From the Statesman
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/12/16/1216murano.html

"It should just be taken a good look at," she said. "If it makes sense not to have it, then we won't. If it makes sense to do it, then how do you do it so that it's safe?

"That may not be something that students would want. Part of the lore of bonfire was that the students built it themselves and had a lot of control over it. It was a major structure. If you're going to build a major structure, you've got to do it right. You've got to have professional involvement, not (just) amateurs."

I agree with what she said...to a point.

Some level of oversight and supervision by professionals will (and should) be required; it's the how much and to what extent that will be key.

I am glad she is at least considering it. Hopefully when the time comes we can have meaningful conversation as a community and SB will do the best it can to preserve the student involvement in Bonfire.

I wouldn't look too much into it right now. She's not dumb. I think it's just political speak about the issue.

of course it is just political speak right now. She is new and doesnt want to alienate anybody on the first day. But the fact that she is willing to see both sides of the issue is a plus. There are a lot of ways she could have said that, this is a possitive one.

As far as alienating anybody, I don't think the ASB faction is one she's too concerned about...

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As far as alienating anybody, I don't think the ASB faction is one she's too concerned about...

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A little light on the "playing devil's advocate" and a little heavy on the muck stirring.

I was actually refering to all those with an interest in seeing Bonfire on campus again. Not nessecarily just those working on Bonfire now. But thanks for your negativity.

Oh gosh, well why didn't you say that?

Even still, I think there are much more important things the president of the university should be considering. You don't? That's fine.

Of course there are a few more important things on the agenda. But this is a relevant issue that will need to be dealt with in her administration. It's not number one but its pretty high up there. Stop ending your posts with how other people feel about the debate, I've noticed you do that pretty often. Simply state your opinion and any possible counter to previous ones. I, and probably many others will be much more willing to discuss with you should you take this aproach.

And now I'm being told how to formulate my posts...Is this 10th grade English all over again?

Why is it that you feel like bonfire is "pretty high up" on her list of things to consider? Do you think that maybe it's reaching a point where it's only important to those involved with it? Because I do, for better or worse.

You see what I did there? I ended it with how I feel, not how you feel. You like that? Feel free to critique my posting formula, and by all means, if I could rearrange my words to better suit you, please let me know.

Yes I did like that better and except for your sarcasm it would have helped me to actually take you and your posts seriously. Now I will leave this thread at that.

Would it be possible for you to end your posts with a question mark from now on? I think I would enjoy that.

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Do you think that maybe it's reaching a point where it's only important to those involved with it?

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you mean...Aggies?

Believe it or not, there are quite a few out there who wouldn't consider bonfire's return or current state...or whatever...to be among the university's most pressing issues.

I tried searching for this thread with "most important issue at A&M" and it didn't come up.

It isn't the biggest issue but it was important enough for Murano to comment on in her article and anyone interested in Bonfire's future should be interested in the future president's position.

They have said she is an amazing listener and takes all opinions into consideration. I am sure she will listen to members of ASB. Hopefully when the time comes she will take a meeting with ASB leadership. Hopefully. I imagine she will. She will also listen to other interested members of the Aggie community. Hopefully she will see that ASB has done an amazing job and can translate that success into a recognized Bonfire. We need to be prepared when the day comes to make a case for our view of Aggie Bonfire.

Squareone,

I have to ask, if you are againt Bonfire, don't want it back, and don't think it is important as an issue, why are you here discussing it? Are you just one of those people who enjoys trolling to stir up trouble?

LEW, I'm sure she'll listen to anybody. If I set up an appointment with her to discuss putting laffy tafft in the vending machines around campus, I'm sure she would listen politely and we could banter about the merits of Jellyheads. That doesn't mean she considers it important though. As an Ag just like all of you, Bonfire matters, it's important to all of us for any number of reasons. However it isn't that important that it affects my view of the university or my perception of the president, regardless of her opinion on the matter. When things go away, they tend to leave the consciousness of the public slowly but surely. What you guys are doing off campus shows a great deal of grit and moxy, but it's just that. I can't imagine the university administration cares too too much about it and it waiting for the exact right moment to approach you guys and ask you to bring your operation onto it's campus.

And txags, I want bonfire back. But I don't want it back unconditionally, and you shouldn't either. It's scary tot hink there is a faction of students at A&M who view bonfire as the most pressing concern and would want to put a person in office who would bring bonfire back to campus before all other things. Forgive me for thinking there are bigger fish to fry. Honestly, I'm just being realistic, and like I said to LEW, because of the circumstances of the collapse and the university failing to take action 8 years later with regard to even considering its return to campus, I just can't see the university thinking to itself 5 more years on down the line thinking to bring it back. The students on campus at the time will be nearly a generation removed and so far removed from bonfire unfortunately. As noble as the task is off campus, I don't see it serving a purpose of education to those not participating.

Flame away.

If you want laffy taffy in vending machines, she'll send you to Food Services Director and no banter will be exchanged. Same as lobbying for a new intramural activity sends you to Rec Sports Execs. On the other hand, if you want to propose initiatives that will directly effect the outward perception of Texas A&M University and potentially the well-being of its students, I feel she is all ears. My years in Student Senate taught me that bureaucracy, even at A&M, weeds out the frivolous from the critical from the desks of certain administration. It also taught me that the administration very much is concerned about the future of Bonfire after the point all litigation has ended. You need only ask any school official about Bonfire and they will tell you they "still can't comment because of ongoing litigation, but that Bonfire was a great Aggie tradition that we will have to address at the appropriate time." (This from 5 seperate administrators including Fmr. President Gates and two different V.P. for Student Affairs/Activities) Dr. Murano's quote is actually the most description into any type of directive thought process administration has released... and it ain't much.

