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Thursday, March 28, 1974
University Daily Kansan
KANSAN comment Editorials, columns and letters published on this page reflect only the opinions of the writers.
Strike Justifiable Tool
You're a teacher in Kansas City, and you're unhappy with your salary and the state of the schools. What do you do after your union and the school board fail to reach an accord?
If you walk off the job you will be participating in an illegal strike and breaching your contract in order to teach the teacher for the current school year.
If you fulfill your contract and join your colleagues in not renewing the contract for next year, you may be permanently out in the streets—and not because you're picketing. Eager young college graduates want are standing in teachers' offices to take your place. And there probably are enough of them to take your co-workers' places, too.
You may recall that in a free enterprise economy the market takes over the management of employment fields. Wages drop to drive out the excess job seekers
until the supply of workers balances demand and wages again can start rising.
But wait a minute, you say, this is an age of inflation, and it is grossly unfair to cut salaries when people already can't cope with the rising cost of living. And driving teachers out of the market into the remaining sectors of the economy is like seating another out of one job or sponge into another. The job markets in other fields are tight, too.
So even though you realize that the district is in financial straits, you strike. And who can blame you? If you don't strike, your pleas for higher salaries and better working conditions would go unheeded. Worse yet, tax payers and lawmakers would refuse to grant money to the schools have difficulty problems through their closed eyes, and a strike may be just the thing to open them.
Abortion Stirs Emotions
The most appalling aspect of the abortion controversy is the emotionalism inspired by the charges and countercharges by persons on both sides of the issue. Even in an atmosphere of reasonableness it would be sort to throw the complex moral, legal and scientific problems. Reason is not aided, however, by illogic and vicious propaganda.
Even the disputants who have been trained in ethics and moral philosophy have trouble keeping their arguments consistent. In testimony before a Senate subcommittee, four American mediators argued for an antiabortion amendment on the basis of reverence for and protection of human life in all stages. The same cardinals, however, wouldn't support an abortion amendment that would permit abortions to save a mother's life. Perhaps reverence for all life in all its stages doesn't extend to the pregnant mother.
John D. Lofton Jr., a conservative columnist, has accused the pro-abortion forces of illogic and moral myopia. Lofton, however, seems unaware of his own fuzzy logic. He has written, "One thing I am absolutely sure of is that when I was in my mother's womb, I was a living human being." What does Lofton base this knowledge on? Perhaps he bases his conviction on his recollection of life in the womb. Lofton should write his memoirs of his prenatal experiences; it would be most interesting.
An article in the March issue of Harper's by Marion K. Sanders discusses some of the tactics and propaganda of the antiabortion groups. Much of the propaganda comes from Dr. J. C. Willke, Sanders, comes from a Cincinnati physician, Dr. J. C. Willke. The techniques Wilke employs range
from outright lies ("Even in the first three months at least twice as many mothers die from legal abortions as from childbirth.") to subtle suggestion such as never "giving usus" or "em-nhyro," only "baby."
The anti-abortion groups aren't the only ones guilty of emotionalism and illogic. Pro abortion groups often are unwilling or unable to come to grips with the legitimate moral problems that abortion presents. The right of the woman to "control her own body" is a fundamental human right without regard for the fetus. Even if the fetus isn't a human being, it has the potential of becoming one. It seems callous and unjust to prevent the fetus from developing simply as a matter of convenience.
The Supreme Court attempted to resolve some of the problems in the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade (410 U.S. I.13). Justice Harry Blackmun, who wrote the decision of the Court, ruled that the state could prohibit abortions only in the last three months of pregnancy. Blackmun argued that at the beginning of the third trimester, the fetus becomes too large and capable of living outside the womb. Therefore, the state had the right to regulate in the interest of the father. This also protected the mother because abortions were most dangerous in the last three months.
In a controversy that has been marked by dogmatism and conflicting definitions of "human life," Blackman's opinion is something of a novelty. It is a shame that more persons haven't read it. Obviously, the Supreme Court decision doesn't satisfy everybody, but it is an attempt, the best attempt so far, to reconcile the conflicts. Until the debate has cooled, and unless reasonable standards can be formulated, the Supreme Court decision should be allowed to stand.
