4 University Daily Kansan / Monday, April 20, 1992 OPINION LIFE IN KELL 1992 BY MATT GROWING Teens must learn safe sex It should come as no surprise to anyone who has paid the scantest amount of attention to the Bush administration's policy regarding AIDS that something is missing. Something like a program. A plan. An idea. More and more people contract the AIDS virus, but meanwhile the federal government cannot manage to do anything but fail miserably. A congressional panel recent found that teenagers are at high risk, and there is damn little being done about it. In the last two years, the number of teens who have the AIDS virus has increased by more than 70 percent. AIDS ranks as the sixth-leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24. Well, the news media have, to put it mildly, a very short span of attention. A few months ago, AIDS suddenly was in the news when basketball hero Earvin Magic Johnson revealed that he was HIV positive. Freddie Mercury of the rock group Queen also died of the virus. A great amount of publicity surrounded both cases. Now stories about AIDS are on the inside pages of newspapers and magazines and have disappeared from television altogether. What has happened to all the concern that was in the media only a short while ago? Kevin Bartels Staff columnist Most 10-year-olds probably have a longer attention span than the average reporter. Today AIDS, tomorrow Fergie the marital woes. However, the main problem lies in Washington, where a president who had no problem with invading Panama and taking his erstwhile ally into U.S. custody, cannot seem to understand why so many people are afflicted with this darn virus. For George Herbert Walker Bush, continuing his selective and grossly inefficient War on Drugs takes precedence over fighting a War on AIDS. Bush has many things on his agenda, but AIDS is not one of them. To date, the Bush administration has developed no coherent national policy for fighting the spread of the HIV virus among teens. Congress has been equally pathetic in its attempts to devise some sort of definitive plan to stop the virus from spreading among teenagers — except for eight of the 14 Republicans on the congressional panel who recommended abstinence. Funny, hearing members of Congress speak of abstinence. Perhaps, though, the representatives were confused. Abstinence is not a word many in Washington are familiar with, at least not on a first-hand basis. A national program that teaches teens about safe sex and the ravages of AIDS needs to be put into effect soon. And any candidate for president will have to think about what to do on this one as well. Waterhead talk, gibberish, and vague and unspecified goals are not enough. Neither is jabbering about abstinence. Teens will continue to have sex, regardless of the consequences. Perhaps, with enough education and prevention, they can have it safely. Some measure of comfort can be derived from the fact that a congressional panel headed by Pat Schroeder, D-Colo., has at least taken the time to think about the disease. But thinking is not enough. Kevin Bartels is a Louisville, Ky, graduate student in English. THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN Bush is environmental wimp Bush's timidity in taking stands on environmental issues has earned him a "D" from activists Four years after jumping on the bandwagon and pledging to become the environmental president, George Bush has received his report card from the League of Conservation Voters, a group of leading environmentalists. He got a D. Citing a mixed record of success, inaction and failure, the league found the president's self-given moniker inappropriate. In his role as environmental president, Bush has spent most of his days in hiding and has emerged only when presented with an opportunity to make a noncontroversial, symbolic decision. He did it in 1989, announcing a ban on U.S. ivory imports. He did it again in 1990, elevating the Environmental Protection Agency to cabinet status. Not all his decisions have been so simple. His greatest triumph, in the eyes of environmentalists, was the passage of the Clean Air Act of 1990. Another move that reflected at least a hint of concern for the environment was his belated order, issued in February, to stop U.S. production of ozone-depleting chemicals by 1995. When Bush makes a significant decision on an issue like this, it means two things: The scientific evidence calling for a change is at least 10 years old, and every other developed nation already has made that change. But usually Bush makes no decision. He makes no move toward establishing a national energy policy. He hesitates to take anything but a go-slow approach to handling global warming. And he is slow to support international family-planning programs, a drastic shift from his position as a member of Congress, when his support was so strong that some called him "Rubbers." More often than not, the environmental president tries to remain neutral amidst the wailing controversies of the day. He cravenly looks for a compromise in the spotted-owl controversy, trying to appease both loggers and environmentalists. This doesn't work. He deserves the D. Some animals are dangerous Martin Scherstuhl for the editorial board Nondomesticated creatures can cause problems and should not be kept as pets There seems to be a trend toward keeping nondomestic animals such as wolves and lions. This practice is cruel 1 wolves and lions. This practice is cruel and selfish. It also can be dangerous and has the potential to cause harm to people as well as animals. Nondomestic animals should not be house pets. Last week a mountain lion was found roaming a residential area about 50 feet from where its owner lived. This never should have happened. Pets occasionally will wander away from their owners, but there is a big difference between a house cat and a lion. It is good that people have a love for animals and a desire to own and take care of them. But this desire should not extend to the point of harm to the animal or other people. It was just a case of good luck that the lion was found before someone or the lion was harmed. It would have been easy for a child to run up to pet the lion, start it and get hurt. creatures to be tamed and kept in a home. They need large spaces in which to live and roam. Most homes do not have space large enough to maintain a healthy life for such an animal. And to lock up an animal in a cage or small area is like keeping a person in jail. Freedom is not