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Friday, February 3, 1978
University Daily Kausan
Comment
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Unsigned editors represent the opinion of the Kanan editorial staff. Signed columns represent the views of only the writers.
Abolish death penalty
The death penalty, currently being considered by the Kansas Senate, is cause for alarm.
Passivity is too risky when human life is at stake.
The Kansas House this session already has passed a capital punishment bill. Although it is not yet known how the Senate will react to the bill, there is caution among lawmakers that Kansas will be spared the impending heavy guilt of capital punishment.
The question of life and death for certain convicted murderers has haunted the chambers of the Kansas Legislature before. Since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down all states' death penalty laws in 1972, efforts have been made to reinstate the Kansas death penalty by writing a bill that would conform to Supreme Court standards.
LAST YEAR the Senate struck down a death penalty bill passed by the House by amending, rather than killing, the bill. The bill's amendment, later vetoed by the president for a 30-year minimum prison term for certain convicted murderers instead of death.
This year the Senate has spruced a death penalty proposal of its own, even broader than the version passed by the House. Both chambers' Senate bills currently are being discussed.
As usual, the predictable opponents and proponents of the bill have testified on the
record their predictable stands and substantiations.
Proponents say the threat of death deters people from committing murders. The more emotional proponents cry for just punishment, a reflection of feelings of revenge for the loss of a loved one.
OPONENTS refute the crime deterrent theory, citing and pleading for understanding in dealing with convicted criminals.
It is regrettable that such a drama must be played out before the Legislature. It is alarming that some people in Kansas, including the governor, condone and promote death as a means of dealing with man's wrongdoing.
A death for a death is a cruel, insensitive solution to the lilies of humanity. And although locking convicted criminals in cages is only questionably more humane than torturing a man with humanly limited wisdom, to judge the value of a fellow man's life.
KANSAS IS one of only three states in the nation that has no capital punishment statute in effect. Fifteen states have abolished capital punishment. Thirty-two state legislatures have re-enacted the death penalty since 1972.
The Kansas Senate should not only strike down the current death proposals but also should take the initiative to abolish capital punishment in Kansas and put an end to the recurring threat of murder for murder.
A proposal to reduce the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana will again be debated in the Kansas Legislature, beginning with a public hearing later this month in the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.
Logic calls for revised pot law
If the Legislature passes the proposal, possession of one ounce or less of marijuana would be punishable by a fine of not more than $100. Possession of more than an ounce would be a Class A felony by a $25,000 fine or a jail in jail or by repeated offenses would be punished more severely.
As the law now stands, possession of any amount of marijuana is a Class D, felony, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years or a fine of up to $5,000 or both.
It seems as if everyone has a strong opinion on marijuana; some see it as evil and unpleasant, others see it as harmless and enjoyable.
THE PROPOSAL promises to ignite as much controversy and emotional debate in the current legislative session as it has in years when the question has been put to the lawmakers.
But emotional judgments
should be put aside and
relied upon for a more
reflection. One does not have to
condene the use of majijuana to
see the logic in reducing the
use of marijuana, or possessing small amounts of it.
One example of this kind of reasoning is set forth by President Obama, who supported the removal of criminal penalties in
Steven Stingley
Editorial writer
marijuana cases on a state-by-state basis during his presidential campaign and, more recently, has asked Congress to determine marijuana distribution by federal government is concerned.
THE SENATE has just passed legislation calling for sharply reduced marijuana penalties.
Carter contends that his administration will continue to discourage the abuse of all drugs, including tobacco and alcohol that marriages are they are now counterproductive.
A Carter aide told a Congressional committee last year that present marjiana laws "cause greater harm to the lives of marjiana-users any effect the drug would have."
Other respected authorities and groups have endorsed reduced marjiana penalties. They include the American Medical Association, the American Assn for Marjana, and the National Council of Churches. These organizations are not known for endorsing rampant evil and vice. Their acknowledgment that the small-time marjiana user is long-time criminal is worth noting.
medical researchers agree that, although marijuana may not be completely harmless, the physical effects of smoking pot are less harmful than those of smoking tobacco or sipping alcohol. This consensus supports the claims that present research suggests hypocritical because tobacco and alcohol have long been openly and legally marketed, condoned and consumed.
MANY STUDIES have been made on the physical and chemical properties of various substances and a variety of conclusions have been reached. But most
Of course, one can't reason that just because society endorses the use of some drugs—alcohol and tobacco are drugs—it should endorse yet another one. But the right of an individual to drink or for himself to smoke to smoke or drink should be applied equally.
BESIDES, PRESENT efforts to decriminalize the use of small amounts of marijuana are not equivalent to legalization. We propose to reduce penalties becomes law, the government would not be saying, "It is all right to smoke pot—no questions asked." Rather, it would be saying, "If you do smoke marijuana and we do pick you up, let them treat and label you as a criminal for the rest of your life."