—John Bender
BY ERNEST CONINE The Los Angeles Times
Nixon's Majority Pronounced Dead
Some pundits and politicians are looking at the "new majority" that Richard M. Nixon put together in 1972 and are pronouncing it dead. If the Democrats allow themselves to believe in its demise, they may yet manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when the votes are counted in the next presidential election.
The Republican victory in 1972 had many causes, not the least of which was the total ineptitude of Sen. Gerald R. McCain, who refused to appoint Mr. Nixon never would have made it, however, without heavy support from groups that normally vote Democrats—southerners, black-collar whites.
The shift of allegiances presented the Republicans with a historic opportunity to become the nation's majority party for the first time in almost half a century—provided they could keep the new recruits in the GOP column.
But Mr. Nixon muffed it. There isn't much doubt that most members of his "new majority" are ready to vote Democratic again.
OBVIOUSLY, WATERGATE is a factor.
Even most Republican analysts concede that if next fall's congressional and senatorial elections were being held today, the GOP would be clobbered.
The middle Americans who liked what President Nixon had to say about law and order aren't amused by revelations that some of his own men have been involved in burglary, wiretapping and collection of illegal campaign contributions.
They are even less amused by the soaring costs of feeding and clothing their families, and by an energy shortage that forces them to leave for hours a week waiting in line for gasoline.
off now as he was in 1972, just as resentful of politicians who are extremely sensitive to the demands of organized groups, whether they speak for big business or welfare companies, but show little interest in the concern in primary, hardworking, tax-paying citizens.
What may be an even more fundamental source of disenchment, however, was
TWO MONTHS AGO the Harris poll found that 55 per cent of the voters were convinced that "the people running the country don't really care what happens to you." And whereas a lot of this feeling has recently been directed toward the President, unlike
There is ample evidence that the average middle-class American is just as browned off as he was in 1972.
With the Lawrence landlord problems, perhaps certain apartment complexes should be added to the blacklist. In looking for apartments, students shouldn't compromise by renting an apartment from a landlord who has promised to make additions tomorrow. We've waited for those additions all year. We have learned one thing from all of this; where to live next year. We're also locking up our underwear.
reflected in the explanation given by a campaign worker for Michigan Democrat Richard Vandeverne's victory in the special election to fill Vice President Ford's old job. "We just kept saying, 'Dick Nixon paid $700 income tax. How much did you pay?'"
Most, of course, paid more than $700 in incomes that were only a fraction of Mr. Li's income.
One thing is certain—this robbery could have been much more serious and it could have been prevented. Our ground-floor apartment has sliding windows with pin holes to the floor. We requested wooden slats for these in September and never received them. An attorney's letter is in the manager's files to verify this request. We also waited six weeks before we locked our door. Before that, we could spark the knob lock with a credit card.
There is ample evidence that the average middle-class American is just as browned
Saint Clair
One roommate discovered a few "personals" missing and called the police. The
Readers Respond
Pad Needs Safe Locks
To the Editor:
My apartment was robbed during spring break, and the thief took underwear, slips, "thin" nightgowns, dresses with V-necks and nothing else.
My two roommates returned to a chainlock door and had to break into their own apartment. The only way someone could chain-lock the door and leave is by the window. We didn't notice that anything was missing until the next day.
And if you see a guy in a red, white and blue dress. . .
Pam Gibson Prairie Village junior
Buck Stops Here
To the Editor:
Americans today seem to be encountering an overabundance of political, social and economic problems and are searching for a person to put the finger on. Many people are asking themselves what other problems and predicaments they may encounter besides an ever larger shortage, political and social ransoms, inflation and government investigations.
During Harry Truman's administration the slogan "the buck stops here" reflected the philosophy that each individual should be responsible for his own actions and decisions. The people have neglected their obligations and duties as citizens to the extent that corruption and moral decay have set in.
Mediciority and lower moral standards have prompted many of the problems today. Too many times we have turned the other way when there has been evidence of wrongdoing and graff. Sacrifice will have been the only way to avoid such. The apathetic attitude of "let George do it" will have to cease and be replaced by "the back stops with me".
