Opinion
The University Daily Kansan
Laura Roddy, Editor
Sarah Hale, Managing editor
Kristi Elliott, Managing editor
Tom Eblen, General manager, news adviser
4A
Shaunte Blue, Business manager
Brad Bady, Retail sales manager
Matt Fisher, Sales and marketing adviser
Scott Valler, Technology coordinator
Tuesday, March 14, 2000
Patrick O'Connor / TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES
Editorials, Pro and Con
Homosexual partners should have same rights as married couples
Last week, voters in California approved a measure called Proposition 22 that states that only marriages between a man and a woman are valid or recognized in the state. The passage of this proposition caused upset homosexuals in California and across the nation. Gay marriage is not legal in any state, but Proposition 22 pre-empts California's recognition of gay or lesbian marriages even if they do become legal in other states in the future.
Proponents of the measure view its passage as a victory in the battle of upholding traditional family values. However, the proposition is an infringement on the rights of gay partnerships. Homosexual marriages should have the same rights and benefits as heterosexual marriages. Small steps are being taken toward this goal, but it seems as though the majority is against those fighting for this right.
The problem seems to be the word
California's Proposition 22 infringes on gay rights
"marriage." Many people are willing to say that homosexuals can have the same rights as married couples, but they don't want the religious institution of marriage "tarnished." The truth is, however, that homosexuals will live together as married couples regardless of whether the state recognizes it or not. And why shouldn't they? Shouldn't they have the right to be happy as well?
The complicated part of the issue is that legally married couples receive benefits, such as the right to see one's sick or dying spouse in the hospital. While California has worked to gain domestic partnership health benefits and hospital visitation rights, these benefits still fall short of the estimated
1,000 benefits associated with recognized marriages.
The concept of a homosexual union is the same as a heterosexual union. Two people are together because they are in love and they want to be happy. Therefore, they should be able to obtain the same rights and benefits.
Domestic partnership laws are a step in the right direction, but what homosexuals really desire is the recognized institution of marriage. Tom Henning, a San Francisco physics teacher, stated in the Los Angeles Times, "I think it's hard to make an argument for domestic partnerships, because deep in their hearts, marriage is what people really want. Our love, our commitment, it's all identical to the love between heterosexuals. Why should we compromise?"
The answer is that they shouldn't. Marriage is marriage, and the partners, despite their sexual orientations, deserve the same benefits.
Tabatha Beerbower for the editorial board
Proposition 22 is democracy at work
There were only 14 words, but they might have been the most controversial ones in recent times, and they carried a moral and political message. When California counted the votes for Proposition 22 last week, two things became clear: Californians were not ready to rubber stamp same-sex marriages and they — the people — made the decision.
Given the recent ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court on same-sex relationships, it is encouraging to see that the democratic process still works in California. Agree or disagree with the decision the voters of California made, at least they made it.
When the Vermont Supreme Court handed down its decision in December,
Californians' nonrecognition of same-sex marriage counters recent trend of judicial activism
it crossed a line that was politically sacred in the United States. It legislated from the judicial bench. Same-sex marriage is a moral issue for many, but a disturbing trend is appearing: An increasingly active judicial branch that seeks to implement the ideology of the minority. Ironically, in spite of the document it invokes, its actions are unconstitutional.
"political correctness" voted against same-sex marriages, it was an indication that the majority of Americans are not ready to give gays and lesbians the ultimate sanction for their relationships. As Patrick Devlin wrote in his book, The Enforcement of Morals, "The moral law of a society is made up from the ideas which members of that society have in common about the way to live."
Evidently, members of our civil society are not comfortable with same-sex marriages. Therefore, it is the people, and not the courts, who must define the moral code upon which society is founded. That is the power of democracy.
When more than 50 percent of Californians with a reputation for
The people have a voice, and the voters of California used that power effectively.
