OPINION
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2005
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
EDITORIAL
www.kansan.com
Journal-World exaggerates Union beer sale's impact
If Student Senate passes a bill tonight to send a petition to administrators, beer could potentially be sold
The predictable headline of The Lawrence Journal-World two months from now will be: "Bowling team's ranking greatly decreases after beer sold in Union."
on the first floor of the Kansas Union. Sales of 3.2 percent beer could then lead to drunken bowling practices, which in turn could eventually lead to full out drunkenness of the team and suffering performance. This is not to mention that
Beer was sold in both the Kansas Union and the Burge Union until 1997.
Senate's petition to "Investigate Bringing Responsible Alcohol Sales to the Memorial Unions" mentions that
Alcohol is definitely not a brand new concept that has just hit campus. Almost every student has either been hungover or has sat next to someone who was hungover in a Friday morning class.
restricted, at University fund raising events and in designated areas for tailgating before football games.
the performance of students at the University of Kansas will also suffer. Students will start to show up to class "two sheets to the wind," not to mention the professors. And this is all because of beer on the first floor of the Kansas Union.
Obviously, this so-called vision of the future is greatly exaggerated. But it is not any more exaggerated than the fuss that the issue has caused.
The Journal-World put the story on the front page on Jan. 26. The article seemed to be reassuring readers that there would be an emphasis on responsible consumption, as if that weren't a given. The article also points out that Kansas State and Wichita State universities both allow alcohol on their campuses. Surely it is common knowledge to those students that alcohol is allowed on campus. So obviously, there have been no tragic accidents or crimes caused by alcohol's presence.
Alcohol sales on University property is nothing new. The University allows alcohol consumption, though it's
alcohol was sold "without incident," meaning that the alcohol available at the unions was sold and consumed responsibly.
Alcohol is definitely not a brand new concept that has just hit campus. Almost every student has either
been hungover or has sat next to someone who was hungover in a Friday morning class. And it's not as if alcohol isn't easily accessible. Any student can walk a few yards from the Kansas Union and, with the proper identification, drink at The Crossing or The Wheel on any weekday afternoon.
As the petition states, "Alcohol use is prevalent in college culture, and overall contemporary society." If this is true, then why all the to-do? Consumption of alcohol is an accepted part of campus life, so why does it seem as if it's a completely alien concept to the outside world? If the petition is passed, accepted by University administrators and 3.2 percent beer is allowed, the bowling team will not become drunken hooiligans and neither will the remaining members of campus who do not already fall into that category. Life will remain as it is, and this issue will be left to stand as one more that was blown out of proportion.
Gaby Souza writing for the editorial board.
Free for All
Call 864-0500
图
Free for All callers have 20 seconds to speak about any topic they wish. Kansan editors reserve the right to omit comments. Slanderous and obscene statements will not be printed. Phone numbers of all incoming calls are recorded.
I just want to say as an employee of KU Info that I feel for all the students on campus whose questions are neglected because the
I was just walking on campus and saw seven people listening to iPods. It's so pathetic that you're that socially inept. Get a life, and get some help.
For more comments, go to www.kansan.com.
libraries are forcing so many extra tasks on us. Vote for KU Info in the spring elections!
Shame, shame, shame - towing a car with a handicap placard?
Quin Snyder's a sissy.
Actually, I apologize for calling Quin Snyder a sissy, because that's an insult to sissies.
图
My sister's having quadruplets. Does that mean she's having a foucesse in her uterus?
I am standing in line for the Mizzou game, and I was just molested with a University Daily, Kansan. It was the best I've ever had. Thank you. UDM
The Quin Snyder-Donald Trump "You're fired" insert was the best for all of my life. Thank you, Kansan, for the whole lot of laughs.
--march to the Military Science Building, or any demonstration against the military. Sure, I can understand why people don't support the war in Iraq. But don't these people realize that it was the Bush administration that convinced Congress to go to war with Iraq and not the army?
OK, the radio announcer just said that KU has better penetrators in basketball and that Langford was spearheading the attack. Is it just me or does this make other people horry?
