Page 4 Opinion University Daily Kansan, June 17, 1983 Ride blasts gender gap Tomorrow, the United States catches up with the Russians. Barring an unforeseen mechanical problems or bad weather, Challenger, the U.S.'s sixth shuttle flight, will blast off. On board will be the first American woman in space — Sally Ride. Although the Soviets first put a woman in space 20 years ago, the act was purely symbolic. Valentina Tereshkova was a textile-mill worker and had no knowledge of the intricacies of a space ship. The media have delighted in this new and interesting precedent. Eager to interview Ride, reporters have put forth such thought-provoking questions to the female astronaut as will she cry at blastoff? How will she handle her menstrual cycle in space? How will she handle going to the bathroom on board the shuffle? Does she plan to have children? These questions have nothing to do with how she will perform her duties as a mission specialist. Ride has become disgusted with the pre-flight publicity, but has handled such questions with forthright answers and grace. Ride is part of a continuing stream of women who are showing that being female should not be detrimental to entering any field of interest. It has become the norm for women in unusual job specialties to become front-page news. While it should be acknowledged that women are making strides into non-traditional fields, they should be treated with the same accord as the men who have gone before them. Women will be watched closely any time they enter a male-dominated field. But success or failure should reflect on the individual, not on the gender. To the crew of Challenger we wish them a safe and fulfilling trip. To Sally Ride, we say good luck in handling the press. Reagan mending fences Rv HELEN THOMAS United Press International WASHINGTON — It's fence-mending time at the White House with blacks, women and hispanics. In recent days, President Reagan's top aides have moved to shore up his suging support among minority groups in view of the very large possibility that Reagan will run again. Reagan has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election and may not give the word until fall. But some of his strongest supporters such as Sen. Paul Lauxit, R-Nev., believe that if there is no announcement to the contrary by the Fourth District, he pretty certain the president will be a candidate. Reagan's polls in recent months show that he is not as popular with women as he is with men. His opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment has hurt him with with working women. He did not have the black vote in 1980, and not much has been done to enhance his image on that score since he came into office. On civil rights, the Reagan administration's Justice Department has slowed down enforcement in anti-discrimination cases. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights sailed earlier this week that it was "disappointed and concerned" that Reagan had not appointed more blacks, women and Hispanic Americans to full-time, high-level positions in the federal government. Using data provided by the White House, the panel said there had been "a sharp drop in appointment of blacks," down to 4.1 percent, compared to 12 percent in the Carter administration. The commission also said that 8 percent of Reagan's appointees were women compared to 12 percent by President Carter. "We are aggressively pursuing" the appointment of more women and blacks, deputy press secretary to Hillary Clinton. White House aides argue that Reagan has appointed 1,000 women, some 200 blacks and 130 hispanics to top policy-making positions. The most prominent women they cite are Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman to hold that position; Transportation Secretary Elizabeth Dole; and Health and Human Services Secretary Margaret Heckler. Heckler, who was an ERA advocate as a Massachusetts congresswoman, says she believes Reagan's record "is a good one. There's more to be done though, and will be done." Another woman in a key role in the administration is Jeanne Kirkpatrick, U.S. Navy, of United States Naval Base Guam. The White House seems to think the same thing. It had been assumed that Faith Whitneyse, who heads the public liaison office, would be put in charge of rounding up the female vote for Reagan, but her insistence that there is "no reason to look the political advisers want at this stage. As a result, deputy chief of staff Michael Goven has been put in charge of efforts to improve the quality of the air. Although Reagan has made some black appointees in the White House and has a black Cabinet secretary — Samuel Pierce of the Department of Housing and Urban development — none has high visibility or is a mover and a shaker. The president has made a number of Hispanic appointments, but their leaders do not feel there have been enough. Reagan aides admit they have their work cut out for them. In a May article in the Kansas City Times, Proposed rate hike may disconnect elderly Ma Bell is hanging up on the elderly these days. The AURH elections of several weeks ago are over and forgotten, but should they be forgotten? Here at KU we often seem to pass over those wispes of controversy that glide in and around Mount Oread throughout