Kansan staff
Drew Ryun, dissenting
Seth Hoffman . *Editorial*
Nadia Mustafa . *Editorial*
Melody Ard . *News/Special sections*
Chris Fickett . *News*
Julie Wood . *News*
Juan H. Heath . *Online*
Mike Miller . *Sports*
Matt James . *Associate sports*
Katie Hollar . *Campus*
Nathan Willis . *Campus*
Heather Woodward . *Features*
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T.J. Johnson . *Photo imaging*
Christina Neff . *Photo*
Jason Pearce . *Design, graphics*
Clav McQuistion . *Wire*
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Broaden your mind: Today's quote
"There is more of good nature than of good sense at the bottom of most marriages." — Henry David Thoreau
How to submit letters and guest columns
Letters: Should be double-spaced typed and fewer than 200 words. Letters must include the author's signature, name, address and telephone number plus class and hometown if a University student. Faculty or staff must identify their positions.
All letters and guest columns should be e-mailed to opinion@kansan.com or submitted to the Kansan newsroom, 111 Stuaffer-Flint Hall. The Kansan reserves the right to edit, cut to length or reject all submissions. For any questions, call Nadia Mustafa or Seth Hoffman at 864-4924.
Guest columnss: Should be double-spaced typed with fewer than 700 words. The writer must be willing to be photocopied for the column to run.
If you have general questions or comments, e-mail the page staff (opinion@kansan.com) or call 864-4924
Perspective
Piracy steals more than United States' dollars
Beggar children in India run around with brand name designer clothes on. If they are lucky enough to snag a pair of shoes, they boast the name of Reebok. Their clothes are splashed with Tommy Hilfiger and their hats are embossed with the Adidas logo. They might even have a Nike "swoosh" gold
There seems to be a definite issue here, as beggars who don't have a place to call home are accessorized with FILA shorts. Where do they obtain these brand name goods? The black market, which strips them of their culture and identity.
Rupali
Limaye
columnist
option@kansan.com
Many impoverished children in developing countries are fascinated with American culture. Their rare glimpses of American movies and other mainstream popular media are tainted by an illusion of American everyday life. They view Americans as being well-off, educated and in lasting relationships. As a result, this seemingly perfect culture enthralls them, and they attempt mightily to emulate it to the best of their abilities and, more importantly, resources.
India's black market exploits these children and gives them a false sense of identity, taking away some of their real culture and heritage. The children I encountered in India tended to believe that America's streets are paved with gold and that there is enough wealth for every inhabitant to live comfortably. Again, this notion is incorrectly based on characters — not real people — that children's crowd around to watch on TV or in movies. But these material brand name items aren't even the real thing — they are shoddy imitations.
Last summer, I visited India, and my cousins took my sister and I to one of the markets that boasted of real American culture. Walking along the dingy, poorly constructed stalls, I was amazed by the amount of American culture that had seeped into daily Indian life. More surprisingly, I found that the impact of materialistic items had
asserted quite a hold on the masses. It is evident that these people aren't unintelligent, but many of them are easily influenced. But the most depressing aspect of this infiltration of American culture is that it is pirated.
I believe that it is essential for the world to promote free trade and healthy discourse to various cultures as a result of the exchange of goods and services. But many impoverished countries are losing their cultures and heritages because of the influence of American culture. I was born and raised in the United States, and I think that my parents did an excellent job maintaining a balance between the two cultures. My cousins in Bombay, on the other hand, have been exploited by American culture — by the black market. It is saddening to see that centuries of tradition slowly are being wiped out. Although this is an individual choice, because of the pirated nature of these goods, the black market does not create identity. The items that so many poor children covet are just fakes, but these children are willing to sacrifice quite a bit of money because they don't know any better.
My cousin, eager to show off his new Nike hat, could not fathom the possibility that it was not authentic. My sister and I laughed as we saw that there was simply a "Nike" peel-off sticker halfway sewn on the hat. The hat itself was poorly constructed, but simply because of the supposed brand name, it had cost an exorbitant amount.
I'm not an expert on the dealings of pirated goods, but it seems that, ideally, these people would be better of if they had access to more information. I think that most of us living in the United States could delineate between an authentic article of brand name and one that is fake.
Although materialism is also prevalent here, it is much more widespread in poorer countries. Because of rampant poverty, people use material goods as a show of wealth. And because kids are easily influenced, they are swept in the fervor for obtaining "high-quality" goods. As a result, these children are grabbing for American culture and subsequently losing touch with their own.
