OK I fold... A little bit....

The Mustang analogy got me (although I would never drive a Ford in the first place). I agree driving the Shelby is basically the same, but the classic is better!

I guess the difference I see is full blown participation including the corps. I cant say I participated pre 99 but I attended 5 years including the rebuild in 94. I also talk to my brother about some old army days of cut and stack.

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We replaced Bonfire in '00 with sorrow, '01 with apathy, and in '02 we replaced it with a huge Bonfire and have continued to do so every year.

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I wouldn't say we "replaced" Bonfire we simply went thru the grieving process associated with '99.

When I say we can't replace Bonfire I mean no matter how many more great traditions we come up wtih it will never replace Bonfire!!!

Imho, the entire idea of "coming up with traditions" is stupid. That doesn't mean I'm against having new traditions, but against starting "new traditions" just because "we need a new tradition."

What kind of mascot would we have today if we had started from the perspective of "we need a mascot" instead of "let's bring this stray dog home"?

That's just it...if you haven't noticed, anything that claims to be the next big Aggie tradition...isn't. It happens once, if at all, like the Farmers Fight Fest. True traditions stem from things that a few people do once...then others either see this and join in...or they repeat the event on their own knowing that somebody might repeat it after them, or nobody will. If nobody feels the need or desire to repeat the action, it wasn't tradition worthy.

Good traditions cannot be planned...they just happen.

The title of the thread asks "could you replace Bonfire."

Yes, I personally could. I am sure burning me would be quite a spectical, however I can only do it once. So it couldn't be a tradition.

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The Mustang analogy got me (although I would never drive a Ford in the first place).

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Neither would I. The analogy was originally about a '67 Corvette, but GM didn't do the retro styling that was needed for my illustration.

As for "replacing" a tradition, it's not possible. I think y'all are a little confused when it comes to "new" traditions though. The 12th Man wasn't a tradition for the first 50 years of A&M's existance, but it sure is a staple when it comes to listing off A&M's greatest. Maroon Out is one of the most visable traditions, but it wasn't a regular activity to wear all Maroon to games until the mid 90s. I could go on and on about All U-Nite, First Yell, the Yell Leaders, and Reville; but y'all get the point.

Quadding, Hazing, an all male/millitary student body, Aggie Rings worn on the left hand, axe-handling, and Family Style dining have mostly faded into the past or gone underground and are no longer viable in today's Aggie atmosphere. These traditions (or quasi-traditions) weren't replaced. They were new at one time, perpetuated, and laid to rest because the students no longer participated in them (mostly as a result of legislation or changing social norms).

Some traditions have gone on hiatus, only to re-surface years later. The Rocketship yell, Bonfire in '63, and the Fish Drill Team are just a few. They weren't replaced in the interim, they were just not used. Because of the perpetuated knowledge of older and former students, these traditions returned as activities to be carried on for generations to come; often in a grander and improved form. On-campus Bonfire is on hiatus.

Until it returns to campus, the know-how to build Bonfire must be carried on and improved. For example, you couldn't field an all-star football team if you didn't play (or even practice) for 5 years. What makes you think Bonfire could return to campus without some interim efforts? Aggie Football played on Kyle Field or the Polo fields is still Aggie Football.

Why do you think Bonfire is any different?

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If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you can read this in English, thank a Soldier.

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The title of the thread asks "could you replace Bonfire."

Yes, I personally could. I am sure burning me would be quite a spectical, however I can only do it once. So it couldn't be a tradition.

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Damn Lew! You are one red ass MOFO! I say we do it!! LEW THE JEW BURNS AT BONFIRE THIS YEAR!!!!!!! WHOOP!!!

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JEW BURNS AT BONFIRE

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Uhhh....

Even I have to say the PC people might have a point on that one

Hey, Lew is proud of his heritage, why shouldn't we be? Don't you remember his Jew Pot line???

[This message has been edited by Ag_B_10 (edited 8/2/2006 6:03p).]

All I would have to do is just stand there. That is what I do anyway so what the hell why not.

Are donuts flamable?

