ustxtxb_obs_1978_12_15_50_00016-00000_000.pdf

Your taxes at work Who was that dummy standing in the State Capitol rotunda last month, telling anyone who would listen that “things like milk, bread, meat and potatoes, and socks, boots and Levis .. . don’t just happen”? No, he was not a member of the Legislature. He was a talking mannequin known as the “Traveling Texan,” part of an exhibit put on by the Food & Fiber National Institute of Achievement, Inc., of Lubbock. This nonprofit, publicly funded outfit has set about “researching and communicating the impact of food and fiber technology on the American way of life,” according to an exhibit brochure. But judging by the looks of the exhibit and other institute materials, the message boils down to yet another chamber-of-commerce-style lesson in economic patriotism. Which is to say, sheer hokum. Patrons of the institute’s museum on the Texas Tech campus learn that the cotton gin “helped cause the Civil War.” How’s that for “impact on the American way of life”? What’s more, as if Texas schoolchildren haven’t had enough pap from American business boosters \(Obs., strip at them called “Blue Jeans, French Fries and America,” which is already showing on educational TV in Oklahoma. The film is said to contrast “today’s fast-food, ready-made lifestyle with the hardships of primitive man and Colonial times.” All of this business was inspired by America’s Bicentennial, says John Arnn, F&F’s director. It seems a group of civic-minded folks in Lubbock decided that the achievements of agriculture needed honoring as much as any other industry’s. They received initial funding from the local and state Bicentennial commissions, and now the state Agriculture Department pays about half the institute’s $100,000 annual operating budget. The rest of the money comes from the city and county of Lubbock and from the institute’s membership, which, as you might suspect, includes a number of food processors, and agribusinessmen. Farmers do belong, but some of them have, says director Arnn, raised “pointed questions” about the institute’s standoffish attitude toward activist farmers’ groups. Mike Hornick and Bob Sindermann Jr. 0 -108 Congre ss Ginny’ s Mailing Service \\i\\I 2021 Guadalup e Call 476-9171 for details 2700 Anderson Lane Copying is our middle name but not our only service Ginny’s Copying Service, Inc. I Good books in every field JENKINS PUBLISHING CO. The Pemberton Press John H. Jenkins, Publisher Box 2085 \(S Austin 78768 the effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds Paul Zindel’s Pulitzer Prize Play starts Dec. 6. Reservations 476-4536. $2-$4. Wed. to Sun. Gaslight Theatre, Fourth and Lavaca Streets cr., \(Jacinto 6 a Fine Food Draught Beer Outdoor Patio Our Mailing Service can do 10 or 10,000 per sonalized letter/envelope combinations at a fraction of the cost you would pay to have your staff type the letters and address the envelopes . . . AND GINNY’S can do it faster! Swiss Chalet Highway 37 . Ruidoso, NM 88345 World’s Largest Lodging Chain Best \\ Western To A ogordo The Best Western Swiss Chalet in Ruidoso hears your cry and comes to the rescue with a ski holiday you can afford! We’re the closest motel to Nevi Mexico’s fabulous Sierra Blanca ski area,* and for very reasonable rates you can enjoy comfortable, sparkling clean accommodations, and more authentic Swiss atmosphere than you’ll find anywhere this side of St. Moritz. With special discount rates for skiers Mondays thru Thursdays and supersaver group rates, the Best Western Swiss Chalet is all the Alp you need! * Just 1 1/2 miles to the mountain, then a scenic 10 miles to the lifts. In-room thermosol steambaths Family rooms & suites . Children under 12 free with parents . Delightful dining at Annemarie’s Alpine Lodge Restaurant RUIDOSO SWISS CHALET INN 16 DECEMBER 15, 1978