the year. The public spectacle of the AURH elections, however, should not become one of those wispes, but should be closely examined. Two elections aren't better than one In order to "restructure its rates and services," Ma has proposed a $213.7 million increase in its annual revenues from the state of Kansas. Elections, and the right to vote, have long been held sacred by followers of democratic ideals. Yet it is no secret that the "average" KU student does not exercise this right in student elections, or believe that his or her vote will make a difference in their career than in the AUHR elections of this spring. Clyde Chapman, of the Lawrence consumer affairs office, told me recently that, if the proposal was passed, many elderly citizens would be forced to discontinue telephone service. Four coalitions were running for the offices of AURH president and vice-president. In elections held March 7 and 8, the coalition of Alan Rowe and David Walker proved triumphant. The day following the election, several complaints were filed against this coalition by two other parties, charging various campaign violations including defrauding the university with a specified method of addressing this situation, the student elections committee of AURH met and decided that new elections should be held. A board of appeals, however, overruled this decision, stating that Rowe and Walker had been denied due process. Next, to get their fingers fully into the pie, the board then convened a new plea for a change in matters matter and, following deliberation, they concluded that new elections should be held. For those residents dependent on a fixed income, such as the elderly, the increase is even greater. Now, take a moment to study these two decisions. Obviously there was a reason why new Ma knows — and she isn't trying to hide the fact. "The elderly can't stand increases of any type," he said. "And the phone company is well aware that that is where it will be the most criticized." Don't let the word "restructure" fool you. Ma is asking for a rate increase — the biggest in Ma officials request that the proposal become effective January 1, 2014. This will increase average residential monthly charges across Kansas from $8.80 to about $21. Lawrence customers will face an average monthly rate increase from 8.90 to about $23.00. "The elderly on fixed incomes are already going to be hit with other utility increases, and this is going to be another problem they will have to face," he said. Alex Conchola, executive director of the Lawrence Senior Center, said recently that unless legislation was passed offering some type of free services to the great many will have to get rid of their phones." Edward Whitacre, vice president for Ma's Kansas operations, admitted that the increase could force some residents to discontinue service. "It would be naive if we suggested that no one would disconnect from the network." Whitacre unless provisions are made, will be forced to disconnect from Ma. Locally, action is being taken to aid those who. What Ma doesn't know is just how many people will hang up on her. WARREN BRIDGES Bell proposed the increase last May to the Kansas Corporation Commission. KCC officials say they will review the increase for six months and hope to come to a decision in January. Bell's rationale for the proposed increase in a 1982 court decision that divested Ma and the property of Bell is Bell officials have claimed that about $151 million of the increase is a direct result of the divestiture, and the remainder would be paid by Bell's shareholders. MCJ and AT&T, and, of course, Ms. customers. To soften the blow of the record-setting increase proposal, and to offer a Ma a fair shake, several options have been offered to residents who do not wish to pay the increase. The options, tithed the "economy," "thrift" and "budget" plans, all offer several different payment options available to customers. Despite these options, the fact remains that Ma is hoping to increase the cost of owning and running her home. And her hopes to do so are nothing new to Kansas customers, who less than a year ago Perhaps, with fairness and hope toward the elderly, the KCC will oppose the proposed legislation. Otherwise, the elderly of Kansas may be forced to hang up on Ma. The University Daily Kansan welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be typewritten, double-spaced and should not exceed 500 words. They should include the writer's name, address and phone number. If the writer is affiliated with the University, the letter should include his class and home town or faculty or staff position. The Kansan reserves the right to edit or reject letters. Letters Policy elections were sought. New elections are not called for on the basis of mere inundo and false accusation. While it was never publicly admitted by members of the administration's office, a few lawmakers oaken doors of some conference room that rules had been broken. This committee must have CHARLES LAWHORN acted in the spirit of forgive and forget, for they allowed Rowe and Walker to run again in the new elections. While the merits of this decision were mixed, it was important that those new elections is even more interesting. All four coaltions that ran in