4 一 Wednesday, January 13, 1993 OPINION UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 1 IN OUR OPINION Finney's term marked by reform highs, lows Yesterday, Gov. Joan Finney delivered her State of the State address marking the official beginning of the Kansas Legislature. As the governor begins her third year in office, her popularity and influence have significantly dropped in the eyes of many Kansans. Finney campaigned a little more than two years ago, promising to open up the government to all people. She favored instituting initiative and referenda to the state constitution and promised a populist approach to government. However, Finney's report card is uncertain and incomplete. Finney has failed to gain the approval of the legislature for her initiative proposal. She has opposed closed admissions to state-funded universities and her commitment to higher education on the whole has been questioned. She has made confusing and illogical state appointments, including naming a convicted child molester to monitor the state's new abortion law. And entering this legislative session, Finney planned to offer no new legislation other than to hold the line on taxes and spending. Yet, Finney has taken political hits from Republicans and Democrats alike. Already Republicans are salivating at the chance to challenge her for re-election. And unlike loyal party members, Democrats are openly discussing a primary challenge. This has left the unpopular governor with few political friends to lean on. On the flip side, the governor was successful in steering through a school finance reform package that resulted in lower property taxes throughout most of the state. However, this legislation angered certain school districts in both Johnson County and the southwest corner of Kansas. As the third legislative session of Finney's term opens, the governor could be given a momentous opportunity to affect policy and legislation — her true job — and one she seems happy to skirt. The state's workman compensation laws are grossly out of step with those of other states in the nation. Premiums are skyrocketing and benefits are limited. Issues concerning casino gambling, on and off Native American reservations, need to be resolved to allow for a vote by the people. Issues concerning taxation, abortion and adjustments to last year's school finance reform bill also need to be addressed. The state Senate and House of Representatives, with their increased Republicans majorities, are committed to addressing many of these issues along with the Democratic minorities. The help, support and guidance of the governor could improve the quality of life for all Kansans. It is her decision to govern or just be the governor. STEPHEN MARTINO OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD Kansan Editorial Board: Kris Belden, Greg Farmer, Vered Hankin, Jeff Hays, Val Huber, Brent Kassing, Kyle Kickhaefer, Stephen Martino, Jolinda Mathews, Colleen McCain, Chris Moeser, Jeff Reynolds, Chris Ronan, and Michael Taylor Kansan Columnists: Steve Chapman, J.R. Clairborne, Lisa Cosmillo, Andrew Gilman, Francesca Glyn-Jones, Cecile Julian, Ann Jurcyk, Marvin McNett, Shelly Solon, and Julie Wasson Kansan Cartoonists: Michael Paul, David Rosenfield, Moses Smith, Rob Tapley Addicts' habits get taxpayers in the nose Marvin Burke stood in front of the judge, in trouble again. He's not a highly competent criminal. The last time he was arrested, it was for burglary. He got off easy: two years probation. This time the cops grabbed him for robbing old ladies. He mugged one for her purse. The other wore a gold chain around her neck, so he grabbed her and tore it off. Now Marvin's lawyer and the prosecutor were arguing about whether Marvin should be released on bond. The prosecutor said, no, Marvin can't be trusted. Let him out, and he'll justug mug another old lady. Marvin's lawyer urged the judge to let Marvin go home until his trial and wear an electronic-monitoring device. The judge listened, then said to Marvin: "You're not working?" "No, ma'am," Marvin said. "Do you have any way of getting employment?" the judge asked. Marvin, who is in his late 20s, shook his head and said: "I'm on Social Security disability." COLUMNIST The judge raised her eyebrows. "What is your disability?" Marvin shuffled his feet and said "Um...I..uh, I have a cocaine problem." Then, with an earnest look, he said: "But I'm not using it now." The judge said: "How much do you receive a month on Social Security disability for your cocaine addiction?" "I get $227. And I receive one (other check) for when I use to working for $140." Marvin thought for a moment, then said, "That's what, uh, since I got on drugs, that's, uh, they