Page 4
Opinion
University Daily Kansan, September 29, 1984
See and hear no evil
At least 60 people in Skidmore, Mo., and probably more, know who killed Kenneth McElroy on July 10. They know because they were outside the D&G Tavern, clustered around the pickup truck in which McElroy sat, when he was shot to death. But no one is saying anything.
Last Saturday, a Nodaway County grand jury announced that it could return no indictments in the case of the vigilante-style slaying of McEliroy, a 47-year-old man known to many as the town bully. McEliroy's wife testified that she saw the man who shot her husband, but not one of the dozens of people on the street that day came forward to back up her story. In effect, they all looked the other way.
McEllroy probably was a bully, and he almost assuredly was not a nice man. Among other things, he had been convicted of shooting a local grocer, and he was known for picking fights with various townspeople.
But one has to wonder how safe anybody is when a man can be gunned down in broad daylight, in view of a crowd of acquaintances, and his murder never solved. It sets, to say the least, a frightening precedent.
our judicial system is far from perfect, but it's the only organized means we have of policing ourselves, judging our peers and dolling out just punishments. If we forsake that system in favor of vigilantism, we will only be destroying ourselves.
The people who arranged or observed the murder of Ken McElroy probably thought they were doing the right thing by taking the law into their own hands. But then, groups like the Ku Klux Klan always think so, too.
'War on waste' newest game for generals at the Pentagon
By BRUCE FEIRSTEIN
New York Times Special Feature
NEW YORK—The Joint Chiefs of Staff had just returned from lunch and were feeling bloated. The generals and I were sitting in the Pentagon's war room playing Space Invaders on the giant radar screens.
"We're really taking a lot of flak from the press these days about military spending," began the General of the Army, feeding the radar screen another quarter. "Did you see what they said about our cost overruns in Time? I'll tell you, we're really getting killed out."
"I don't understand what's upsetting everybody," chimed in another general. "Who cares if the price of paper clips went from 15 cents to $7.50 each? We got the most technologically advanced paper clips money can buy, but we're not seeking radar. The Russians may have us out-numbered, but a single U.S. paper clip can do the job of 10 of theirs."
"That isn't the point," said an admiral after challenging anyone in the room to a round of Space Invaders for control of the Rapid Deployment Force. "We're going to have to do something to show Congress we're responsible adults. Otherwise we're sunk. No more money for aircraft carriers. No more MX. Or Stealth bomber, or Cruise missile."
"We could nukel the Senate Appropriations Committee," offered one attach.
"It's too messy. Unless we can use a neutron bomb."
"I've got it," someone shrieked. "Why don't we declare war on waste! We could even fund a waste collection."
Quick as you can say "billion-dollar budget," the joint OJBS seized upon the idea.
"it must be air-based," said an Air Force
plane, and "And a special fleet
of planes for transportation."
"Wrong," said the admiral. "It's going to be sea-based. Which means it also needs sonar. And short takeoff and landing capabilities."
"That's all fine for you guys," snapped a Marine. "But we're going to want an entirely different model built to our own specifications."
"Stop," I said, interrupting a serious game of Space Invaders. "Why don't you hire my Uncle Steve? He's a CPA from New Rochelle, New York. He'd make a terrific job." He pointed to a desk he go over budget—whann! He pulls those Bac-Os right out of the cart. And he's only $30 an hour."
"You don't understand. We'll have to spend millions to make people think we're serious. We'll commission a study from Rand."
"And IBM."
"And we'll have to charter a plane to bring in a group from Stanford."
"My uncle would take the Eastern shuttle. And he'd let you keep the half-fare coupons to California. Maybe the president could use them."
The Joint Chiefs were not impressed.
"Sorry," said the General of the Army. "By
him, I have anybody figured out what this is
being told us."
"$100 million."
$200 million.
" "$300 million."
"How about $30 an hour? He'd probably pay for himself in no time."
for the information in this section.
The generals were sullen. The system was too expensive. They returned to Space Invaders—and contemplating possible alternatives.
"What about nuking the House?"
"Or start a small war.
"What about my uncle?"
What about my tasks:
The General of the Army looked at me and shrugged his shoulders, but as I walked toward the door he called after me:
"Hey kid, got another quarter? Let's play the game again."
