ND1
Opinion
Page 4 University Daily Kansan, December 4,1981
Down to the wire
It's that time of the semester again, the time when all students, not just journalism ones, do their best work under deadline pressure. We become experts in the art of "pulling things out at the last minute"—final projects, papers, entire course grades.
But this art can also be carried over into athletics, as the KU Jayhawks have demonstrated in their first two home basketball games. Talk about squeakers.
On Monday night, KU beat Arizona State with a shot taken at the gun. Of course, some people said that it should have been after the gun, or that those final three seconds were some of the longest on record. But the decision of the officials is what counts: at least they are on our side.
And on Wednesday night, the Jayhawks again had the home-court advantage when they took on Texas Southern. KU won that game in the final seconds after a technical foul for "lack of action"—was called on Texas.
The Texas Southern coach said he had
never seen that call in college basketball.
No wonder his team didn't win. If you want to specialize in pulling things out at the last minute, you have to know all the ins and outs.
At any rate, the Jayhawks have shown that getting things done in the crunch is not always a bad way to go. One wonders if this is to be the team's strategy for the entire season, or if it's something that works only at this particular time of year.
Timing is everything, after all. If the players, like other students, weren't already into the swing of making last-ditch efforts, they might not be able to pull off those close victories.
But tomorrow night, the Jayhawks may be able to show us whether the "pulling- things-out" technique is truly viable. Michigan State will be in town, and that Big 10 team is expected to play a tough, physical game.
Can "pulling things out" ever be altered to simply "pulling out"?
Little pieces of 'good life' help ease daily drudgeries
Negative. After reviewing my comments from these past few months, I can understand why Kanans readers might use that word to describe my philosophies and opinions.
However, contrary to what many may have concluded from skimming my columns, I do not believe that all is wrong with the world. Nor do I contend that modern man is a slimy, egocentric, insensitive species, destined to self-inflicted destruction.
In actuality, I realize that the world isn't really a bad place to live, thanks to the presence of mankind. In other words, I'm a hopeless romantic, in love with life and clinging to the most unrealistic, simple-minded,
dreamwork notion that the species Homo sapiens
CORAL BEACH
It is this bliss and unlying faith in the basic goodness of man that keeps me going through all of the budget cuts, red tape and stale Fruit Loops that make up the daily routine of life.
In the face of poverty, inflation and disaster, volunteers from Goodwill and the Red Cross are there to ease the suffering a little bit. True, there are never enough volunteers or donations, but the mere fact that even one person carrs makes the ever-depressing 6:00 evening news a little easier to take.
My idealistic views of humanity, however,
are tempered with a slightly suspicious,
cynical nature, thanks to what the
psychologists call "real life" experiences.
"Real life," reality, Lonny Tunville, or however you prefer to refer to it, has not totally washed out my hopes for the good life. It has just dampened them a little. The real life is far more of a blessing than not, to criticism rather than compliment. Thus the predominately negative, life-only-looks-brease-by-bleedshot-eyes tone of my previous columns.
But the good life is definitely out there some where, in a variety of forms. Glimpses of it zap through the drudgery from time to time. Every time a student crosses an international boundary as part of an exchange program, the good life of global tolerance and peace whittews away a little more of the international drudgery.
Every time a piece of human rights legislation—not women's or minority rights, but truly nondiscriminatory human rights—is passed, the good life of freedom chilks away from the abundance of the drudgerys of human bondage and the mental anguish of discrimination.
Not only effective on a world-wide scope, the good life zaps through at the individual level as well. Pity that it is often not recognized, nurtured and revaed in as it should to achieve maximum effectiveness in combating the druidrieers of Europe. But we can benefit from the places of our shifting lives to appreciate the bits of the good life that flash through our days.
Commonly missed good-life zaps are usually the little things that are taken for granted when present, but immediately noticed when absent. At this time of year, with emotions not yet recovered from the Thanksgiving holiday and already starting that climb toward the fever pitch of Christmas, it's easy to miss the little zaps that make life look rosy without being seen through bloodshot eyes.
Remember that special ornament you always put on the Christmas tree? What about that ridiculous stocking that Mom still insists you buy up? How about the look on your niece's face she opens her packages and sees the Kermit the Frog you got her? Isn't there a family tradition of egggong on New Year's Eve?
