni, the Board of Trustees and start doing something worthwhile. Or do you really want to - I don't think so. MARCELLE C. CROW 1700 SEWANEE DRIVE WEST COLUMBIA. S. C. Gamecock leftist DEAR MR. BEEBE: I must admit that the thought of someone effectively silencing th? Gamecock fills me with a sense of irrepressible glee, but I think apart from the emotional aspect of it all there is one point to be raised which can scarely be denied by anyone, regardless of his Regardless of Mr. Beebe's disclaimer to the contrary, I think a fair reading of this past years Gamecock will yield the conclusion that the paper had, in its editorials and columns, consistently lent aid and comfort to the causes and rhetoric of the American student left, and at the same time, has unequivocally opposed the per sonalities, policies, and practices of anything or anybody to the right, say, of George McGovern. Normally, this would be fine, no one would object legally to your right to do so. But, and this is the only real issue at hand, you simply don't have the right (con stitutional, moral, or otherwise) to use confiscated funds to carry on your "pamphleteering." I per sonally object to one cent of my money being used by anyone to advance his own 'political and philosophical views, especially when those sentiments are so diametrically opposed to my own. If it were possible to publish a student newspaper which con cerned itself solely with the affairs of the University, I don't think anyone would object lending support. But the Gamecock has gone tar beyond that point- It has quite obviously become a vehicle for political propagandizing. In view of this, I consider it not only the perogative, but rather, the duty ot the State of South Carolina to refuse to support in any way th( continued existence of your publication. If you are effectively "'muzzled," I know the cater wauling n1twits on this campus will shrill "repression," "freedom o' the press," and undoubtedly "fascism," but I hope the Ad ministration and the State wil refuse to be cowed. Tihe answer t< the mob Is simply that th4 'Gamecock's freedom to roll theil tons aj presses should not and must no depend on funds extorted fron unwilling students. You, and anyone else on thii campus !or anywhere in thi country) is free to print whatevej you please. But, like any othes paper in the country, you'll have tc get out on the streets and hawk it if you've got anything valid to say, people will support you. If not, they'll laugh at you. Which is, ol course, the way most people react to the Gamecock anyway. JOHN McRAE Bigalke minal dope DIEAR MR. 1EERE: I have maintained that the GAMECOCK is- essentially a student newspaper, and should not be subject to administrative, faculty, or outside sanctions. However, when utter in competence and discourtesy are displayed, I must not keep silent. A Mr. Rob Bigalke was given the -obviously unpleasant) assign ment of covering-I dare not call his report a "review"-the USC Orchestra Concert Monday evening. - As a musician and a clarinetist, I feel qualified to comment on Mr. Pritchard's performance. If there is one quality that Mr. Pritchard instills in his clarinet students-and adheres to strictly in his own playing--it is control of the in strument. In the Wagner and the slow passages of the Weber, he demonstrated this control to a remarkable degree. His tone quality was consistent, and was complemented by advanced technical prowess. Frankly, it was my impression that the orchestra members profited from the op portunity of working so closely with this professional musician. Since Mr. Bigalke has -presumed to comment on Mr. Pritchard's musicianship, perhaps in the future the GAMECOCK might precede such reports with a detailed description of the reporter's qualifications in the particular area. Probably the simple terse comment "Mr. Bigalke is a musical dope..." preceding the article would have led many readers not to bother with the column. Perhaps the thought of that possibility would have led the editor to (I) choose a more qualified person to attend the concert, or '2) not even bother attempting any sort of "review. In closing, I can't help reflecting on Mr. Bligalke's suggestion that the -Music Department might give this concert outdoors next year. I might suggest that we all would have been better off if Mr. Bigalke had spent Monday evening out doors this year. I'ETERt IE.(ER1S 'HEFSKI ASSO0I'I E I'RtOIIEssOi Ribock forgotten D)EAR MR. BEEBE: I am writing this letter to bring to your attention a very disap pointing error in The Garnet and Black. While I was reading the sports section about basketball, I flotlced that John Ribock's name was omitted in the team roster. I am very disgusted that this error went unnoticed, since he has been a greait asset to Carolina basket ..baU. fo. .the. pat .three. years-1 )pallng know that it is really a pain to proofread every page, but it is a shame that such a conspicuous mistake happened. WARREN MONTGOMERY Outside censorship not needed DEAR MR. BEEBE: The most vehement critics of the GAMECOCK are amusing in complaining of its "yellow jour nalism." They abhor what they see as its one-sided presentation Vf facts, yet themselves use a rather V. obscure term, with little support by concrete facts. The problem of the GAMECOCK is not one to be remedied by censorship. I have found Harry Hope's columns, in particular the more recent ones, both creative and perceptive. The earlier ones, however, at times seemed to me to lack a necessary journalistic discipline and, as a friend of his, I have scolded him for it. His columns do not generally lack this restraint, but if the newspaper overall usually does need it, then, as Mr. lAwis has noted, the blame lies with the managers, and the original sin with the Board of Student Publications and Communications. Censorship, I have said, is not an answer. The GAMECOCK does not need a forbidding hand from without, but a directing voice from within. SUSAN R. JONES Newspaper non-representative DEAR ISEEBE: Having already sent you several ieiers you have not printed, I feel this, too, is an exercise in futility. I have never heard such good news as "GAMECOCK MAY BE SHUT DOWN", as announced by your last (if only it were) issue. Although you may be already using unclaimed old issues of the (GAMECOCK for crying towels, a good many students can find reason to rejoice. Should your brand of "news" pollution cease to be heaped upon us at our ow expense, few suicides would result. I call your attentioni to the following excerpt from Monday's paper Tihe GAMECOCK is the student newspaper of the University of South Carolina. Its prime objective is to serve the interests of the st udent body of this institution. The GAMECOCK is a legitimate medium by which students may express their opinions, be in formed of campus activities, and defend themselves from any en croachment upon their rights as sit udent s anld as citizens. It s demise would beC unfort unate. Rarely have I been so amused. As Editor of THE G;AMECOCK, I . am extremely jealous of your ' satirical wit 'sic?i. You should get your own TV show. But wasn't this meant to be part or "Hopeless Iiistory"--that masterpiece o'f iournalistic humor? If you think students swallowed that line about the GAMECOCK being a medium by which students may express their opinins,