Opinion
Page 4 University Daily Kansan, January 27, 1982
Deceptively simple
There were few surprises in President Reagan's State of the Union address last night—for those who didn't listen closely.
The words in the president's speech were words he had used before;
Tax cuts are good.
High interest rates are bad.
Government spending is too high.
Prosperity is just around the corner
As usual, Reagan defended high defense spending and recommended getting tough with the Ruskies, a.k.a., the Forces of Oppression.
Oppression. (This particular statement may have been injudicious. Secretary of State Alexander Haig this week engaged in talks with Andrei Gromyko, the Ruskie foreign minister.)
But, in addition to making fairly predictable statements, the president last night outlined changes in the social welfare system that even his opponents have called revolutionary.
For one thing, Reagan called for an additional $63 billion cut in social programs during the next four years. But he assured his national audience that the cuts would not harm the Social Security system.
But more importantly, Reagan suggested that the federal government turn over control of about 40 programs—most in social welfare—to states and cities.
In exchange, the government would take over the Medicaid program and establish a trust fund to help support other programs during the 10-year transition.
The plan sounds feasible, but there are at least two unanswered questions:
Can states handle the extra burden?
Reagan's plan unloads one of the nation's most complex problems—how to feed and clothe the poor—on the relatively unequipped state and local governments.
And, will states handle the burden?
Predominantly-white state legislators in Mississippi probably would not be very generous in caring for the poor in their predominantly-black state.
Of course, other states might establish more generous and human welfare programs. But those states could soon be flooded by underprivileged people from neighboring states.
In the 19th century, states' rights plans like Reagan's were effective. States were more autonomous.
But now, modern transportation makes it easy for people to cross state lines. And poverty ignores man-made boundaries.
At the end of his speech, Reagan was given a standing ovation, and he was thronged by dark-suited, Republican stalwarts.
"Great job. Go get 'em," one lawmaker said after pressing the president's hand.
The scene was rousing, but it could help obscure the fact the President Reagan is setting out to overturn ideals of social responsibility that have existed since Franklin Delano Roosevelt first proposed his New Deal.
Reagan is not a simple man. The references to God and country in his speech probably were calculated to win applause.
And Reagan's latest proposals are not simple, either.
If the plan succeeds, it just might save the country some money. As worried Democrats said after last night's speech, the "new federalism" plan is bold and revolutionary.
But if the plan fails, we might have to worry what the counter-revolution will be like.
Textbook prices too steep for KU students to stomach
"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed and
What Francis Bacon really meant, I bought to myself as I stood in line to return a textbook at the bookstore, is that considering the price of books today, you should be able to eat them as
A poke on the shoulder interrupted my philosophical thoughts. Started, I turned around to find my old friend Paul loaded down with an armful of books.
Paul let out a long, low, respectful whistle
"Paul, good to see you." I said warmly, but my thoughts quickly returned to why I was standing in line. "Would you believe the bookstore listed this book as being required for my course when it was taught?" the teacher tautly said that the book would be helpful but not a mandatory. I can do without $20 help."
CHRIS COBLER
"That's pretty slick, the old squeeze play between money and learning. You're either broke or ignorant."
You look like you are opting for ignorance in a big way," I said, pointing to his stack of books. Immediately, I regretted what I had said because I could tell had I struck a nerve.
"I have no other choice," he said, clenching his fists. "Every time I turn around, the bookstore raises the prices of books. Soon, books will cost more than tuition."
"Wait a minute, Paul. The book publishers determine the prices, not the bookstore."
"Yea, and what's the price of potatoes in Boomsbury. Know, known prices keep going up in these years," she said.
"The prices go up so fast that the bookstore constantly struggles to keep an updated list. Even as we speak, the prices may be going up." I thanked. But Paul kept talking.
"Think about these prices. Interested in biology? Try $2.50 for two books for the human anatomy dissection laboratory. Like civil engineering, try $1.50 for structural design! Don't ask about II."
"So you want to be a pharmacy student? You better want to pay $5 for 'Remington's Pharmaceutical Science.' Or history? They want $31.50 for 'The Struggle for Asia 1828-1914.' You probably could have bought Asia for $31.50 in 1828."
I winced. But Paul shifted his books to his other arm.
I could tell Paul was slipping fast. To placate him, I said, "You're right. Book prices are outrageous. But what can you do? You have to accept them."
"I can't," Paul said. "Reagan arranged it so that I don't qualify for a guaranteed student loan because I work in the military."
"But he really did me a favor. I'm a part of the private sector, and the private sector has to learn to stand on its feet. Now that the government is funding education for education, I've had to learn to make do."
"But, Paul." I protested, "how are you going to buy books?"
Paul leaned closer. "That's the beauty of Reaganomics. It tests the ingenuity of the private sector. My cost-saving move is to not buy any books this semester."