John C. Preble
Coffeyville junior
Responsive Teachers Must Pause
Jerry Hutchison and Phil McKnight
A teacher who attempts to be a responsive discussion leader may wish to consider the following questioning techniques for personal and academic value for students:
When questions are asked, the instructor should allow the class to pause for a few minutes of reflection before asking for responses. A special study suggests the value of this procedure, especially where the class is working on new responses, because the more alternatives a person considers, the more uncertainty he tends to experience.
the situation in 1972, he is by no means the only target, or even the major one.
It is significant that, while less than 30 per cent of the people think Mr. Nixon is doing a good job, the Democratic-controlled Congress gets even lower marks.
affluent, and that is what is politically important. The American dream is somehow escaping them, and they are bewildered, angry and hurt.
Millions of Americans are making more money than they have ever made before—far more, in fact, than they ever believed they would. But they can't afford a house in today's market. They can't afford to send their children to college, yet federal educational loans aren't available because their incomes are too high.
Thus, for productive thought to occur, the student must have enough time. However,
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY
KANSAN
BY OBJECTIVE STANDARDS, such people may be affluent. But they don't feel
They get pay increases, but the purchasing power of their paychecks is held down by inflation. And while their real take-home pay remains static or even shrinks, every pay raise puts them into a higher tax bracket, which makes them more than ever income people who avoid the squeeze because of tax loopholes.
Published at the University of Kansas state university near Aurora, KS. Offer includes a one-year examination materials.考证 rates are $5 a semester, $10 a year. Second class postpaid paid by students. Offer includes a $10 semester paid in student activity fees. Offer rates are $10 a semester paid in student activity fees. Advertiser offered to all students without regard to student status. The course present are not necessarily those of the Universi-
The Washington Monthly, published in the nation's capital, finds that its most popular feature is a series entitled "The Screwing of America," and it accurately sums up a widespread mood.
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the logic of this assumption must escape many teachers because the length of time between a teacher's question and a student's response is often three-seconds—not minutes, but seconds.
Nixon, it seems, has forfeited the confidence of his 1972 "new major." But it is likely that Nixon's team was demonstrated by the remarkable poll showing that, as of now, he would defeat either Sen. Edward K. Kennedy, D-Mass., or Mr. Jackson, D-Wash., for the presidency.
Yet the role of the instructor here is not that of a lecture; he should not dominate conversation, even though it is difficult to teach. You should teach Teachers who wish to display their knowledge should schedule the class in an hour and devote their time to lecturing.
Whichever party comes close to adopting Wallace's populism without its racist underpinning will have a powerful advantage in 1976.
The Daily Kansas welcomes letters to the editor, but asks that letters be typewritten, double-spaced and longer than 300 words. All letters are typed on a computer according to space limitations and the editor's judgment, and must be signed. KU students must provide their name, year in school and hometown; faculty members must provide their name and position; others must provide their name and address.
Alabama Gov. George C. Wallace has been more sensitive to the growing middle-class rebellion than has any other major politician—which is why he was doing so in the North before being cut down by a would-be assassin's bullet in 1972.
If an instructor is concerned about dominating a class discussion some simple monitoring techniques can help him change his behavior. A videotape replay of a class discussion can be very revealing by pointing out time logged on "offense" by the instructor.
Business Advisor ... Mel Adams
Business Manager David Trunke
Hal Ritter
ANOTHER MEANS of helping students clarify their thinking is asking probing questions. If your student is beyond an initial, perhaps shallow, answer or comment to elaborate, justify or clarify his initial position. In so doing, the student becomes more involved with his answer and increases confidence.
Responsiveness in question and answer periods is particularly important and yet it can be difficult to find it difficult, even time is given, to express themselves adequately. The instructor can be of great assistance by enlisting the help of your classmates. Such phrases as "That is an interesting
THE RESULTS of the first few days are likely to reveal how the discussion is dominated by one person and make the audience strongly sensitive to his role in the classroom.
idea; can you tell me more?" or "I think you have the right answer, can you tell us how you arrived at this viewpoint?" may provide such encouragement.
ONE MAY ASK questions that have more than one answer. For example, "How many ways," instead of "What is the best way?" Students can be asked how they "feel" students, but they may not be able to answer it. The answer may be the same in either case, but the question may seem less threatening and lead to greater student participation. If a person is to learn, he must become involved. Questions that encourage and invite involvement and that potential threat for "incorrect" involvement are a key part of responsive pedagogy.