The proposal calls for a reasonable change, one that needs to be made by our state legislature.
Nine states already have changed their marijuana laws, replacing criminal arrests with civil citations for possession of small amounts. Studies done in two of those states, California and Texas, have found lighter penalties do not increase the number of pot smokers. Even reformers contend that the present laws don't deter people from smoking marijuana, the laws, therefore, would not increase the number of new smokers.
ANOTHER ARGUMENT for decriminalization of pot is that such action would save large sums of money in court costs for the prosecution. The new lighter-penalties law in California took effect January 1976 and court costs for the state dropped from $9.4 million for the first six months of 1975 to $2 million for the same period in 1976.
Rep. Mike Glover, D- Lawrence, a long-time supporter of marijuana decriminalization in Kansas,
says the emphasis of law enforcement in the state is wrong. Glover says his assertion will be supported during testimony at the public hearing Feb. 13 by arrest statistics recently commissioned by the Bureau of Investigation. The statistics cover arrests made in the state in 1976, the latest year figures are available.
The KBI report shows there were 2,117 arrests for violent crimes and 2,769 arrests for the use of marijuana during the year.
These figures indicate that marijuana laws in the state are being enforced and subsequently are costing the state valuable time, manpower and money. The proposal to fully fulfill the fole of the situation and has endorsed the proposal for a reduction in penalties.
With an abundance of prominent organizations endorsed by the executive committees and practical logic weighing heavily for such action, it is time for our state to assert its position. The proposal it now considering.
Glover says that the chances of the proposal being passed are "excellent." Let us hope that his correct is perfect.
Staff responsible for hospital's image
New students' eyes dilate and their mouths drop to their chests when they hear some of the bizzare accounts of experiences at Watkins Memorial Hospital.
One girl held a crowd spellbound recently.
Say what you will about the imaginations of college students, but even a grown man, classified special student, has a tale to tell about Watkins. The man returned from Central High School and his chest agitated by a hairy chest. A doctor looked at the chest, prescribed ointment for his rash and sent him home. That night at dinner, the man's wife spotted bits of the rash on his cheek. And Watkins confirmed suspicions that "the rash" was crabs.
"I had a bruised腿 so I went into Watkins. The doctor told me to have some tests taken the next day, but he told me that I might have to be amputated. I worried the whole night, but the test results were negative. The doctor still tried to make sure I might have to have my leg taken off, but I told him to forget it."
IN OTHER action at Watkins, a girl went in with an eye irritation and was told that she needed an eye exam the way, the doctor said, don't be surprised if your pupils stop moving one of these days. The girl doesn't remember exactly what happened, sounding disorder, but she was on the lookout for it until she went to her family doctor. Her own doctor took her pink eye her pink eye the medication Watkins prescribed
helped the infection, but it also almost completely cloaked her vision in that eye. Her family doctor told her not to worry, her pupils still had lots of miles in them.
The stories go on and on about what people think was said to them at Walktown. The artist made it by an engraved in white as the last word.
I stuttered. "Don't they take some tests first to make sure? Maybe I ought to have some tests taken."
MY STORY took place last year when I went to Watkins with stomach pain. The doctor told me I might have appendicitis, but we examined table in the lab, a woman dressed in a white uniform said, "I hear you're going to have your appendix taken out. It's too bad you live so far away. You could go home in Pakistan. As it is, they I probably have to do it here."
The test taken was negative and I went home. Actually Watkins did help me some—when I got home I felt much better than I had when I was on that table.
Is it all in the mind or the ears? Martin Wollmann, director of Health Services, was asked for a copy of her letter to many of these stories. But he couldn't be conclusive because he couldn't disclose contents of the letters he received. He gave him permission to read mine. He read every notation in mine.
it and nowhere was there any mention of appendicitis or the woman in white.
WOLLMANN SAID Watkins didn't amputate, and even if it had been suggested to suggest amputation unless it were absolutely necessary. And he has never heard of a disease that could be the pupils to go stationary on.
Does everyone go crazy when they enter Watkins, "home of the whopper wait!" Problems arise in trying to color probably colors the perception
Wollmann says Watkins doctors are especially careful to tell the students everything that is being done to them. But there are exceptions, too, to project every possibility that may stem from present ailments. Nearly everyone with a horror story later consults a doctor and asks for a wonder. People seek medical attention when they're worried about their bodies. And family doctors generally don't indulge in long explanations of the complications of every illness.
IT IS A compliment, really, that Watkins doctors don't underestimate the students' interest in what is being done to their bodies. On the other hand, we must understand what kind of tests were taken, the names of medication or even the title of the diagnosed disease. Most students literally and figuratively place themselves in the hands of their teachers so they have some confidence in them.
your student fees support.