just gave it to me, like that. I get two different checks, one for the cocaine and one The judge: "When you'use to working?" Marvin nodded: "I used to work for my disability. They pay me back for that, I receive two checks a month." "Not for cocaine" the judge asked to be for a working disability. Mavin sales. for when I used to work The judge weared said, "Yes." She obviously didn't understand Marvin's Social Security arrangement, and he wasn't going to explain it. So she ordered a high-enough bond to assure that Marvin wouldn't be out bashing old ladies while awaiting trial. And when his trial was held, he pleaded guilty and received a three-year prison sentence. Just another small-time criminal, stealing to feed a drug habit, like thousands who roam the streets. While the rest of us help support him and his habit. Yes, Marvin was indeed receiving a couple of monthly Social Security checks, one because he had a drug disability and the other...well, for whatever goofy reason the bureaucrats thought made him eligible. Most people probably don't know it, but thousands of cocaine users and lushes receive government checks because they can't stop using coke or getting sloshed. In Inhi ilsole alone, it adds up to several million dollars a year. More than 9,478 people get such checks for "severe disability." A Social Security spokesman said: "It's called SSI, or Supplemental Security Income. You must have a severe disability that prevents you from doing any kind of work. "Yes, you could be getting disability benefits if you're addicted to drugs. But it has to be severe enough to have an impact on other body systems. The definition of disability under the law is if you are so severely disabled that you are unable to do any kind of work in the economy, even if work is available. It's very strict." son said, but how strict can the system be if checks go to someone like Marvin, who was on probation for a felony burglary conviction? Marvin must have had some physical and mental skills if he was nimble enough to mug old ladies for their purses and gold chains. There's nothing wrong with helping out those who have severe disabilities. But when Congress, typically generous with other people's money, passed this law, they might have given some thought to how one becomes disabled. Marvin didn't get disabled, if he really is, because a factory machine chopped off his fingers, or a truck ran over his foot. Strict? That's what the spokesper He became disabled because he was putting dye in his nose. Surely, Marvin, an adult, knew that putting dye in his nose wasn't good for his health. Obviously, he liked putting dye in his nose. Well, his nose is his business. But your money is your business, and my money is my business. (At least that's the way it should be, although Congress disagrees.) So why should we have to contribute to Marvin's support because he insists on putting dope in his nose? Suppose someone walked up to you on the street and said: "Excuse me, but I like to put dope in my nose, so would you please give me a few dollars so I can buy some?" What would your response be? Bug off, you'd say. But Congress, the softies, said, "Hey, you want money, here, take some." And the sports give people like Marvin your money. It appears, though, that Marvin's checks have been cut off. The Social Security spokesperson said: "If a person goes to jail, he will not receive benefits." I probably shouldn't mention that. Congress might decide that even in prison, Marvin could use some walking-around money. Mike Royko is a syndicated columnist with the Chicago Tribune. NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE Clinton picks political friend The political soothsayers have been reading the entrails regarding Bill Clinton's Cabinet appointments, seeking clues to the policies the new administration will follow. In most cases, the track records of the incoming officials are well-known, and thus predictions are easy. In one case, however, the oracles have fallen silent — because there are no entrails to examine. President-elect Clinton's choice for U.S. trade representative is Mickey Kantor, his former campaign chairman. If he has any views at all on trade, they are the best-kept secret of the entire political year. Don't get us wrong. We're not necessarily against the selection. We are certainly glad that Clinton didn't fall for the false allure of the protectionists and appoint someone with a solid, unmistakable record of fist pounding, finger pointing and scapegoating — several of whom were itching to get the job. But the critics of U.S. trade policy to date have one thing right. Trade is extremely important to this country's economic prosperity, and we ought to have