A key element in the above strategies is that of time; in the willingness and concern of the teacher for giving students the opportunities on concepts and issues of interest to them.
Senate B-Ball Battle
Occasionally the teacher may ask questions for which he doesn't have an
answer. Even if he thinks he has the appropriate answer, the question can be stated as a hypothesis or a bunch. An interview occasionally admitting that he doesn't know all of the answers. Furthermore, with the help of the class he may arrive at the correct answer or a consensus. In so doing, even you learn something from his students.
Spuds for Steaks
Kansan Washington Correspondent
Rv.JOHN PIKE
I was snoozing in the gallery at the time, waking occasionally to move out of the way of the tourists who streamed in and out. I had been there for about three hours and the strain of the bus business had nearly exhausted me.
Kansas Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON, D.C.-On March 8, there took place in the chambers of the S. Senate one of the most stirring debates since the great Goldwater-Tower chill debate of earlier this session.
Suddenly, a new voice spoke, and the import of what was being said roused me to attentiveness.
"... a battle between Idaho State University and the University of New Mexico." A basketball game? In the halls of Congress?
"... in Pocatello, Idaho. . . . " that quashed any ideas about war. Even the most ardent hawk wouldn't declare a war if it were going to be fought here. The gentleman soon made his point clear.
McClure staked 1,000 pounds of Idaho potatoes on the home team. I could picture the Idaho coach in the locker at the haltime of the coming game.
THE HIGH STAKES of diplomacy soon unfolded as the gentleman challenged the gentleman from New York to join them as a wager on the outcome of the game.
" . . . that a battle of great importance will open tomorrow night . . . " the gentleman from Idaho, Sen. James McClure, was saying. Were we declaring war? Were the Marines being forced against the Arabs to seize the oil wells?
"Come on, boys, you've got to pull this one out. Them's a lot of spuds. . . ."
The gentleman from New Mexico was more than equal to the challenge, however, as he responded with one word to stir the soul of every American.
"The cattle raisers of New Mexico," he said, ever mindful that his words would be preserves for the minds of his peers, and not ponders, "the cattle raisers of New Mexico have decided that they would kill them with half a beef as part of this challenge."
YOU COULD SENSE the history in the air as the galleries sat, eyes glazed. I envisioned hoards of newsmen clamoring like wolves after Domeni's end.
beef to be admitted to the chambers to cover every minute of the fast-breaking story.
Now the debate was getting furious as the two gentlemen insulted and baited each other. Sen. Robert Byrd of West Virginia rose to admonish the two gentlemen to keep their oratory in the traditional third person. In the heat of the moment they had actually begun addressing each other directly.
Domenici struck first.
"... it seems to me that I am getting the worse end of the bargain," he said, comparing his beef to Idaho potatoes.
McCLURE WAS QUICK to respond,
after Bryd's call for restraint.
"The comments of the senator from New Mexico really did raise my blood pressure for just a minute when he suggested that New Mexico beef was worthy of comparison with Idaho potatoes.
we have been resisting the impulse of a number of people in New Mexico to export Idaho beef to them," the gentleman from Idaho adopted. "We had to adopt an antibullying provision to prevent that a few years ago."
Domenici tried once again to gain the upper hand.
"The senator from New Mexico wants to tell the senator from Idaho that there is only one reason that New Mexicans would consider eating Idaho salmon or pork, and the price of pinto beans has gone to $70 a hundred-weight," he said.
JUST AS THE situation was becoming precarious, and it seemed that one of the two gentlemen would surely name his second and choose pistols by the Tidal Basin at dawn, the cool head of Byrd prevailed.
"What will happen," the gentleman from West Virginia asked tentatively, treading a tightrope between success and failure, "in case of a tie?"
That saved the day. The question of a tie had not occurred to the two gentlemen, and the time it took to evaluate the possibilities enabled each to regain his composure and gain control of himself.
McClure mumbled something about there being no chance of such a close game, but Domiciel at least committed to a contingency plan, should a tie result.
Of course, there cannot be a tie in basketball, but that didn't stop the gentlemen from getting in their last licks.
"in the event of a tie," he said, "I will keep the beef."
Griff and the Unicorn
by Sokoloff