the first election now reified for their second shot at the top offices in the University residence hall system, and after the voices had been tallied, the coalition of students Remember the old saying "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" Unfortunately, it applies well to this situation. It would be convenient to blame the University administration for this faux pas, but the shoe does not fit, at least not this time. The administration placed the decision back into the hands of the students, where it belongs, and the students of the residence halls made that decision. Their decision was to elect, once again, Rowe and Walker. Surely, one must question the motives of those voters who placed the same duo in office again, by a vote margin greater than in the first election. What constitutes the informed voter today, and on what basis do student voters make the decisions that place other students in leadership positions within our University? These questions may remain unanswered, but as for the wisdom of their decision, we shall see. The University Daily KANSAN Editor Janet Murphy Kansan Telephone Numbers Newroom--684-4810 Business Office--684-4328 Jamie Sturpify Managing Editor Justin Abelson Editorial Editor Harry Mallin Campus Editor Rick Dulles Assistant Campus Editor Net Staffer Makeup Editor Elizabeth Pennis Wire Editor Sue Schmidt Staff Photographers Stephen Phillips, Steven Purcell, Steve Zaldoni Copy Chef Gene George Colourists Warren Bridges, Charles Lawborn Seema Siribor Seema Siribor Johanna Hulkman | Max Gehrels The University Daily Kannan (USP5 60-64) is published at the University of Kansas, 118 Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 6004, daily during the regular school year and Thursday during the summer session, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays, and final periods. Second class postage paid at Lawrence, Kan 6004. Subscriptions by mail are $1 for six months or $2 if you in Douglas County and $1 for six months or $3 if you in Douglas County and the student are active. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the University Daily Kannan, 118 Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 6004. Business Manager Laurie Samelson Lamie Cummings Retail/ Production Manager Bill Mather National/Back to School Coordinator Carl German Classified/Campus Manager Jessica Chattenden, Glenda Fugate, Retail Sales Representative Susie Chattenden, Glenda Fugate, Large Company Tim Lieman, Mitsie Reynolds, Tere McClangham Advertising Adviser John Oberna Legal Manager Mike Adams Mike Kautsch Well-told tale ignites fantasy By RUTH YOUNGBLOOD NEWTON, Mass. — While children revel in the enticements of video games and the exploits of Luke Skywalker, "Papa Shep" has found nothing ignites fantasy quite like a well-told tale. Education Todav The 77-year-old sage doesn't begin with, "Once upon a time," leave his characters living "happily ever after" or even resort to a storybook and pictures. "Like life, they're subject to surprises and changes," said Shepard Herman, sporting the fisherman's cap that signals he's off to another elementary school with a story. "I don't take the cap off," Herman said. "The children identify it with storytime." Each day the artist and retired salesman transforms a classroom into a world where marshmallow clouds abound with jellybean rainbows, and a girl named lishakable rides on magic carpets and whales, cavorts with pirates carpets and nestles in the arm of the Stature of Liberty. "Kids love to say Ishkahibble. There's no other name like it," he said of the character based on a Yiddish cartoon character of the 1920s. He replaced the young boy of the cartoon with a girl without race, age or specific physical characteristics. "That's up to the children," Herman said. "Each one has a different idea of what she looks like." Pictures the youngsters draw of Ishkabibble confirm Herman's intent. In some she is tail and thin, in others short and fat. Her hair is red, blond or brunette, and her skin is black, white and even covered with polka dots. "My stories are dialogues," Herman explained. "Iskhabibble has a different adventure each time I come to class. The input from the kids determines the plot." "Papa Sheep!" Papa Sheep!" yell the delighted i-graders at Angier Elementary School as Herman enters the room carrying his ukulele and a bag full of candy. After disentangling a child clutching his leg and another who jumped into his arms, Hermann sits with the youngsters gathered around and "Now where did we leave laikishabible off?" The children burst into chatter about the plight of Iskakbahi, last seen in a quarry over how much food they ate. The elephant flew up via propeller ears but can't fly down because of a dead battery, one "Well, how do you think Ishikabibble can get the elephant down?" Herman asks. "A giant slide," suggests a laughing youngster. Another proposal, an elevator, only to learn how hard it is to climb. Iskahibble comes to the rescue, as Herman describes her bouncing the elephant down from a tree. "We build the story together," Herman said. "The process teaches the children the meaning of fantasy, that nothing is impossible. They are totally involved in the contribution to the action."