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Tuesday, March 7, 1978
University Daily Kansan
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Comment
Unused editorial represent the opinion of the Kanan editorial staff. Starged columns represent the views of only the writers.
The Kansas Senate is considering a bill that would bring the state a step closer to the vision of "1884."
In George Orwell's novel, privacy was nonexistent. No one was safe from informers. Big Brother was watching.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee, in an echo of Orwell, last week approved a snoop bill that would establish a state welfare "hotline." Citizens would be encouraged to report suspected cheating in the welfare or health care systems.
As one senator noted, children could tattle on their parents - at state expense.
FOR A SUPPOSEDLY conservative state, Kansas doesn't seem to elect many senators concerned about big government. The proper role of elected officials is to guard against encroachments of civil liberties, rather than create the encroachments.
The Senate panel voted 5-2 to send the bill to the full Senate, where it deserves an immediate death. It should be noted that one
of the two senators who sensibly opposed the snop bill was State Sen. Arnold Berman, D-Lawrence.
What the Senate committee decided to endorse was this: A state WATS hotline would be open, free of charge, to all Kansas residents. On it they could call Topeka to report suspected cheating by welfare recipients or doctors and other health care providers. The informers wouldn't have to identify themselves.
loemey metheris.
STATE SEN. Billy McCray, D-Wichita,
the other opponent of the bill, unsuccessfully
tried to amend the bill by including language
against possibly malicious calls. Because
McCray was unsuccessful, the potential for
reporting unfounded, vendetta-spawned
allegations remains.
All laws undoubtedly exist in the welfare system. All fraud should be prosecuted when it can be proved. But unproven gossip has no business in state government and neither does the Senate bill, which is bad news for civil liberties.
Columnist reveals 'be's' woman
The Kansan's editorial writers usually don't get the chance to respond to letters to the editor. The faculty in the journalism school teach us to put forth our opinions in the hope of creating a forum for the readers' comments. If the readers should read in-depth, we read on, our opinions, we are told to glad the readers took the time to write and say so. Don't take their comments personally, the illustrious professors say.
But "Beverly Smythe," an apparently fictitious pseudonym for a group of obviously concerned students, wrote a letter last week that she has been several times there. There have been several letters printed this semester responding to my articles. But those letters all made uncontestable, valid comments. "Smythe's" letter, capped in the fact that she lettered on an enormous premise.
The letter opens: "Editor,
UKD: I be smoldering
all semester and the fire gets
hotter each time I look at the
editorial page of the UDK
has available cartoons,
and funny cartoons,
but it has no balance! The page
is entirely male."
I CAN HIDE it no longer
Well, that last sentence is the crux of this whole column. It is now time for me to make a revelation: I am a woman.
The letter continues, "There is, I understand, a female editor, Barbara Rosewiz. She has made an appearance but once in the semester she worked at the McChell, Allen, Stauffer and Mueller carry the load through the rest of the year. This is unfair."
In all fairness to "Smythe," she is not alone in thinking that Pat Allen is the name of a man. She has been accused of Muriel, hasn't told me exactly how many times the letters about my columns have been edited to change the personal details of the person I am aware of at least a few instances. In fact, I even encounter this misconception as I read the letter I say "This Is Pat Allen calling." "Well, put him on," they say.
AS WILL become apparent later in the letter, 'Smythe' doesn't mean that it is the author's intention to carry the editorial load. She clearly
means that it is unfair that Rosewiz doesn't contribute more often. This is a factual error because Rosewiz and Mueller write the unsigned lead editorials.
But back to my problem of asserting my sexual identity. If I were a militant feminist, I suppose I would consider it defamatory that someone shows up with my photograph runs with my column, it does unnerv me a little that people still think I am a man Otherwise, though, I really didn't see any harm until now if some readers thought I was a man and some thought I was a man.
Psychological studies have shown that women and men are more likely to trust writing by a woman, than a man. One signed with a man's name and one signed with a woman's name, are evaluated, groups of both men and women always given the same sign by a man a rather arrogant.