(Bruce Feirstein is a journalist and screenwriter who lives in New York City.)
KANSAN
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On any given day, between 15 and 20 dogs can be found on the University of Kansas
I know there are usually that many, and sometimes more, because I've been counting them for two weeks. And rain or shine, there are dogs: tied to trees, wandering the sidewalks, moseying through buildings, lounging in front of doorsteps.
There have been a few reported instances of vicious or unfriendly dogs on campus, including one in which a growling dog that had been chained to a door at Snow Hill Animal Hospital entered the building. But as a whole, the dogs are both friendly and playful.
Few of these dogs are strays. Most are wearing collars and tags that clearly identify their breed.
Campus no place for canine capers
Considering this, it is difficult for some people to imagine the harm in allowing so
Nevertheless, at least four distinct reasons why dogs should not be allowed to roam free
many dogs to have their run, literally, of the camp.
REBECCA CHANEY
First: City ordinances known as leash laws would seem to prohibit it. Lawrence police strictly enforce the laws-designed to prevent bites, car accidents and unwanted pregnancy in females—in most parts of town. Campus police probably regard most dogs on the loose as harmless, and probably have more important things to do than chase them.
Whatever the reason, ordinances concerning roaming animals are loosely enforced.
Second: The dogs can be a danger to students and faculty. Despite the apparent playful nature of most of these animals, many would probably bite it provoked. Who would provoke a strange dog? Anyone could, particularly those who are unfamiliar with dogs, who just don't like dogs or who are stupid. And I would bet that there are quite a few students and faculty who could fit one or more of those descriptions.
In addition, KU is constant host to many visitors, including children who may be overly enthusiastic in greeting a great big, cuddly, strange dog.
Third: The presence of so many dogs on campus is a constant imposition on the University's department of facilities operations. Left to wander unattended, the dogs can chew or dig as they please, leaving droppings as they go. Someone has to clean up the mess, because the owner probably will not.
Scott C. Faust
Sales and Marketing Adviser...
General Manager and News Adviser
Many of these animals are not being admired or played with while their masters attend class. They are wandering across busy campus roads, where they may get hit or cause an accident. Or they are beaten to the ground and mistreated, especially if they have found their way to the entrance of Wescoe Cafeteria.
Last and most important to any dog lover:
Allowing a dog to spend entire days surrounded by strangers can only be thought of as cruel and inhumane treatment.
Of course, not all dogs are left free to wander. Some are tied or chained to various trees around campus. Anyone who has examined the shredded bark around the trunk of one of these trees, or the bare ground and unearthed roots that remained after dog and human attacks, may be contacted by a shredding owner, can attest to the damage these dogs are responsible for.
Here, the dogs turn into scavengers, pawing at pieces of trash that never made it to a garbage can or drooling in front of someone who is eating lunch. Foolish diners can be
seen handing out scraps that a dog would be off without it. Impatient diners can be seen hitting or kicking at the animals to keep them away.
Elsewhere on campus, the dogs are pelted with dirt and stones. If lying in front of an entrance, they are stepped on or kicked. Those that are tied to trees and bushes are treated just as badly or worse; they cannot escape the cruelties of unfeeling individuals.
Or course, the owners of these dogs are sure to be outraged by the idea that dogs do not belong on campus. They refuse to take responsibility for mistreatment of their dogs, saying, "I guess it says a lot about a person when he has to abuse helpless animals."
Such attitudes say much more about the person who would bring his pet into such an environment.
Some owners insist that it is better to bring a dog to campgrounds than bring a dog to the park, cooped up in an apartment.
In cases where those are the only alternatives, it might be better to have no pet at all.
Kansas missing benefits of severance tax
WASHINGTON-When political or regional jealousies take hold of a state legislature debating a crucial issue, folly is often the result.
One especially vivid example was the Kansas Legislature's decision last session to defeat the mineral production severance tax, a tax that would have been levied against energy companies that extract mineral resources within the state. As it turns out, our state has been one of the largest and legislators distainful of backing a plan proposed by Gov. John Carlin, have leopardized the state's economic stability.
