August 18, 1980 Mr. Charles E. Lake 400 East Tyler Richardson, Texas 75081 Dear Mr. Lake: Thank you for your recent letter. I have never told an "Aggie" joke in my life and never will. However, I will repeat an "Aggie" riddle: What do you call an Aggie after five years? My asking the crowd if anyone knew any Aggie jokes was itself a joke. So please keep your cool and also your sense of humor. I have the greatest respect and admiration for Texas A & M University and its past, present, and future. Both as a businessman and as Governor I am keenly aware of the many significant achievements made not only at Texas A & M University but also by Texas A & M graduates in science, technology, business, and government, and many other fields of serious endeavor. The pride that students and graduates have in Texas A & M is both amply justified and commendable. My interest in Texas A & M is shown by the fact that I have visited the campus at College Station more times since I took office than any Governor in Texas history. At the rally in Houston, I did tell two jokes - both on Jimmy Carter! If you'd like to help me retire Mr. Carter to his peanut business in Georgia, please let me know. I can use all the help I can get in this campaign - it's going to be tough. Now, what is the answer to the riddle? The answer is "Boss". The pride of Texas A & M graduates in their alma mater is one of the reasons for its greatness. Thank you for writing. Sincerely, William P. Clements, Jr. Governor of Texas WPCJr:cee