You just crossed the line, leave the donuts out of this.

bring back the ol army scrap pile so that bonfire can come back to campus. So what if its not a wedding cake style and the tallest stack ever. The Aggie Spirit is what built bonfire, bonfire didn't build the Aggie Spirit. It was the Aggie Spirit that got everybody so rilled up that they lit a pile of wood on fire the first time. I guarantee if you put just a scrap pile out there and light it up the night before t.u. just as many people would show up for it.

wxag07,

I'd like to invite you out to Cut this year. I'll even provide your lunch and pot (helmet liner).

The burning pile of wood is no longer the point. Where that pile burns is not the point.* It's the camraderie, leadership and teamwork of Cut and Stack that binds us together.

I'd love for you to get the chance to experience it first-hand.

Gig 'Em,
Daniel Eggert II '02

* Yes, Stack and Burn on-campus is ideal, but being on-campus doesn't make it Bonfire. A simple stack of trash would not allow for the experience that Cut provides. It would also perpetuate the "Dumbass redneck" reputation that t.u. tries to saddle us with.


Remember '99.
OC Hogs Build Bonfire!

First I want to say that each of every Aggie has a right to thier own opion but I want to add my two cents in for what it's worth.

opie03.. you listed several steps to getting BonFire back on campus...

Correct me if I am wrong but many of these step have been accomplished by another group of Aggies fighting to get Bonfire back on campus...
Bonfire Coalition for Students...

Now I noticed that most of you guys are involved in SB.. thanks for doing your part to keep Bonfire Spirirt Alive.. what you do is vital to the continuance of Bonfire at Texas A&M..but it is not the same as Bonfire's of old. I have had the privilage of seeing both (since my sister was '01) and there are LARGE parts missing at SB.

As far as steps to bring Bonfire back on campus:
1. Get 401(c)3 Non-Profit status for (A)SB. BCS is currently a recognized student org at Texas A&M and are 501(c)3 under our parent org (Bonfire Coalition)
2. Raise a bunch of money. Both groups need further $$ to continue each of our unique groups paths of supporting Bonfire- Pick your view on the situation and help out as best you can.
3. Bond, Liscense, and Insure (A)SB as a construction company. To my knowledge SB is already insured, BCS is coverd by TAMU but due to litigation we are un able to do most official cut type activites - that is NOT to say they our members haven't killed a few tress, we do service project when possible to help clear land.

4. Make a professional proposal to The University, requesting that they bring on ASB as a contractor to build Bonfre. In exchange for compensation, ASB requests a free lease of on-campus land on which to build Bonfire.

BCS already has consulted (and has a propsal on the table) with Dr. Gates, Council for the Built Environment (the campus master plan committee)and VP of Student affairs,etc. We have a working dialouge and a location already selected for when Bonfire returns to campus.

5. Build the Hell outta Bonfire '0? HELL YEH! BUILD THE HELL... support SB and BCS.. NEVER foret 11-18-99...

[This message has been edited by TXAgg05 (edited 8/30/2006 2:17p).]

PS- If you want more info about BCS...

BonfireCoaltion.com

or Informationals are Tuesday, 9/5/06 7pm Rudder 507

or ask any questions, I'd be happy to answer them if possible..

Gig'em!

TxAgg05,

I just responded to your other post from today prior to reading this updated topic. I would love to sit down and figure some stuff out perspective-wise. Look forward to hearing from you.

linda05@tamu.edu

Just FYI...if you'd want the organizations current perspective you might want to email their current chair. I don't imagine it has changed since last year but just in case....BCS_chair@yahoo.com

Gig'em!

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what you do is vital to the continuance of Bonfire at Texas A&M..but it is not the same as Bonfire's of old. I have had the privilage of seeing both (since my sister was '01) and there are LARGE parts missing at SB.

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I've seen both first-hand, and I agree. SB is safer, more open/inviting, and more open to constructive critisism. What I don't think you see is that the Spirit is the same, and that is all that matters.

I invite you to 1st Cut with me. You are welcome to use my tools, eat my food, sniff my snuff, and share in living the Aggie Spirit.

-------------------------------------------------------
If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you can read this in English, thank a Soldier.