European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 25, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Tourists pose with statues of Alamo defenders William Barret Travis left and Davy Crockett. Not the Alamo s reputation is under attack by Kelley Shannon the associated press hey re fighting at the Alamo again. This time it s the legend that s under siege. On one Side Are the traditionalists who see the Alamo As an undeniable Symbol of Texas Pride and Independence. On the other Are the revisionists who see it As just a big lie perpetuated by a redneck  reputations of longtime heroes like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie killed More than a Century ago defending the fort Are now under attack. Some of the allegations seem downright blasphemous Bowie took part in an elaborate slave running scam. Crockett was a washed up politician who did t even Wear a Coonskin Cap. William Barret Travis the Alamo s commander suffered from syphilis. What in Sam Houston is going on Here i think there s just kind of a general re evaluation of the Alamo that is occurring not just among mexican americans but among other people said Avelardo Valdez a sociologist at the University of Texas at san Antonio. For More than a Century the tale of the Alamo was the same in 1836, fewer than 200 texans fighting for Independence defended a fortress against More than 4,000 mexicans. The mexicans won All the texans were killed. But their bravery was celebrated and remember the Alamo became a rallying cry when Texas fighters marched to Victory at the Battle of san Jacinto. Today the cry is Over How to remember the Alamo. Was it a heroic struggle for Freedom or a ruthless display of imperialism and racism i still fee that mexican americans do not View the Alamo As something that symbolizes some kind of Symbol of Freedom or Liberty. I still believe they see it More As a Symbol of racism Valdez said. Defending the Alamo and its reputation this time is the daughters of the Republic of Texas a group of mostly White women who Trace their ancestors to when Texas was a nation from 1836 to 1845. The daughters have managed the site since the state entrusted it to them in 1905. But critics scorn the group As an exclusive club. Valdez Calls the daughters representative of an archaic redneck culture that does t represent Texas increasingly diverse population. This exclusive Little clique has nevertheless succeeded in convincing Many that their baseless mythology is fact san Antonio express news columnist Carlos Guerra wrote. As they see it Texas history is about How Freedom Loving anglos came to Texas and brought civilization to the local  Guerra Valdez and others want to Force the Alamo s caretakers to show off a larger slice of the Monument s multicultural history. One proposal would restore the Alamo and adjacent grounds As san Antonio de Valero the Catholic Mission established at the site by spaniards in the 1700s. Last year City officials closed a Street in front of the Alamo to keep tour buses from running Over an area that is believed to be a Mission Era graveyard holding the remains of 921 North american indians and three dozen others. Upcoming fiesta parades also have been rerouted. The actions were taken Over the Strong protests of the daughters. It was a Mission but that s not what made it famous said Arthur Cavazos the group s spokesman. It s a place where a Small group of men decided to make their stand and fight for Liberty until the  City councilman Bill Thornton a mayoral hopeful and a vocal critic of the Alamo s status quo contends that there is absolutely no context of history on the Alamo grounds. The Alamo is big enough the message from the Alamo is Strong enough for everyone to be included and everyone s voice to be heard he said. Perhaps he s right. And maybe the Battle is already making a difference. Two tourist information signs recently appeared in front of the famous edifice. One begins the Alamo has a Long and diversified  Short subject the secret to wealth be frugal seek deals by Marurice the associated press studying the lifestyles of the Rich though not necessarily famous has Given Thomas j. Stanley an intimate look at a world of sensible cars practical watches and modest Homes. Stanley sort of an academic Robin Leach has spent 20 years studying Rich Folk. His profile of the typical millionaire is quite different from the bejewelled figures who cavort in exclusive hideaways on television shows. The truly wealthy Are More interested in watching their Money grow than showing off what it can buy he said. The thing that hit me right away was How frugal these people Are said Stanley author of three books on affluence and a consultant to financial institutions charitable organizations and sales groups. There Are 1.3 million people nationwide with a net Worth of at least $1 million according to the internal Revenue service the idea that they Are All Jet setters has As much to do with reality As la Law Doe with real Law said Michael Schau editor of research Alert a new York based publication that compiles statistics on consumer behaviour. Millionaire Truett Cathy has Coffee and a Chat with one of his longtime employees. According to Stanley the typical millionaire is a businessman who has lived in the same town his entire adult life owns a Small factory or Chain of stores is married and lives in a Middle class neighbourhood next to people who Are not nearly As Rich. They know that it s relatively easy to make a big income in America. It s More difficult to accumulate wealth said Stanley a former marketing professor at Georgia state University. Truett Cathy the founder and chairman of the Chick Fil a inc. Fast food Chain is a Good example Stanley said. "1 have a Nice House not an extravagant Home said Cathy whose Atlanta based Chain had sales of $396 million last year. Cathy said he s lived in the same Home for 35 years and channelled his Energy into the business leaving Little time for Jet setting. He drives a 4-year-old Lincoln Continental but is More enthusiastic about the used pickup truck he bought for $2,500. I m subject to buy anything i can get a Good Deal on said Cathy. Monday april 25,1994 the stars and stripes 15