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UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Friday, October 13, 1967
Social sciences vs. Vietnam
Because the social sciences have not kept pace with advancing technology, the United States faces a strange paradox in Vietnam.
Although the U.S. possesses the power to paralyze North Vietnam with a single atomic weapon, military tacticians are forced to conduct a guerrilla war characteristic of Castro's Cuban rebels. For with both antagonists sharing the secret of the atom and its total destruction capability, there can be no true victor.
War no longer can be the answer in solving international disputes.
Yet, we are still thinking in terms of "unec-
ditional surrender," and "military victories."
These concepts are no longer valid.
Rather than thinking in terms of a military victory, we must seek to understand the nature of the conflict and our own involvement in it. Our real mission is not to equate power with virtue but to develop a virtue equal to our military power.
Why have we made such an issue of communism in South Vietnam when we have tolerated it in Yugoslavia, Russia and Cuba—just 90 miles from our border?
Because we are the most powerful nation in the world, we shouldn't feel weakness to admit we are wrong in an international situation. Who knows, we might gain respect by displaying our humbleness and superior intellect.
As Walter Lippman has written. "A display of common sense by a proud and imperious nation would be a good moral investment for the future."
Gore Vidal's suggestion to "declare a victory and then get out," would not resolve the issue of Vietnam, although it would preserve our national resource of young men.
So, what should the U.S. do in Vietnam?
Sen. J. William Fulbright states in "The Arrogance of Power" that "no responsible critic of the war advocates a disorderly withdrawal of American forces and the abandonment of South Vietnam to the Viet Cong, but many of us have pointed to the need for a peace short of victory, for a peace involving significant concessions by the U.S."
Fulbright asserts that a tactical victory in Vietnam, if that is possible, would not solve the underlying problem causing the conflict. For this reason, he stated, the U.S. should shift its attentions to the peace table.
I believe Fulbright's plan for peace in Asia is certainly worth a try, for at least it represents a sincere and intelligent attack on the problem.
Because decisive victories such as that over Germany in World War I often precipitate new wars, Fulbright stated, perhaps the "neutralization" of Southeast Asia is the answer.
Fulbright surmises that because China abhors the idea of U.S. troops so close to her borders, she might agree to a neutralization plan to guarantee western absence of troops in this area.
After a frantic drive to increase our scientific knowledge after the launching of Sputnik I, our emphasis should now shift to the social sciences in lieu of world peace and an improvement of the quality of life. -Diane Wengler
Black cats are out...
"Nobody's got any faith anymore," sighed the black cat as he crossed my path. "Everyone's too cynical to be superstitious."
"How to you mean?" I asked as I swung a four-leaf clover over my head three times, hoping for a full moon.
"Aw, it's the kids today," said the cat, walking beside me "M faith. Today's Friday the 13th, but not like the old d
"How's this generation any different?" I asked, as I quickey avoided stepping on a crack, even though I am the seventh son o. a seventh son.
"It's bad enough that kids today think that Santa Claus is a legal term, and that the Good Fairy is a bar in downtown Kansas City, but Friday the 13th is when I'm really hurt. They think a four-leaf clover is some kind of intersection, and the only thing Friday the 13th means is not to walk under any black cats," he said, turning to leave as a ladder crossed his path.
"Well, good luck," I said and waved, holding a rabbit's foot in one hand and the rest of the rabbit in the other. . . .
John Hill, Associate Editorial Editor
LITTLE MAN ON CAMPUS
"BE REAL QUIET NOW BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO WAKE MY ROOMMATE — HE HAS A TEST TOMORROW."
Letter to the editor
To the Editor:
Phone deposits, Israeli letter
Reading Mr. Abdul Said's recent letter about Israel, one comes to the conclusion that his statements "stem mostly from prior convictions and wishful thinking."
It is unfortunate that he finds it possible to write about Israel without ever having been there and seeing the facts for himself. In the same way, one could discuss slavery, feudalism and the punishment of thieves (cutting off their hands) in Saudi-Arabia by quoting "Time."
The Arabs in Jerusalem have been granted the rights of Israeli citizens; among other privileges, they can vote and be elected, receive free education and social services, have freedom of worship, receive Israeli passports for travel abroad, serve in the Israeli police force and travel freely throughout Israel.
Other Arab citizens of Israel have the same rights. Some of them served with distinction in the Israel Defense Forces during the recent six-day war, while other Arab citizens volunteered to serve in a civilian capacity. There are several elected Arab members of the Israeli parliament.
The Eastern Jews who came to Israel from the Arab countries are NOT treated as second-class citizens. Some of them came from Yemen and the 14th century directly into Israel and the 20th
century, and because of lack of education, it is difficult for them to compete for higher-level positions. However, the situation is steadily improving, especially for the younger generation.
I share Mr. Said's wish for peace and sincerely hope that the Arab countries will soon decide to accept the standing invitation of the Israeli government for a conference in which a "just peace" could be negotiated. I hope that Mr. Said will soon have the honor of becoming a graduate student after a successful senior year.
Rose Lynn Sherr
Lawrence graduate
☆ ☆ ★
To the Editor:
A couple of weeks ago my countryman Mr. Kabra represented the good on campus housing difficulties of foreign students.
Today I have to say something about telephone difficulties. The other day I went downtown and asked about installing a phone at my place, 1220 Louisiana. The telephone company representative asked me how many we were and where we were from. I said there three of us in the apartment and we were all foreigners.
She then said she would require a deposit of $300 in all for a telephone! No kiddine—$300.
It is quite obvious that no one can afford such a big sum of money. Nor can my government
give one $300 for a telephone deposit.
If foreign students are to be treated like this, I do not know how to survive.
Jhala Mehesh
India graduate student
Editor's note: Pam Powers, a supervisor for the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Lawrence, said a $100 deposit for each foreign student using a telephone "is correct." She also said the company would waive the deposit if the new telephone subscribed could furnish a letter of guarantee from a current subscriber having a good credit standing. The $700 deposit from foreign students is necessary, she said, because of the company's "very poor luck in collection of foreign students' charges."
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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.
..quotes..
Robert C. Cohen, philosophy student, whose beard was shaved by a jail barber: "I feel it is my right to have a beard—it's part of a philosopher's image."
Sen Hugh Scott, R-Pa., in opposing President Johnson for election while supporting his Vietnam policies: "I personally do not enjoy defending Lyndon Johnson, but I will not play parcheesi with war."
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