That is one reason why I sign my name Pat Allen. I realize that this is probably not admirable because I am shirking a duty to work on changing the traditional expectations of women in our society and my part to try to work all the advantages in my favor.
MY PARENTS didn't give me
an undeniably feminine name like Beverly. They almost called me "Priscilla," but I am glad they didn't. My friends and family call me "Patty," but unlike President Jimmy, I think that gives total strangers the power to choose. And the name Patricia is a little stuffer than I would ever be able to pull off.
the letter says, "I don't know who hires the editorial writers on the UDK. Probably Rosewicz. Doesn't she think that a woman who is interested in for the KU students? Or does she merely want to surround herself with an all-male staff?"
ROSEWICZ did hire the editorial staff, but I doubt she thought of the writers' sex. Although I suppose this is unimportant, I don't think staff, I don't think her as a woman, I think of her as the editor, period. Never in the interview did we discuss how much attention next semester's students need to pay to "women's rights."
The letter again: "I have seen no comments so far on the UDK editorial page about women's rights or the ERA. Maybe that's because your male writers can't comprehend the issues. The solution is simple—hire someone who does. A woman."
Committee limits paper's access
It is not so much a matter of what the newspaper copies of Today's Studentproposals say that it is another attempt at distributing information and expressing opinion on campus.
It is encouraging to see a box containing copies of Today's Student, a national religious publication, near the more traditional distribution box of Kansans.
It would be even more encouraging to see more boxes of pamphlets and papers surrounding all the Kansan distribution boxes. Those clusters of printed information and ideas would be a free man's utopia, a curious man's delight.
THE UNIVERSITY Events Committee, however, must think otherwise. Last week the committee unanimously denied a request by the distributors of Today's Student to expand the number of places on campus to set up distribution boxes for the publication.
The local distributors of Today's Student, called the Graduate Students Presenting an Alternative, now are permitted to distribute their papers at 10 locations. They asked that the number be increased to 18. The events committee said no.
An explosion of printed communication on campus wouldn't hurt anyone.
One committee member, in reviewing the request, said he thought the campus was already oversaturated with distribution boxes for Today's Student.
The committee originally granted permission for approval of eight boxes in September and also granted permission for two additional boxes in December.
Another person on the committee said that it was a mistake to have granted approval for the boxes in the first place but instead decided to stand by its nest decision to allow the boxes.
IT IS OBVIOUS that the University Events Committee is discouraging the distribution of any kind of printed material on campus.
And it is not alone
Just as obvious is the fact that many
Steven Stingley
Editorial writer
students are not in the least concerned about having access to a multiplicity and diversity of experiences.
The Kansan did officially endorse the ERA earlier this semester. And I'm not sure that being a woman automatically means that I am capable of comprehending women's rights in fact, that assumption smacks of reverse discrimination.
Perhaps the modern student feels threatened by those who wish to express unorthodox or controversial ideas. Perhaps the thought of being confronted by a wide range of political, religious and social norms may be daunting to someone aware and courageous enough to express themselves in print is a threat to comfortable narrow-mindedness.
"Leave me alone," a typical student of today may protest. "I'm here to prepare myself for a job and not to be bombarded with the messages of communism and Christianity."
WHATEVER THE reasons for the contempt for distribution of pamphlets and papers on the University campus, they were based upon the constitutional right of free expression.
The group that distributes Today's Student, the Graduate Students Presenting an alternative, is well named. The paper does indeed provide an alternative, adding to the pool of contemporary campus thought.
Although restrictions on place and method must exist to prevent campus clutter and personal harassment, it seems as if non-commercial designs, whether they be printed or spoken, should be allowed to circulate freely at a university.
One doesn't have to agree with the views presented in Today's Student to realize that the function of the publication is a valid and constitutionally protected one. It is a valuable function, especially in a society that places emphasis on the right of an individual to make his own political, religious and social choices.
of Today's Student on campus. The Kanans doesn't and shouldn't have a monopoly on printed commentary, and alternative opinion can only be welcomed.
That is why it is encouraging to see a box
THOSE WHO wish to proupoh the teaching of Jesus Christ or Karl Marx, or to protest the actions of the shah of Iran, should have a free reiin to do so.