Oh no, I thought, too late. Another college student off the degen end.
The concern on my face must have shown because Paul said, "It's the only logical response. A small businessman doesn't buy overpriced products, and neither do I."
"Actually, it's our duty for all of us to respond in this way. The law of supply and demand tells us that if we don't buy any books, the prices must come down."
Paul slammed his fist onto his books. "Think, man. Only take courses that don't require texts or courses that have required texts available in the library or in a reading room.
"We're going to have to be innovative and make sacrifices, but once we get the professors' cooperation, it will work. Now professors are requiring too many books, too many books."
"I look, Paul, prices never come down. And besides, what are we supposed to do while we
Just when I thought I could take no more, my turn in line came. As I hastened to make my escape, Paul yelled after me. "This isn't just my idea, you know. I got it from Western Civ; the book had a sack of books. You knew. He wrote. The multitude of books is making us ignorant."
KANSAN
USPS 5046-44) Published at the University of Kansas daily August through May and Monday and Thursday during June and July except Saturday. Summer courses are held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., February 7 at $1 a year in Douglas County and $8 for six months or $8 outside the county. Student subscriptions are @ 8 a.m. session with the student activity fee. Postmaster: Send changes of address to the University Daily Kannan, Fint Hall, The University of Kansas.
Editor Business Manager
Vanessa Herron Nataline Jude
Managing Editor Trevor Hamilton
Editorial Editor Karen Schluter
Campus Editor Gene George
Additional Campus Editors Joe Rebein Honor George
Assignment Editor Steve Holdrin
Sports Editor Ken Haggittrom
Financial Sales Manager Amel Mankower
National Sales Manager Howard Shalinkov
Campus Sales Manager Werry Joel
Classified Manager Sharon Bodin
Production Manager Larry Jellybengdon
Sales and Marketing Advisor John German
General Manager and News Advisor Rick Munzer
For Santos 181
Leaving KU makes economic sense
While I was waiting the other day to tell my macro professor why I was dropping his class, I eavesdropped on the conversation of two economics professors.
One was explaining to the other why he was thinking of retiring early after only 13 years.
"I was lecturing by Econ 104 principles class and I was trying to give a concrete example of the difference between real inference and machine learning," she said the professors who was ready to retire.
"It it's usually so hard to get it through their heads—most of them are English majors."
"So it's tough to teach liberal arts students a course of study in professor said. "Is that any reason to stop teaching?"
demand curve, another student chimed in 'Oh
curve,' note the student—that's just common
metas. "the professors."
"I picked faculty salaries as the example."
The other professor shudded. "I tried to accrue my income to the rate of inflation once.
I've set the price of corn as an example ever since."
'But I thought you already knew there was the thing as real income for KU professor.
The student said the other schools paid about $2,400 more than KU, but smart professors went where they knew they'd get a better deal.
“That’s just the beginning,” the first
question I ever tried to explain the
theory of competition.
Then the professor tried to defend himself
One of the professor's students had raised her hand and asked whether the 117 professors who left KU for other jobs during their years had anything to do with competition.
"But before I could draw a supply and
TERESA
RIORDAN
by explaining alternative cost benefits. But that didn't wash.
"Alternative cost benefits?" one student asked. "How do you get $2,400 worth of satisfaction from standing up all day long in front of a chalkboard?"
"Yeeh," said the first student, "tell us about the role of self interest. Didn't you say the underlying role of capitalism? If all they are there are any professors at all left at KI?"
"I mumbled something about altruistic motives, but I could tell they didn't buy it," the professor said. "I was beginning to lose faith myself."
One of the students said he had a concrete example of self interest.
"I know an assistant professor of mechanical engineering who left the drudgery of long hours of grading papers for a job that required 6 job in the private sector," the student said.
"Yeh, but did he have to take a pay cut, asked the professor.
let the professor.
"No, his salary jumped $70,000 a year."
"Wow, that's self interest," said another student.
"I just stood there without saying a word,
but there were any openings, left,
the professor saw."
"Finally a voice from the back of the room broke the silence and gave me some con-
versation."
"Don't be so hard on him," he said. "He's great at theory. Besides, if the legislature, which is responsible for his subsistence-level understanding, understand, how can you expect him to do?"
"KU wouldn't be a better-than-average school at a better-than-average price if it weren't for professors like him who get worse-than-average pay."
work-about-this.com
The second professor sighed with relief.
"See, you can't retire early. They need pigeons, I mean professors like us."
"I guess you're right."
"Besides, if I did retire, I'd have to figure out the real income of my retirement benefits. It might be impossible," she said.
Letters to the Editor
To the Editor:
Attacks on KU Greek system nothing new
Because they represent respect for tradition, group loyalty and early Christian ideals, concepts that are ignored or even ridiculed today, fraternities and sororites have sometimes come under criticism from certain segments of the University community.