a pleasure enjoyed only by humans. Keeping a nondomestic animal in a home only shows that the owner cares only about her or his own feelings and not about what is best for the animal. Nondomestic animals such as lions are not If people want to enjoy nondomestic animals, they should do so, but in a responsible way. They should do it by going to a wildlife habitat. Animals are more than just creatures to be tamed and trained. They are more than a novelty or form of entertainment. They are living beings that deserve respect. Amy Francis for the editorial board Editorials reflect the majority opinion of The University Daily Kansan editorial board. Opinions expressed in letters, cartoons and guest and staff columns are solely those of the author or artist. Views expressed in columns and cartoons are not necessarily shared by the Kansan. Members of the editorial board are Alexander Bloemhof, Jim Brown, J.R. Clairborne, Mark Coatney, Amy Francis, Tiffany Harness, Tiffany Lasha Hurt, Kate Kelley, Julie Lillett, Stephen Martino, David Mitchell, Chris Moeser, Beth Randolph, Martin Scherstuhl, Julie Wasson, Frank Williams and Sarah Zercher Don't fire Williams Inresponse to T.S. David's sletter, which stated that Roy Williams and his staff must be fired, I would like to state specifically why his arguments are erroneous. Comparing the loss of a basketball game to the tragedy of war is in poor taste. Granted, the expectations were great for the men's basketball team, but which person was responsible for this? I'll be very precise: Roy Williams, whose record stands for itself. I'm not going to defend him. There is no need. Moreover, losing in the NCAA tournament is unfortunate, but it is not a tragedy. Let's remember, Basketball is simply a game, not life and death. I've only been at KU for two years, and have followed the Jayhawks for the same time. I love Kansas basketball as much as anybody. The confidence, charisma and class that Williams displays are some of the major rea- sonswhy I have become a die-hard 'Hawks fan. No, why hire become the hard Hawksman. Next year, and for many years to come, when Roy, now makes happen at Allen Field House, the thoughts of your dear will be easily forgotten. All true Jayhawk fans will be on their feet chanting: "Roy, Roy, Roy..." ...! Howard Bressler Milwaukee sophomore Wild animals are safe Although rarely kept in town, if raised correctly, wild animals are no more dangerous than a common dog or cat. The danger arises when, fearing that the animal is dangerous, people react with fear, sometimes lashing out at the animal. An animal's natural instinct is to protect itself, and that's when things get dangerous. Letters to the editor for the EL Dorado Honor Camp, which rehabilitates wild animals that have been injured. Very few, if any, problems have arisen in all the years my father and my family have been involved with the program. We have helped raise everything from bobcats to cottontails, from mountain lions to deer, and when treated with kindness from day one, the animals respond in a gentle manner. My father also has several clients who raise everything from raccoons to opuspum, foxes to buffalo. He has never been called to destroy an animal because it had become dangerous or because it had attacked someone. I would have to say that I don't believe wild animals should be kept in basements or garages, but when they have the proper environment and care, wild animals can be a joy to raise. Myfather, Davy Harkins, is the veterinarian Amanda Jo Harkins El Dorado freshman Greek Week ignored The week of March 30 to April 13, the KU greek system had its annual Week festivities. The system claims 4,106 members. Monday, this group collected countless articles of clothing and other goods for the Salvation Army. Tuesday, each house hosted members of the faculty for dinner. Wednesday, Greeks packed the stadium for both the women's softball and men's baseball games and in the process gathered more than 6,000 cans of food, also for the Salvation Army. Thursday, fraternities and sororites formed teams and competed in a talent show at Liberty Hall. Friday, 206 Greeks volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence. Yes, the Greek Olympics were Saturday in front of Allen Field House, and the week was closed Sunday night with the annual Greek Awards presentation at Crafton-Preyer Theatre. I am writing to tell you this because, as usual, the Kanan failed to cover these activities — activities that directly pertained to nearly 12 percent of the undergraduate population and did a lot of good for both the University and Lawrence communities. On the other hand, the Kansan trumpeted the arrival of GALA Week, events sponsored by a group with only 200 members. I understand that GALA Week is meant to raise awareness of homosexual issues and that some estimates place KU's gay population as high as 3,000 Greek Week, though, is also designed to raise awareness — awareness of all the positive things fraternities and sororities contribute to the community through philanthropies, community service, etc. By ignoring these events, the Kansan has done itself and its audience a tremendous disservice. KANSANSTAFF TIFFANY HARNESS Editor VANESSA FUHRMANS Managing editor Michael Leitch Lawrence sophomore TOM EBLEN General manager,news adviser Editors Editors News ... Mike Andrews Editorial ... Beth Randolph Planning ... Lara Gold Campus ... Eric Gorski/Rocheleon Gleen Fridays ... Friends Photo ... Julie Jacobson Features ... Debbie Myers Graphics .. Aimee Brainard/Joe Meesey JENNIFER CLAXTON Business manager JAY STEINER Retail sales manager JEANNE HINES Sales and marketing adviser Business Staff Campus sales mgrs Bill Belibgood Register sales mgrs Rich Hharbarger National Sales mgrs Co-op sales mgrs Arne Johnson Production mgrs Lisa Wallace Marketing director Lisa Kaeler Marketing director Kim Claxton Creative director Leanne Bryant Classified mgrs Business Staff Letters should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 200 words. They must include the writer's signature, name, address and telephone number. Writers affiliated with the University of Kansas must include class and hometown, or faculty or staff position. Great dosas should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 700 words. The writer will be photographer. The Kansas reserves the right to reedit or edit letters, guest columns and cartoons. They can be mailed or brought to the Kansas newsroom, 111 Safer-Fint Hall. Stick by David Rosenfield 1