a coherent, sensible and effective approach to it. That doesn't mean a policy of bashing Japanese car makers or Chinese textile producers just because a domestic industry doesn't like the competition. It does mean a policy that strikes the right tone of toughness while remaining honest. The United States needs a trade policy built on a clear understanding of what is a real trade issue and what is mere xenophobia, or simple pandering to campaign contributors. It needs an approach that knows which of our country's economic woes are caused by the unfairness of others, and which are caused by our own weaknesses or mistakes. Above all else, we need a policy that focuses on opening markets everywhere, not closing them at home. If this country has any hope of forging an economic recovery, we can't afford to fall into the protectionist trap that would stifle one of the essential ingredients of that recovery: boosting the competitiveness of U.S. firms worldwide. Sheltering them from offshore rivals only would make it more likely they would become second-rate — and eventually make that of the United States, too. Because of that, we are concerned Clinton thought the trade post was appropriate as a convenient spot to reward a political buddy. Surely it needs more attention than that. Atlanta Journal Jan 4, 1902 Cutbacks turn into paybacks With the Cold War over and huge cutbacks in military spending loom- times are tough in the defense industry. But, the Pentagon is doing its best to bolster the morale of beleaguered defense contractors. According to a recent story, the Pentagon is paying for such things as liquor, cable TV and tickets to sporting events for employees of defense contractors. The payments are permitted under a regulation that lets contractors collect for expenses related to improving employee morale. One of the morale boosters cited in the story included $383,000 for management meetings in Bermuda, Jamaica, Hawaii and Mexico. The contractors undoubtedly are feeling better as a result of receiving these perks. Unfortunately, the spirits of taxpayers picking up the bill for the fun may be a bit low. Greenville (S.C.) News Jan.4, 1993 KANSAN STAFF GREG FARMER Editor GAYLE OSTERBERG Managing editor TOM EBLEN General manager, news adviser BILL SKEET, Technology coordinator Editors Asst. Managing ... Justin Knupp News ... Monique Guadalain David Mitchell Editorial ... Stephen Martinino Campus ... KC Tracer Sports ... Mark Rowlands Photo ... Mark Rowlands Features ... Lynna McAdoo Graphics ... Dan Schaefer Wire ... Tiffany Laash Hurt Assoc. Editorial ... Chris Moeller Assoc. Campus ... Joe Harder Asst. Campus ... Christina Luau Assoc. Sports ... David Bartoski Reporters Vicki Bode ... Mark Button Jess DeKaven ... David Dorsey Dan England ... Ben Grove Will Lewi Tertilyn McConnell Brady Prausner Jim Reece Brett Riggs Angela Scira Todd Siefford Blake Spurney Jay Williams Era Wolfe Scott Anderson Copy Chiefs Shelly Solon Heather Anderson Copy Editors J.R. Claiborn Allemann Estrada John Fogel Kristi Fogler Kevin Furlong Nikky Greenwald Karen Hadley Joe Harder Thirteenth Lahai Hill Noelle Kastena Christine Laue Allison Lapport Tim Manka Stacy Mortford Conny Shingo Tracy Ritchie. Julie Wasson Jay Williams Andrew Arnone Photographers Jason Aud Kim Buche Kip Chin Richard Devineh Katy Dracosli Doug Hensez Jason Hyman Renée Knoeber Paul Rutt Irene Lanor Rachel Thompson Patrick Tempkins Dave Campbell Graphics Artista Katherine Manweller Andrew Hedges Designers Desek Nolan Erin Fagarty Katherine Mannweiler Derek Nolen Jule Wasson STEVE PERRY Business manager MELISSA TATERL Retail sales manager JEANNE HINES Sales and marketing adviser BILL THOMAS Production Business Staff Campus sales mgr ... Brad Breon Regional Sales mgr ... Wade Baxter National sales mgr ... Jennifer Perrier Co-up sales mgr ... Ashley Hesel Production mgrs ... Amy Stumbo Marketing manager ... Ashley Longhill Marketing director ... Angela Clevenger Creative director ... Holly Perry Classified mgr ... Jill Terry Special Functions ... Blythe Fucht Promotions ... Mark Donnikh Classified Assistant ... Laura Guth Jennifer Blowey Laura Managers Kim Brown Amy Casney Laura Managers Jodi Cole Simon Connolly Retail Account Executives Linda Boedeker ... Tricia Bumpur Kate Burgess ... Ken Cole Jason Eberly ... Jennifer Evenson Justin Garberg ... Stephine Greenwood Josh Hahn ... Tammie Johnson Allison Kaplan ... Sue Kratty Robin King ... Jessica Lenard Stuart McConnell ... Mike Murray Karl Rathbun ... Ed Schager Janet Sears ... Judith Standley Gretchen Van Hoft Campus Account Executives Rebecca Borenow Kristy Enlow Christina Rank Rina Manka Rouen Manka Nicole Abbott Jennifer Lalri Cathy McWilliams Troy Tawarley