UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Thursday, November 30, 1967
Time to call a spade
It's treason trial time in Greece these days, but the United States has failed to notice it. Conveniently wrapped up in Greece's external struggles with Turkey, the U.S. is continuing a remarkable eye-averting policy, while world-renowned Greek intellectuals and artists are being tried for demanding democracy.
The Greek situation is most uncomfortable for this country, of course, because it has destroyed any possible illusions the U.S. might have created regarding interference in foreign coups. The justification has always been that of saving democracy for the beseiged country—a noble ideal in keeping with our own freedom philosophy. But our handling of the Greek coup, or rather our studied ignorance of it, has proved that the intervention for freedom promise holds true only for Communist-backed takeovers. When, as in the case of Greece, the coup is ostensibly to rid the country of Communists, the United States fails to recognize that any pertinent change in government has taken place.
Although the Greek government's downfall was "bloodless," it surely could be counted as a classic in rapid destruction of internal freedoms. Besides the ruling junta's obvious political rivals, such as Andreas Papandreou, those to be tried in the weeks to come include newspaper editors, composers and authors who spoke out against the cessation of democracy in their country.
In defending past interventions, our country
has often displayed a human-like hurt as world reaction whipped out against her. But it has not been the mere act of intervention that has created so much world indignation. The reluctance of the U.S. to admit it is more interested in fighting Communism than in mere saving democracy has often created the image of a hypocrite for this country.
In our self-assurance as one of the world's greatest powers, we have sometimes assumed that the sympathies of smaller nations, although perhaps psychologically desirable, are not vital. With the unstable and constantly fluctuating state of so many world governments today, however, we can no longer afford such brash opinions. We need all the friends we can get—and the kind of friends we need, we can't get by force.
As long as the United States continues to interfere in other nations' politics, she is bound to create enemies. But perhaps, if she would stop trying to kid herself and others about her ultimate goals, she could at least win back some lost respect.
If this country finds it necessary to world security to stop Communism in other countries, it's time it takes this stand. Let's stop trying to pass off anti-Communism as an untainted search for democracy.
— Betsy Wright Editorial Editor
Paperbacks
A paperback of a well-known book of a few years ago is John Keats' The Sheepskin Psychosis (Dell, 75 cents). This is one of the expose books, in the Vance Packard school. Keats flouts the whole democratic concept by telling us college is not necessary for everybody, that dropping out frequently is a good idea and that many students transfer. He gives a picture of university life that should make many of us a bit uncomfortable.
The Kennedy books are still coming. Here's The Pleasure of His Company (Dell, 75 cents), by Paul B. Fay Jr. Fay and President Kennedy were friends from PT training days in 1942, and the author provides one of those intimate glimpses that you'll enjoy unless you feel you've had it.
The big one on display counters right now is Eric Bernes' Games People Play (Dell, $1.25). It's not a book of card game rules but is a probing and entertaining discussion of the things we do to and with each other, the human relationships. You read this one and suddenly find he's talking about you, and it's rather unnerving.
THE MUSIC SCHOOL, by John Updike (Crest, 60 cents)—A new collection of short stories by one of today's most popular and most recognized writers. Modern society is the general theme, particularly city and suburban people and their marriages and affairs. Updike stands today as one of the top writers in America, and these stories explain why.
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Letters to the Editor
Judge not, Christians
To the Editor:
I'm a woman and I'm glad. But I'm also confused. I came to college to increase my knowledge—to learn more about the world and my new role in it. Supposedly I'm free to be myself now, to explore the pros and cons of living, and to express my beliefs. I'm not a scholar, I'm just a student. I don't know the technical ins and outs of ethics or psychology to help me in my present decisions. However, I'm well acquainted with the many sides of problems that are relevant to me here and now. I've studied articles in scientific journals and popular magazines on such tortured subjects as The Pill and Sex before Marriage. I've spoken to many professional people and students before forming any definite conclusions. I've also had much personal experience.
I've kept my opinions quiet for two years because I think decisions regarding these subjects should be made on an individual basis. What's right for me is definitely not right for my roommate. Monday night I attended the comical SUA Religious Forum "Is Free Love a Bargain?" Last year I attended another Forum discussion regarding single girls and The Pill. Both so-called discussions were so colored by the religious biases of some of the panel members, that they quickly became mud-slinging episodes between frustrated students and self-righteous Bible thumpers.
If students want a sermon, they'll go to church. If the attitudes of the panel members are already formed to the extent that their answers to sincere questions reek with condemnation, then there really isn't much reason for a "discussion"—unless, of course, this is the only way to try to "reach some of us who have fallen by the wayside."
I take the Pill because I'd rather express my love than repress it. I'm not promiscuous, but once in awhile I meet a "special" guy. I've seen to many girls on campus totally disregard school for several weeks as they suffer anxiety over a missed menstrual period. If they eventually discover they're not pregnant they fully try to catch up with classwork; if they are pregnant . . . well. . . A promise to one's self to "never let it happen again" is as sensible as saying "from now
on I'm going to stop being a woman." Believing in the power of Jesus Christ is commendable but that doesn't seem to keep good Christians from gossiping—so how can faith alone keep an unwed girl from indulging in this other form of communication? Maybe Karl Dennison or Professor John Senior can answer that. If a girl takes one chance a year, that's enough to warrant taking the pill. I regret it is outlawed for single girls at Watkins Hospital, but Dr. Clinton in the free clinic downtown is exceptionally helpful and understanding.
I know that many people disagree with my views. To them I want to say this: "I'm a human being. I can read; I can write. I'm mentally and physically free from any disease. I have the same freedom of choice that you do. I'm not condemning you for your beliefs . . . why are you so intolerant of mine? The "Christian" way is not the only way in my opinion. If I'm destined for Hell as you think, then I'll be condemned for something I believe in 100 per cent. You can even pray for me if you think it's your religious duty. I don't care.
And another thing—don't ever be so foolish to say "such and such" will never happen to you or anyone in your family. Your sister or your daughter might be taking The Pill right now . . . or recovering from an abortion she had over Thanksgiving vacation. I'm sure she'd never tell you. I just hope she has someone to tell.
Editor's note: Contrary to established editorial page policy, we are printing this letter without signature. As the writer points out, Christians do indeed gossip.
Letters Policy
The University Daily Kansan encourages signed letters to the editor for publication. They should be typed and contain the writer's classification and home town. Letters are subject to conservative editing by the Kansan staff. Libelous statements will not be printed. Send letters to the editorial desk, 112 Flint Hall.
Please limit length to about 250 words.
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AND IF OUR CHINA POLICY IS ALLOWED TO FALL OUR AFRICAN POLICY WILL GO NEXT.
Diat. Polliders-Hall Symphonie
UNLESS WE TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO CONTAIN PUBLIC OPINION BY NEXT YEAR IT WILL SWEEP THE COUNTRY