TALK TO US
Andrew Vaupel
editor
Jennifer Weaver
sales and marketing adviser
864-7686 or jweaver@kansan.com
864-4810 or hjackson@kansan.com
Donovan Atkinson, Misty Huber, Amanda Kim Stairrett and Marisa Stephenson managing editors 864-4810 or editor kansan.com
Malcolm Gibson
general manager and news adviser
864-7867 or mgibson@kansan.com
Steve Vockrott and Laura Francoviglia opinion editors 864-4924 or opinion@kansan.com
Ashleigh Dyck business manager 864-4358 or advertising@kansan.com
Danielle Bose
retail sales manager
864-4358 or advertising@kansan.com
EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS
NAME BOARD MEMBERS
David Arder, Viva Bolova, John Byerley,
Chase Edgerton, Wheaton Ellins, Ryan Good,
John Jordan, Kevin McKernan, Paul Gig岭,
Doug Lang, Mike Me忠屹, Eric Prather,
Erick Schmidt, Dale Alyssa Souza and
Barach Sarafy
Sarah Stacy
The Kansan reserves the right to edit, cut to length,
or reject all submissions. Letters to the editor should be
no longer than 200 words and guest columns should not
exceed 550 words. To submit a letter to the editor or a
column, e-mail the document to opinion@kansan.com
with your name, hometown, year in school or position
and phone number.
For any questions, call Steve Vockord or Laura Francoviglia at 864-4924 or e-mail at opinion@kanan.com. General questions should be directed to the editor at editor@kanan.com.
The Kansan welcomes letters to the editors and guest columns submitted by students, faculty and alumni.
MCKERNAN'S PERSPECTIVE
GUEST COLUMN GUIDELINES
**Maximum Length:** 650 word limit
**Includes:** Author's name
Class, hometown (student)
Position (faculty member)
**Also:** The Kansan will not print guest columns that attack another columnist.
LETTER GUIDELINES
Maximum Length:
200 word limit
Include: Author's name and telephone number
Class, hometown (student)
Position (faculty member)
SUBMIT TO
E-mail:
opinion@kansan.com
Hard copy:
Kansan newsroom
111 Stauffer-Flint
Kevin McKernan/KANSAN
Soldiers deserve students' respect
THE CROSSWORD CAN WAIT
Any government that grants its citizens free speech has made a very dangerous choice. Certainly, an unrestricted public forum will result in the discussion of more ideas, and will possibly result in a governing system that creates the best possible lives for its citizens.
But with that catalytic word "unrestricted," discussions and ideas that are absurd at best will undoubtedly ensue.
MATTHEW SEVCIK msevcik@kansan.com
This is why I'm dumfounded by the
One such incident recently touched the University of Kansas. A group protesting the inauguration of President Bush, and I assume his policies and decisions, recently staged a demonstration. At the end of this demonstration, the protestors marched down to the Military Science Building.
I'm honestly still trying to wrap my head around this one. I've always considered myself a liberal thinker, but what did these protesters think was going on? Did they think that the ROTC cadets were responsible for the war? Did they think that the military service members loved to leave their families and go abroad, putting their lives on the line?
I can assure you, they don't. These young men and women are doing a job for their country. An extreme sense of duty trumps any personal political feelings.
The right to free speech should come with a certain set of responsibilities. One of which is having at least an inkling of understanding about what you are discussing.
It's important for people to understand that when a student contracts with the ROTC, they make a vow to defend the Constitution, not whoever we think is right. Just as it would be unfair and ridiculous for someone to assume that all Kerry voters were vegetarians who don't take showers, it's unfair and ridiculous for someone to assume that all ROTC cadet
support every policy and position of the Bush administration.
That being said, President Bush is our commander-in-chief, and ROTC cadets also took an oath to obey the officers appointed above them. That's why it is so important for people to make sure the commander in chief is someone who truly represents them and will use the military in a responsible manner.