Limaye is an Olathe junior in political science and advertising.
Americans could learn from Brazilian unity
Carnaval, with its spectacular street parades and vibrant music, has become one of the most potent images of Brazil. Its roots rest in the European Mardi Gras, preceding the fasting and prayers of the Roman Catholic holy season of Lent. Carnival begins on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days.
Most foreigners only identify Brazil with famous soccer players or the annual Brazilian Carnaval. For many years, that bothered me. Not anymore.
Brazil has commemorated Carnaval since the
17th century. At first it was restricted to the Brazilian royalty, but it soon gained popularity. It became a festival of the Brazilian people when Brazil gained independence from Portugal in 1822. And that is why I like it. Brazilians of all races, religions and social status get together to celebrate. But what do they celebrate?
Cássio
Furtado
columnist
opinion@kanasan.com
In fact, people don't know exactly what they are celebrating. Most certainly don't know what Mardi Gras is and they really don't care
about traditions. They are celebrating their survival. This might seem very strange to you, but in a country where social inequality is enormous, this is a great achievement. The mere ability to survive one more day is what makes people happy.
In Brazil, violence is rising, unemployment rates are extremely high and the minimum monthly wage is less than $100. Equality is defended in the constitution. Unfortunately, it is a dream not realized. When Carnival starts, however, all the social and economic orders suddenly are forgotten. Everyone is then equal. That's why this popular festival is admirable.
Carnaval shows that the different races that constitute the Brazilian population do not hate
Races in this country have come to a point at which people don't view themselves as Americans anymore. Instead, they see themselves as African Americans, Asian Americans or Native Americans. I think that's wrong. Everyone should consider themselves equal. If you don't think in terms of equality,quality itself never will be achieved. And it is the only way to peacefully coexist. That is the way to prevent cases similar to those of Leonard Peltier, Rodney King or Amadou Diallo. However, I assume that the "American" vision of races generated far more rights and liberties for minorities — rights and liberties minorities in Brazil don't have.
one another. People in Brazil also don't classify themselves as Brazilian Indians or as African Brazilians. All different races think of themselves as inhabitants of the same land. They are only Brazilians. Therefore, they all believe that there are no differences. That's why Carnaval can happen. That seems to be extremely different from what happens in the United States.
The cost of these rights, therefore, was high.
The cost was hatred. Many people in the United States clearly are not willing to cross race borders. Citizens show respect when the law is watching them. But in private, what I see is disrespect. You, as the youth of this country, need to change this scenario. We all should protest when racism happens. In a society in which minorities are becoming majorities, nobody should be viewed differently. Minorities should not be the only ones protesting against racism — all people need to protest. Amnesty International is proving that Leonard Peltier's case is not only a Native-American issue. It is an American issue.
Race is something that should spark honor. And honor is not a synonym for hatred.
It's your duty to create a country where everyone will think of themselves as equals, and where you only will say, "I'm American."
Furtado is a Pelotas, Brazil, junior in journalism and political science.
Pinochet does not deserve compassion
I am baffled by the decision of the editorial board to applaud the decision to allow a murderer to escape trial. Obviously it is unaware of the suffering caused by General Augusto Pinochet. The editorial board is naive if it believes that Pinochet will stand trial in Chile. Does it realize how many college students were killed by the Chinese military regime?
Feedback
The decision by British Home Secretary Jack Straw to allow Pinochet to return to Chile based on a report that he
was too unhealthy to stand trial was absolutely pathetic. Why should any compassion be given to a man whose regime assassinated, tortured and raped literally thousands of supposed "lefists?" General Pinochet showed no such compassion to the Chilean people, nor to the Spanish, Belgian, French, Swiss and other nationals who suffered under his reign of terror.
Instead, Great Britain sent a message that says a dictator can still get away with murder in the new millennium.
Great Britain squandered a chance to send a message to the world saying that if you violate human rights, you will be brought to justice; you will not be able to hide under "presidential immunity."
Robert Rodriguez
Lawrence graduate student in American studies