Years ago, it is true, some topics were considered strictly women's topics. Now, women's topics are restricted in what they can write about. Men should not now be considered incompetent to put forth their views on all subjects just because they are men.
That is why it is discouraging that the University Events Committee continues to actively restrict individuals and encourages them to expressing themselves on campus.
What does the University have to lose by permitting such groups as the Graduate Students Presenting an Alternative to print and circulate what they want? As long as the students are not permitted into the campus it不 littered or disordered, there is no need for such tight controls.
LET THE campus ring with proclaiming and protesting voices. The student might learn something, either by realizing truthful or by detecting propaganda.
The Kansas is distributed daily from 42 points on campus, yet a publication such as Today's Student is limited to distribution from 10 points two days a week. Even then, the basic right of distribution is questioned by many members on the University Events Committee—and there are indications that the right may be revoked in the future.
propaganda. Vanderbort, president of the organization that distributes Today's Student, summed up the situation well after his group, in a shortsighted blow to free expression, was denied the right to expand the scope of its campus circulation.
It is hoped that this trend of suppression be transformed into one of encouragement. Not only do individuals and groups with something to say benefit, but also getting together have the right and privileges to hear the many and differing voices of others.
"I think they have a legitimate concern," he said. "I can understand concerns about litter or cluttering the campus. We're sensitive to those, but we're also concerned that constitutionally we have a right to distribute the paper."
In addition to being a woman, I am also a granddaughter, a tennis player and a turtle. But if any of those affiliations yet.
The letter continues, "As a matter of fact (though you probably won't print this) I've given my wife the title among your male crew (especially from Mitchell and Allen) but no respect from the distaff side. Come on, come on. Let's have some equal time."
"Smythe" says she has noticed gay sympathy in my work and Mitchell's work. I can't speak for Mitchell, of course, but I know he's a regular gay. Maybe "Smythe" is referring to my column about the reception for Speaker of the Kansas House John Carlin, D-SC, who points to describe the handsome men of the men in attendance.
To presume that anyone regularly reads my editorials is, I know, a fallacious assumption from the start. But other than announcing my womanhood in a column, I don't know how else I must tell it and I still not convinced that it can still make a difference about the opinions I form.
I AISO wrote a piece about Watkins Hospital. I reluctantly mentioned that Watkins treated me for abdominal pains—maybe I should have called them gynecological maladies.
Or, as a last resort, in my editorial about a father's right to his illegitimate child, I guess I could have come home first. And had a baby that I didn't want, I wanted my lover to take it."
Car pool plan needs redesigning
To the editor:
KANSAN
Since I had several times written to the Parking and Traffic Board urging a plan to encourage and facilitate car pooling, I was pleased finally to read in the University Daily Kansan that the board had given some thought to the
I nope that you will be able to reprint this letter to the chairman of the Parking and Traffic Board, Andrew Torres. Your previous coverage of the car-pool issue mentioned only faculty and their special concerns, when it is important for the large number of commuting students for whom transportation is a constant and growing burden. The letter follows. Dear Andy:
Letters
problem. Further, since you will be invited to speak to the University Senate Executive Committee on this and other issues, I thought it proper to appraise you of some concerns and issues I hope to present to you then.
My following comments are based on the assumption that the published reports of your plan are substantially accurate.
Life no picnic for bus drivers
To the editor:
I definitely agree with Pat Allen in her column in the Feb. 28 Kansan about the bus service. After all, we students at the University work hard to make it through this institution, many of whom have to provide their own transportation ourselves on top of this. It should be only fitting that we deserve an even break from the drivers of Lawrence Bus Co. After all, we do pay for their services to us. Should they then be public servants of the city, they would concern themselves with our needs certainly!
Wait a minute! What! There must be some mistake! Surely?What happened to the bus driver? Did he quit? You mean just because I got a little mad at the guy, he quit? Oh. Great. He didn't leave in this seat? This is bus 180, isn't it? I thought it was brand new last year. I thought every other car in the parking lot was a brand new shiny Mustang. Isn't this 1962? Wasn't McColley not McColley? My McColley is not new any more. And those '65 Mustangs—only a few of 'em-denoted, faded on their last leg.