That point was made clear recently by a Congressional Quarterly survey showing that half of the 50 states now face choppy financial waters, which are expected to get even rougher after the first round of President Reagan's budget cuts take effect.
Kansas was among those states that were bordering on being in economic trouble, and it was not. Kansas was not
One survey also included another, more interesting statistic. It seems that there are a few states in these hard times that are far from facing economic difficulty. In fact, these states are experiencing budgetary surpluses so they are officials fight over what to do with all the dough.
The reason for these apparent bonanza days in states whose neighbors are going bankrupt can be summed up in two words: severance tax.
There it is in a nutshell. Kansas, facing financial financial vetoes, vetoed the tax that would not oppress its residents, but would generate the capital to put the state solidly in the black.
necessarily in critical financial shape, but revenue from the proposed severance tax would help considerably in supporting a budget of $4 billion, or is expected to take over from the federal government.
The severance tax, designed primarily to finance highway maintenance and general education, would have put an 8 percent surcharge on the production of oil, natural gas and coal. As an alternative, those opposed to the tax hastily prepared a plan to raise the tax rate. Theirs was hardly a solution that would supplant all the benefits of the severance tax.
One of the central arguments against the gasoline tax is that it wouldn't begin to bring in
BRAD
STERTZ
the revenue that the severance tax could. Statistics have shown that people are driving less as the price of gas goes up, and they are not going to race each other to the pumps simply because a greater portion of the money they pay out will go to the state.
Moreover, opponents' criticism of the severance tax has centered on claims that it would put an unfair burden on state residents, particularly those who independently produce minerals. But tell me, how much more "fair" is raising the gasoline tax? How much more fair is it to tax all Kansas residents instead of the out-of-state mineral corporations that partake of the wealth of the Kansas prairie without returning any of the wealth to the state?
corporation abhorrence. Few of those residents from mineral-
producing areas who cried out against the tax could fully understand its ramifications. Some
These questions become increasingly poignant in light of the fact that under Carlin's proposed tax, the property owner of a mineral production site would be protected from paying the levy. The individual Kansan who leased the land to a corporation would not have to pay a cent.
And who was to blame for the misuse of that information, clarified the muddled information, but didn't
were so misinformed they thought the state was trying to take over their rights to production sites. Because so many people misunderstood the tax's effect on the state, the tax was doomed.
Local legislators, that's who. They were happy to see the bill fail for regional-rivalry reasons, as well as for their own advocacy.
It's interesting that the one man who most significantly worked against the tax was Senate President Ross Doyen, R-Concordia, who comes from a district with virtually no mineral production. So dismayed were his constituents at his opposition that even from his closest friends there was talk of withholding support in his next election bid.
Underneath the rhetoric, it was *Doyen* Doyen v. the severance tax, but Doyen v. Carlin and Doyen v. Wendell Lady, speaker of the house. In other words, it was a game of personal politics.
Consider the benefits Kansas is missing by not having a severance tax:
- In Alaska, the legislature adopted a plan to put severance-tax revenues into a fund and allow only the interest to be interest for yearly expenditures. In that mineral-rich state, the budget has gone from $1 billion to $6 billion in three years.
- In Montana, a state often cited in severance-tax discussions because Kansas power plants use Montana coal, such a tax has created enough revenue to allow for a $414 million tax cut, most of which was targeted for individual residents of the Big Sky state.
- New Mexico also was able to push through a massive tax cut—the largest in its history—because of a severance tax. New Mexico has increased money from income sales and property tax.
- And just south of Kansas' state border, Oklahoma's severance tax produced $810 million demand for housing.
And then there is Kansas, without a severance tax, but with a bumbling Legislature that is so intent on following the Reagan cue that it has missed the entire point of his plan, that is, to reduce the role of the federal government by giving more responsibility to the states. Now, the governor is rocking its budget and making it impossible for the state to adequately support its programs.
Isn't it about time for the Legislature to reevaluate its position on the severance tax and to throw off the petty differences that stand in the way of all, how could the residents of Kansas lose?
To avert financial problems, the severance tax needs to be passed next session. Now is the time to write it and be written lobbied for and presented in time to make it past the predictable Legislative dally-daling.