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tomorrow could be more like yesterday. No, growing was no small talent.” Chicago’s Press If you are among those who still are concerned and troubled about Chicago last summer, the Democratic convention, may I commend to your attention a thoughtful and carefully documented study of the Chicago press’ reporting during that. awful week? Nathan B. Blumberg, a professor of journalism at the University of Montana, was in the streets of Chicago those several days. What he saw on the streets and what he saw in the Chicago papers are the particular object of his study as are the broader implications of contemporary U.S. journalism and the status of today’s American society. Copies of his article \(“The ‘Orthodox’ are available, at no cost, I believe, from the University of Montana, School of Journalism, Missoula, Montana 59801. Humble Citizens A “Harris County Voters Information Handbook” prepared for Houston area employees of Humble Oil recently has come to my attention. In the introduction it is stated that “Humble’s public affairs policy . . . encourages employees to practice full citizenship.” The policy, as expressed in formal action by the company’s board of directors, includes the following passage: “. . Campaigning for public office and the holding of such office by employees are also recognized as being a 16 The Texas Observer Sex in Austin I just read Lee Clark’s article [Gobs., June 20] on Texas legislators, and their alleged sexual activities in a somewhat collegiate atmosphere with playgirls playing house in Austin during the session. As a would-be legislator myself, I am shocked and dismayed on three counts. 1.This article can only make a tough competitive situation worse in Dallas County as far as getting into the Legislature is concerned. 2.Some of the more able but senior legislators will probably now find strong opponents among their hot-blooded constituents. The orderly governmental process can only suffer. 3.This article may well result in a batch of new faces bearing disappointed looks in the next Legislature. I can only hope that the limited circulation of the Observer keeps the inbound traffic congestion to Austin to a minimum. Further, I hope that the Observer in the future will refrain from printing such obvious commercial propaganda of the Austin motel, .apartment, and liquor interests. It is most disappointing to see this sort of switch by a journal that until now has led the good fight against fraudulent trade-school advertising. Bill Stehr, 2809 Reagan St., Dallas, Tex. 75219. Rebuttal from Dallas With regard to Lee Clark’s article “Every Legislator’s Wife is a Virgin” \(besides reexamining my views on the subject of the criticism of the legislator \(obviously dispatched to Austin by his spouse, left them in the care of his secretary. I must emphatically state that my husband’s secretary takes excellent care of the children and, further, that they are abidingly fond of her. Mrs. Clark’s article has probably caused irreparable harm to a very advantageous babysitting situation .. . An Incensed Legislator’s Wife. Normally the Observer does not print unsigned letters. We make an exception in this case. This letter was postmarked Dallas. Ed. America the Beautiful Every June 6 I get an eyeful of patriotic editorializing in the dailies concerning the heroic efforts of American troops “who drove a wedge into the mighty fortress of German-occupied Europe.” The troops are portrayed as 20th century knights who charged ashore for Gawd, mamma, and free enterprise. When I look back, I see a 19-year-old infantry sergeant who after two years of college was pressed into service, indoctrinated, and trained to be a killer for democracy. I see the great armada. I see the troops that overran Europe in the ensuing eleven months, and I remember the time when the orders were given and carried out “Take no prisoners.” Too, I see my men shooting and thrusting bayonets into the bellies of fair-haired young Germans, who pled for their lives. We were the heroes who won the day! Were we not fortunate to have had military leaders who trained us in all the skills of Atilla the Hun! Are not Americans thankful that we have continued such military efficiency so that our sons can kill in Vietnam with the effectiveness that we gallant knights displayed in World War II? Today’s papers are filled with glad tidings of ABM systems, blood, generals, nuclear warships, hawks, and bombs given to us by the Almighty to preserve the good things of life and our wonderful way of life. I can hardly continue as tears well up in my eyes while I count my many blessings on this 6th of June, so I leave you with that memorable Army Air Force cry of WW II “Bombs away!” until next June 6. Dr. Louis E. Buck, D.V.M., 3116 Wheeler St., Austin, Tex. 78705. A Second-Hand War Sen. Edward Kennedy really tightened the screws on the G.O.P. and President Nixon with his wonderful speech on the stupid slaughter of our men on Hamburger Hill. Thank God that Edward Kennedy is speaking out. Some say that this horror in Vietnam will soon be called “Nixon’s war.” Some say President Nixon inherited this war from L.B.J. I am prompted to ask this question: “Would you buy a second hand war from Nixon?” Some will buy a second hand war from this man but, again, millions of Americans will not buy it. Nell Herrin, 7146 Timber Ridge, San Antonio, Tex. 78227. Dave Hickey, Inc. If Dave Hickey decides to incorporate, I want a piece of the action. OK, he’s not perfect, but he sure knows the language and the lay of the land. J. D. Frazee, 5409 Darlington Lane, Austin, Tex., 78723. part of their rights as citizens, although employee with relation to particular office there may be instances when the position is such that the exercise of these rights of the company and the individual might not be advisable.” G.O. Dialogue