Recently, the most serious attack on the Greek system at the University of Kansas has come from those charging the fraternity and sorority system with discrimination in three-part, front-page series, the University Daily Kanese used insinuations, misquotes and hearsey to exploit isolated incidents that allegedly occurred several years before. The articles portrayed students in Greek housing as blatant, frowning-at-the-mouth raits, a portrayal as unfair as it is
These不fortunate examples of sensationalism led to action by State Rep. Norm Justice, R-Kansas City, Kan. to call for the suspension of the salaries of fraternity and sorority advisers, action which if taken would do nothing to resolve the problem that Justice believes exists.
It is easy and often convenient to propose that any racial segregation in a given institution is due to white racism. What is often overlooked is that this segregation may be totally self-imposed, the result of different interests, values and needs of those involved, and the desire of individuals to achieve their personal potential by entering into the more familiar backgrounds. The latter idea is the more plausible explanation of segregation in any institution, including the Greek system at KU.
Contrary to what some would wish to believe, members of white fraternities and sororites are not potential candidates for Klan memberships. The fact that many white Greek houses have or have had minorities as members should be reassessed in terms of charges of racism on the part of the Greek system.
in regard to Justice's charges, it is hoped that any investigation resulting from his actions would include all fraternities, not merely those of predominately one skin color. It is indeed unfortunate that a state representative would wish to destroy the fraternity system at this University (as evidenced by his quote: "I'd like to see their butts kicked off campus.").
The Greek system has been a beneficial part of the University for one hundred years. It has survived whatever these years have brought, including the turmill of the 60s. It will certainly weather the hysterical rattings of a publicity-monering politician.
David C. Canaday,
Salina senior
Don't jeer, cheer
To the Editor:
the Big Eight basketball race heats up,
feelings will no doubt be running high, and the
John Michel,
vocal expression of these feelings at the game is included in the price of a ticket.
Instead of the no-class booing during the introductions of the visiting team, how 'bout chanting "Jayahawks" with the group of students who sit behind the KU bench. Booing the opposition does at least two things. First, it gets the opponents hyped and determined to shove the boos down the throats of the boers. Second, it labels the boer as an imaginative individual who is unable to devise a more positive outlet for his emotion.
If you must boo, save it for those who deserve it—most those funny-looking little people in striped shirts who run around capriciously in the halls. Cheer the 'Hawks and immerse the visitors.
John Michel, professor of speech and drama
To the Editor:
()
I come from a suburb of Chicago where I grew up reading books about characters who lived in towns like Lawrence. People live in neat, old houses set back in nicely landscaped yards. Streets are named after the states of the union. Not randomly named, but in the order that they were admitted to the union to provide a little history lesson when you look up an address.
Great place to live
I don't want to talk about the state of the economy, harm to the environment or the 100 ways we waste energy every day. Disregarding that is one of the most important ways I like to say I am. I glad to be in Lawrence.
Up on the hill of the town sits a beautiful campus crowning the river valley with all of the academic ideals our western culture emulates. Grounds people take immense pride in making their college and university stand hard in the spring, people walk across campus and through the town's streets in emoriah.
In the suburb where I grew up, the last dimentore vanished about ten years ago. People shop in enclosed malls that are far from downtown so that local business has become virtually bankrupt. Neighbors know each other's names because they are printed on the mailbox next to
theirs, not because they have an opportunity to meet with who their neighbors are and what they may learn from it.
To ride your bike or walk downtown would mean steering clear of main streets congested with heavy traffic and semi-trucks transporting industrial goods to nearby industrial places. Most of all, the sky is not nearly as blue, and the sun never shines as it does in Lawrence.
When I return home to the suburbs for Christmas vacation and am bombarded by all of the really awful crime, murder and violence that people routinely put up with and accept as part of their daily life, I can't help but be appalled. After my initial shock, I start longing for a place removed from the chaotic mess of a big city and the over-commercialization of our mental tenderness and hope that it is not just a town in a book I read as a kid, but a place I can return to when I want to forget about all of the unhappy and bitter times most people in the world have to face.
To the Editor :
Weeding out trash
I don't know much about Jerry Falwell, but as for censoring of books, it is, within reason, part of a stable society. Morality requires it. (Don't snicker, each one you of has a standard of morality, though I might not agree with the height of your particular fences.)
Books and other writings, if utterly uncontrolled, would include not only incoherent drab ramblings, but also a flood of revolting words; they would make toilet-stall graditi smell like roses.
Kathy Doughty, Lawrence junior
There really are things more sickening than garbage.
No society operates long without restraints. The real issue is not whether to censor, but rather, WHO shall censor, and to what degree. Tough job!
Ira Bond, electrician, facilities operations
Letters Policy
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 Kansas reserves the right to edit or reject letters.