Letters
KANSAN
How could this be 1978? What happened to that other driver?
Did I understand Mr. Ogle to say that he and two of those other guys I used to ride with
are no longer with us? How in the
devil did I get here? This job
would be really easy compared
with tuning pianos—after all, I didn't really want all that good dough to be made tuning pianos. So are you saying that it's been hard to ride on the other bus? But if you also are interested in seeing the other side for a little over minimum wage,
"AND OF COURSE IF THEY DON'T PAY THE RANSOM YOU CULD JUST PROT THERE/"
you might consider talking to Mr. Glebe about the possibilities.
But if you can't seem to get through to him by phone, just let him drive you back next time. Later he's been helping mechanics repair buses, doing some of the driving himself, scouting the country with his truck, sanding the streets with sand he spreads with his own truck (city sand) before those trucks even get there so that the buses will have a lesser chance of sliding into your car with you on the bus.
Of course, if it snows hard enough, it's useless to try to sand. Sorry, he doesn't have enough sand to dgatehouse and Avalon Road, too, but maybe the other parties will get there soon—I've seen them out, too, but if you haven't—sorry, too, but into the city above giving you a little consideration.
It is hard to wear on that ice, isn't it? Darn hard—I know! It's a pain in the arse to stand on it waiting for the bus, isn't it? It's a pain in the arse to drive a bus on it compounded by other problems. Isn't it? Darn busy, isn't it! It? Did you particularly want to find out?
assured for each paid parking fee, the so-called "second vehicle" problem, much abused in the past, disappeared and the tag transfers the privilege only to another registered vehicle while removing it from the first, those persons who still wish to pay the same car will simply have to pay for extra permit tags.
Roger Sprecher Driver of bus 180
Mainly, my concern centers on the issue of the Parking and Traffic Board taking to itself not only the responsibility of facilitating car pooling, but also the response of other parking officers and them of imposing a $15 charge for the expense of such administration.
I urge you seriously to consider the issues I have raised and the proposals I have detailed and to adopt this most simple, most flexible and most facilitative plan. Maintaining a hybrid of old and new methods of the defective aspects of the old system while damaging the advantages that might be achieved by the new.
When examined closely, not only is the proposed car-pool administration necessary, but it is likely to work against flexibility in such situations. Such negative results could occur because of hybridizing the old parking sticker system formerly in use with the new hanging tag. The current system would Under such a system, car pools could be formed only once yearly when permits were issued, and changes in membership would be difficult to achieve. At the Parking and Traffic Board was in effect licensing car pools.
Now, since car pooling probably depends for success on encouraging individual voluntism and flexibility to limit texcityability is maximized, I propose a very simple and elegant three-step modification of your preliminary plan. eliminate the windshield permit stickers previously in use, and retain only the registration sticker for all University-related vehicles, parking-paid or not parked, parking tag tag colored for parking zone to those persons applying for paid parking. Third, allow any properly registered vehicles with permanent permit tagged from the rear view mirror to park in a corresponding color-coded zone.
Please note the following advantages of my revised system: (1) Flexibility is maximized, since anyone may join, leave or form any car pool at any time, the only requirement is that vehicles and one parking tag, Thus, car pools may be reformed when people's schedules become routinized after classes begin, and again in the spring semester after changes occur. (2) Removing the impersonal class-deministered faculty, it is possible for mixed faculty-student, classified-unclassified or any other kind of pools to form, since all one does is hang the tag to make any registered vehicle part of the pool. (3) Since there is no administration task this plan allows us there any administrative expense and the car-pool "administrative fee," in effect a licensing charge, becomes wholly unnecessary.
moreover, since only one parking permit hanging tag is
Finally, in the belief that conservation of scarce resources, reduction of expense and efficiency of transport are universal concerns of all of us, I am sending this letter albeit with some reservations, in order to generate the broadest discussion of these issues.
Carl Leben Associate professor of East Asian Studies
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Editor Barbara Rosewicz
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