Horror stories are fun for shocking and complaining. But it is not fun to be sick and to be afraid to go to a hospital that
Three things seem clear about the Watkins phenomena. The doctors, intentionally or not, are causing alarm in many students. These students, understandably rattled, run back to class with assurances that may or may not be warranted. Finally, instead of marching right into Wollmann's office and seeping their complains; they concoct horror stories. Confidence in Watkins must be built up.
IF CHANGES have to be made to build that confidence, Wollmann has to be told and the cases have to be investigated. At the moment, Wollmann is being wounded and he is wonderful at Watkins. if it isn't then he is obligated to improve the health center.
To the editor:
College Assembly elections neglected
On page three of the Feb. 1 Kansan, carefully outlined in black, was a rather smug story deploring the fact that so few students were running for the Student Senate elections. "Election no contest," announced the headline This.
Letters Policy
the Kansan welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be typewritten and include the writer's name, address and telephone number. If the writer is affiliated with the University, the letter should include the writer's class and hknown or faculty or staff position. Letters are not to exceed 500 words in length. The Kansan reserves the right to edit all letters for publication.
Letters
criticism apparently is the Kansan's only attitude toward student elections.
On Tuesday, Jan. 24, a Kansan reporter attended a meeting to prepare for the upcoming election of the College Assembly. This election will be held at the same time as the Student Senate elections is the governing body of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, determining curricular and academic policy, such as the withdrawal policy and establishing degree requirements. approximately 150 student electors are to take part in this procedure to help determine the rules under which they pursue their degrees.
Despite the importance of this election to students, the Kansan may not be among the many apathy apparently is tipped only by journalistic apathy. Or perhaps the Kansan is only aware of the apathy in the College Assembly.
Therefore, to those who can get their information no other way, I would like to take this opportunity to announce the results of our graduate student College Assembly elections will be held on Feb. 14 and 15, and that self-announcement forms, as well as additional information, are available at the Student Hall, Mall, and at Numer算 Center through 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10.
Further, although we also told the Kanas of the new placement office for liberal arts students, open 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily in 210 Strong Hall, this information also has failed to impress the editors. We had welcome opportunity to help welcome others and discuss their career plans, prepare resumes and arrange for interviews with company representatives on campus.
We hope that students will participate in the upcoming Student Senate and College Assembly elections and that they will allow us to placement office. We also hope that the Kansas editors will consider that their student-supported paper has a
service to perform in providing necessary information to the readers, as well as criticism to the readers.
Eleanor L. Turk
Eleanor L. Turk
Assistant Dean and Placement Director
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Prof's letter indicates fear
To the editor:
Prof. Dennis Quinn's letter of Feb. 1 showed marked signs of a Nixon-esque fear of public scrutiny. Such a phobia about press coverage can only indicate that Prof. Quinn has something to hide from the public.
His swipe at the amateur status of Kansan journalists is petty, to say the least. I suppose the only worthwhile claim to be found in Quinn's religiously Integrated Humanities Program.
Rick Hellman
Overland Park sophomore
Student recalls Quinn's lecture
To the editor:
Deris Quinn's letter to the editor on Feb. 1 sees to reveal a frightened and pathetic little man, so caught in the situation that he has to turn to bitter and vicious rebuffals in an attempt to save his already tarnished hude. A few months ago I was told find civilier easier than "infantile" and equally slanderous remarks. Perhaps Quinn does not remember his own lecture material: "Revenge is not
As a former Integrated Humanities Program student, I've seen too many of Quinn's contradictions go unnoticed to let another pass me by. The IHP is a wonderful way to study the classics, with only one drawback—Dr. Quinn.
Stuart Watson Fargo, N.D., senior
Moon's church not Christian
To the editor:
On the front page of Thursday's Kansan, Bill Pollard erroneously reported the Unification Church to be a "Christian fundamentalist organization." They are not fundamentalist. They are not Christian. They are not even close.
Christianity is based on the person and finished work of Jesus Christ, revealed in Scripture. He gave his life so that all who put their faith in him may come to know God. Christians believe that Jesus is the only way to achieve salvation. John 14:5, John 3:16; Acts 4:12).
The Unification Church conversely teaches that Jesus failed his mission and that another sainter is needed. They teach (though not openly) that Jesus revived Rev. Moon is God's Messiah.
By fundamentalist beliefs, Moon is a phony Messiah. Of the one who preaches the Unification gospel, the Bible says, "Let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:9)
Ron Crawford Spring Hill senior
Concerning the dorm energy conservation contest, I'd like to respond as a resident of McCullum Hall.
Steak no prize in dorm contest
Primarily I would like to assure Jesse Paul that I will make every effort possible to ensure my hall's defeat in this contest. The last thing I want is another dorm steak dinner.
I find dorm steals to be one of the poorest things served in this room. My friend finds dorm steals being served is just about as depressing as realizing that I miss sheet exchange for the second week in college.
Why not offer a real incentive for energy conservation, such as real ketchup with one of our meals?
Mare Kivett
Kansas City, Mo., sophomore
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Editor Barbara Rosewiez
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