ustxtxb_obs_1977_12_30_50_00023-00000_000.pdf

SiU IRS in hiding If you think the tightened security at the Internal Revenue Service’s regional service center in Austin is ridiculous \(Obs., the Philadelphia regional service center, which handles, among other things, returns of U.S. citizens living abroad, aliens, and nonprofit organizations. The last time I tried \(when a nonprofit client’s request for an extension of time there were no phone numbers for the Philadelphia service center listed with Philadelphia information. The Austin district director’s office had no numbers either, nor did the Philadelphia district director’s office. Finally, an employee at the Austin service center said she’d try to get through and ask someone at the Philadelphia service center to call me. She called back later to say she couldn’t reach them either. The military could take lessons from the IRS when it comes to security. Robert Morrison, 1209 Rio Grande, Austin. IWY in perspective Laura Richardson’s account of IWY \(Obs., have seen in any kind of journal. Everyone else’s is either shrill in its de nunciation or strident in its defense, but always lacking in taste and understanding. Laura got the whole thing in perspective, and I congratulate the Observer for its own perception in keeping her around. Joe B. Frantz, 4301 Edgemont, Austin. Irrational emotionalism My family subscribes to your magazine and I read it regularly. I find it a very interesting and, on the whole, valuable publication. This marks an exception. I am a moderate who avoids being glued into either label liberalism or label conservatism, though, over the years, I have more often than not agreed with liberal positions, especially in a Texas context. But I draw a distinction between rational, responsible liberal argument and irrational leftist emotionalism. James Stanley Walker’s article on the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom at Howard Payne College \(Obs., offensive to me, as an officer who fought under MacArthur through World War II and who knew him personally. It is also a bad piece of writing in that it confuses apples with oranges. Walker’s egalitarian sensitivity” and fear of “effective anti-communist cadres” may be perti nent to his emotional orientation, but they are beside the point in architectural criticism. I have no idea what he may mean by “pluckish” architecture, but his meaning, and his ignorance. are quite clear in his use of the scurrilous term “Dugout Doug.” One may disagree with some of the descending to the ad homitzem and unjustifiable use of an epithet connoting cowardice. Everything pertinent in MacArthur’s long service belies this, for a rational evaluator. One may also deplore the sometimes unavoidability of treatment of the war which was necessary to defeat the horror of Nazi Germany and the runaway militarism of Tojo’s Japan, as an aspect of this country’s “20th century manic-depressive surge to power.” Just a little common sense, informed by some sense of history, would refute that. Whatever one may think about the care for “duty, honor, country” which Walker claims the while he is contradicting himself, it is clear that the “enlightenment” to which he gives a higher priority will not emanate from him. If he is any less confused about architectural criticism perhaps he should stick to that ‘field. Howard W. Peak III, 105 Encino Avenue, San Antonio. ArU 1 _J This calendar is an information service for Observer readers. Notices must reach the Observer at least three weeks before the event. Jan. 6 / Fri. / Austin: The state Senate’s consumer affairs subcommittee, chaired by Ron hearings on the operation of the state fire marshall’s office. At 9 a.m., Lieutenant Governor’s committee room, state capitol. Jan. 10 / Tues. / Houston: U.S. Senate candidate Bob Krueger speaks to the Houston Society for Coating Technology on natural gas pricing, the federal toxic substances control act, energy legislation, and Texas politics. From 3:30 to 4:45 p.m., Sonny Look’s restaurant, 9810 Main 1978. Jan. 10 / Tues. / Austin: Texans for Equitable Taxation, a citizens’ lobby working for tax law reform, holds its annual convention. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Ramada Inn Gondolier, IH 35 and Riverside Drive. The morning session includes workshops and regional caucuses. The general session convenes at 2 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Gondolier. House speaker Billy Clayton delivers the keynote address. Jan. 12 / Thurs. / Brownfield: Bob Krueger addresses the American Petroleum Institute, South Plains section, at 7:30 p.m. at the Brownfield Country Club. His topic, of course, is energy. Jan. 12 / Thurs. / Houston: The Texas Department of Health conducts a public hearing at 10 a.m. in the Houston city health department auditorium. 1115 North MacGregor, to determine if Houston’s Garden Oaks Nursing Home should lose its license. Information: R. V. Smith, 1100 West 49 Street, Austin 78756; Jan. 13 / Fri. / Houston: Friends of State Rep. Lance Lalor host a fundraiser featuring an exhibit of works by Houston and Austin artists and music by Ain’t Misbehavin’. Belly dancers. jugglers and mimes also perform. No admission charge; cash bar. At 7. p.m., University of St. Thomas art gallery, 3905 Yoakum. Jan. 15 / Sun. / Austin: Texas Mobilization for Survival meets to hear Ed Wendler. who will talk about the South Texas nuclear power plant, and Jim Schermbeck of the Armadillo Coalition, a citizens’ group opposing construction of nuclear power plants in the state. At the Austin Friends’ meeting house, 3014 Washington Square. The public is invited. Information: Ken Carpenter, Jan. 18 / Wed. / Beaumont: The Texas Water Commission considers an application from Conservation Services, Inc., to operate an industrial solid waste disposal site and construct a landfill in Jefferson County. The public hearing begins at 10 a.m. in the Lower Neches Valley Authority meeting room, 7850 Eastex Freeway. Information: Vicki Vaughan THE TEXAS OBSERVER 23