Regardless of whether you support the war, soldiers should be the last people you stage a protest against. They are merely doing their job for the current, elected politicians. If you want to see some changes made, I'll tell you once again to get out there and make sure the people in power represent your attitude toward war I know I'm beating a dead horse, but voting is the most important right we have as American citizens.
Does this mean that the soldiers are merely tools for our government without feelings or convictions? No. It means that their convictions rise above political parties, above partisan agendas and above eight-year terms. Their trust lies in America, and because of this, they are willing to defend it to the utmost of their abilities.
Sevck is a Leavenworth junior in English.
Increase activity, not gym time
KAT'S CALL
During a visit to the Student Recreation Fitness Center, after an indulgent semester abroad, shrinking gym-goers, whose faces were etched with hard-bound determination, kept themselves occupied on the machines around me. They peddled, rowed and jogged furiously toward Cancun and hard beach bodies. Suddenly realizing that March is around the corner, I lost my grasp on the elliptical hand bars. I glanced down at my gelato-nourished thighs, groaned and decided to wait three weeks before swim-suit shopping at Shark's.
KATHRYN ANDERSON
kanderson@kansan.com
The effort to lose weight quickly for spring is futile. It's a tired New Year's resolution and concept. Experts at the FDA define responsible weight loss as losing three-quarts to two pounds each week. If a beach-bound student lost one pound each week until spring break, only eight pounds would be shed. But thousands subscribe to commercial programs, such as Cortislim, because its makers promise dramatic weight-loss in just a few weeks.
The trend is contagious. Everybody I know works out, and many of them are trying to lose weight quickly.
Not only that but also the ever-idolized royalty of Hollywood are boasting jealousy-inducing whitted waistlines. Nicole Ritchie is all of a sudden skinny. No doubt, Gwen Stefani is looking increasingly like a flagpole, and I think Al Roker weighs less than I do.
Aside from building muscles that gleam in the Caribbean sun, why are we beating ourselves up for a quick fix?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 percent of
adults aren't active. This is the problem. But the solution isn't to slave away at the gym.
We waste too much time on the treadmill. Much like our rodent pets, on a treadmill, you may run three miles, but you haven't moved an inch. The hamster wheel is meant to occupy a pet and was never intended for human use. Let's get somewhere instead of spending hours running nowhere fast.
Activity means more than 45 minutes at the gym. While physical aesthetics lie in the minds of exercising college students, incorporating activity into life outside of the gym can reap the same benefits plus increase overall well-being. Physical activity pulls in a myriad of benefits, including relief of depression and anxiety, increased bone strength and even increase life-span, according to the CDC. When activity equals life-altering benefits, being active shouldn't equal torture.
Sled down Daisy Hill. Learn to play racquetball. Play with your dog, cat or little brother. Enjoyable exercise is easy to stick with. The time-shortage excuse is as worthless as a fat-free cheeseburger, but you may need to cut hours playing Halo.
The United States Department of Sports and Recreation recommends a mere 30 minutes of moderate activity on all or most days of the week.
And for those still wondering about their second chin, perhaps consider ordering Gumby's once a week or limiting Corona consumption to less than a full case an evening.
Aristote said, "Moderation in all things." This is the key to self improvement, whether it's physical or mental.
Stu Mittleman, author of "Slow Burn; Burn Fat Faster by Exercising Slower," understands the concept of living an active lifestyle. Instead of thinking in terms of exercise, Mittleman looks to children as models for an active lifestyle.
"Even within the confines of a structured work-out session or coaching session, most five-to-seven-year-olds will find a way to tickle their buddies while the coach is making a serious attempt at a new technique or defensive strategy." Mittleman said in his book.
The lesson is to have fun in day-to-day activities, not to go crazy on the stationary bike.
Mittleman is a distance runner who in 2000 ran from San Diego to New York City in 56 days, and I'm sure he looks fabulous in a bathing suit.
So consider the benefits of activity rather than the benefits of exercise. Rethink a goal of losing 10 pounds before Fort Lauderdale, and instead, aim for a better quality of life.
Anderson is an Omaha, Neb., junior in journalism.
4. 6
---