As to the education side, I beg what educational purpose (other than the Bonfire for credit class the Reds took) did the Bonfire offer prior? For that matter, what educational purpose does Muster, Silver Taps, Aggie Football games, or Elephant Walk serve? These activities are gateways to what Aggieland and Aggies alike are all about and the ideals they try to embody themselves with. Hell, Muster directly CHANGES our academic schedule to a half day every year because of how important we feel it is. Bonfire from its construction instills hard work, determination, reliance of your fellow man, leadership, conviction, a sense of belonging, networking, and comradery to name a few. Bonfire for those just attending the fire provides a sense of pride, fellowship, a path to your past at A&M and the memories of all those you experienced it with, a single activity that binds a community (not just a campus), and facilitates a joyful, raucous atmosphere that is also family friendly. Every weekend might be homecoming at A&M, but even more "come home" for the Bonfire.

I love this stuff, pure gold, pure freaking gold.

Sometimes you guys give off the air that you're the most self-important contingent of students on campus, even moreso than student senate! And you have belonged to both! GOLD!

Well, no one could ever knock you guys for not thinkin what you're doing is important, that's for damn sure. Unfortunately, in the big scope of things, and you guys are looking BIG SCOPE )...directly effect the outward perception of Texas A&M University and potentially the well-being of its students). Well, you keep on rehearsing the speech you'll give to the president of the universe on the importance, nay, imperitiveness and urgency of Bonfire and your operation, and I'm gonna go get ready for my date with Heidi Klum.

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The students on campus at the time will be nearly a generation removed

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...and will strive to live up to the stories and make similar memories to those that they heard from their parents about working on Bonfire.

As to the drastically reduced number of parents working on bonfire now than those who worked on Bonfire then? Regretfully, it will fade away, regardless of how much passion or desire you or your friends have.

Ha, you think I give a crap about Student Senate.

First, let me be completely clear... Student Senate is absolutely ridiculous and in activity overall worthless, but it doesn't mean you can't learn a few things and meet a lot of university officials and administrators along the way. This is the experience from which I speak and feel worth noting. Sitting across from the V.P. for Student Activities and the then-future Secretary of Defense was not only enjoyable, but pretty damn cool.


Also, for the record I refer you to this old tv show they used to have on Fox Sports. It was pretty widely broadcast you may not have ever heard of it.... Texas Aggie Bonfire Live. I am not entirely sure, but I think that qualifies as massive venue for "directly effecting the outward perception of Texas A&M University." I will be the first to tell you that Muster is our most important tradition, but Bonfire was our most advertised (outside of maybe The 12th Man hoopla). But hey, that was soooo long ago... it doesn't count, right?

Plus, if you don't think that bringing back Bonfire (with or without student help, all any of our personal desires aside) won't be a media firestorm (good or bad or impartial) for the Texas media, with at least some note from national media, you are overwhelmly out of touch or short sighted. This is a major point to consider in moving forward with another Bonfire in any considerable form.

Hell, Student Bonfire made at least a mention on Fox News and CNN and it isn't even a remote form of the former media coverage.

Ah yes, your bonfire show. That hasn't been on since...oh, last millenium.

As far as your media firestorm. I'd rather not have it. Duke had a media firestorm, OU did too, we had one in '99, Colorado did... media attention is rarely good. And having people reminded and made well aware that A&M is bringing back a tradition where 12 students died and dozens more were injured only years ago isn't something that sounds good to me, does that sound like it would be good to you?

But this whole Bonfire thing is insignificant and we are all self-absorbed and delusional, I thought no one even remembers it existed? I hate to borrow your line but.. Contradict yourself much?

Oh and just my point, media firestorms suck, thus a very realistic point for administration to consider when deciding Bonfire's fate. Basically, if you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen. (You know we Bonfire-types don't HAVE to be all brighty cheery about Bonfire's future ALL the time. )

Keep in mind though, each of the university scandals you brought up are different from one another and were of different levels of media attention. The question remains, where would Bonfire returning fit in and what would be the tale of the story?

Please show me where I said nobody remembers bonfire ever existed, thanks.

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Regretfully, it will fade away, regardless of how much passion or desire you or your friends have

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this excerpt was only a few posts above this...

Oooooook....?

I asked for a post where I said nobody remembers bonfire. As in present tense, as in now. Clearly I didn't say "people have forgotten bonfire" or "people will one day forget it ever existed". What you just quoted me as saying clearly does not show what you are attempting to prove. I'll give you another shot though, I'm flush with christmas spirit. Please try again. Same for you snoball, since you were the one who made the claim in the first place.

While were making claims about eachother that are absolutely false...I'll go ahead and throw out...hmm...ok, TR impregnates dogs and kills the babies and Slim wins man of the year award.

Hey, that feels good, now I know why you guys do it!

HA, look at poor old you. Look who just started to honestly concern themselves with what others think of them on here.... that's adorable! I knew I picked you as my hero for a reason. Guess you must have been stirred by that Christmas spirit.



[This message has been edited by DoctorSnoball (edited 12/18/2007 9:10p).]

dp

[This message has been edited by SquareOne07 (edited 12/18/2007 9:10p).]

ha where the hell did I do that? You're sadly mistaken and you have got to know better than that!

Apparently you do or you wouldn't be vigilantly monitoring this thread's progress 24/7. I couldn't even edit my post before a response.

If my opinion means that much... I love you too.

I graduated Saturday, don't start work till the middle of January, am at home in Cypress, messin around on the new laptop...not too much to do bud, don't flatter yourself.

I'm still curious as to how you got that I cared what people on here think about me? That's twice just this evening that you've made some bogus claim...just looks like you're really reachin now.

Anyways...back to where we were...

Why should anybody be convinced that the new administration would be willing to discuss Bonfire, much less bring it back? I guess I just fail to see what they could stand to gain from it.