The list of seasonal good-life zaps is as limitless as it is individual for each person. The important thing to remember is that the zaps are there, now and all year long. The good-life zaps might not be very big, but they will eventually win out, and continual, and will eventually win out.
European protests not anti-American
By MICHIEL BICKER CAARTEN
New York Times Special Feature
NEW YORK—If there is one conclusion that should be drawn from the ongoing series of peace demonstrations in Europe, it is that they do not express a new wave of anti-Americanism. Even the sweeping explanation of "pacifism and neutralism" seems too easy.
Let's set a few things straight first. To begin with, despite the existence of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Economic Community, there is no such thing as a strong undercurrent in West Germany, that does not have to hold true for Italy as well.
Second, neutralism and pacifism are not the same thing, and they do not necessarily go together. Polls "in Britain, Belgium, the United States, Canada" indicate similarly show that the majority of these people want to stay within NATO. The Dutch are even more explicit: When asked if they would resist a Soviet invasion – if they would rather be red than dead—a stable share of those interviewed死而不屈. In rejecting American nuclear weapons, the demonstrators are not embracing Soviet ideals.
Third, a demonstration is a messy thing. Third of people show up to join the walk.
especially on a daily day. The national motto of the European countries have attracted genuine pacifists but also ban-the-bombers (most notably in Britain); members of the political parties that have organized rallies (for example, the Green Party in West Germany); environmentalists; opponents of any form of nuclear power, peaceful or military; and church members. And, sure enough, anti-Americans; they have brought their banners to the battlefield, and it is these banners that carry our eye in the air. But Americanophones have always been part of every European society, and they do not dominate the marches—they simply have found a new refuge.
This is not to ridicule the motives of any protesters; it is to show that those attending mass gatherings are never present for a single event, and therefore very easy to draw the verse conclusions.
Still, all these people have joined the march. What has brought them together today that a
For one thing, the decision about whether to deploy nuclear missiles is drawing closer. West Germany already has more nuclear warheads per square mile than any other country in the world, and is to deploy new ones in 1983. The United States also uses atomic weapons coming their way for the first time.
bombs are ready for use, and in the White House sits a man who seems able to live with the thought that these horrible things will one day actually be used. President Reagan's proposal last week for reduction of nuclear weapons, in Europe was encouraging, but it will take more time to realize what the image of belligerence that his administration has built on over the last nine months.
Another reason is Ronald Reagan. Nuclear
So it is anti-Americanism, after all? No, it is not.
People have become anxious, and are shaking trembling fists. But at whatWho? Who will listen? Not Moscow. Those enigmatic dances on the balcony of the Kremlin remind us slowly to the noises coming from across the border.
If people shout at the United States, it is because only the United States might listen! If this shouting strains the Western alliance, it is because they are on the Western European countries are members.
Relations between the United States and its European allies will only deteriorate further if Americans continue to misinterpret the criticism being voiced in Europe. It is not simply anti-Americanism, but rather a confused cacophony of concern, with overtones of pacifism, intended to be heard by both superpowers.
(Michiel Bicker Coanent is a Dutch journalist working in the United States.)
Letters to the Editor
Greeks, minorities must work together
To the Editor:
I am writing in response to the Kansan series dealing with racial discrimination in the Greek economy.
The series was less than outstanding, Mr. Miller. Feeble will be a more fit description. The Kansan has pointed out a rather obvious problem that we have at this University. I will
Pot Shots
All this business about Nancy Reagan's White House renovations, china and tablecloths is really getting disgusting! First, Mrs. Reagan announces to the world
that the White House is in a pathetic shambles and that she would be willing to accept whatever advice
They've come close, though. While passing through Cincinnati Monday, President Reagan decided he wanted to eat pizza. So presidential aid Ed Rogers ordered 40 pizzas (about $400) from a local pizza place and requested that they be donated.
The White House is turning into a charity case! Fortunately, White House aides have been helping with the fundraiser.
This may be the new role Reagan expects the "private sector" to play, but personally, I think the whole situation is embarrassing. If we want to be able to sagging image abroad, perhaps he should consider the image a White House on welfare is going to conjure up.
Then she lets everybody know that the White House china doesn't match and is otherwise unsuitable for serving guests of those occasions were requested to replace the china too.
Next thing you know, Mrs. Reagan's social secretary Muffy Brandon is advertising the fact that the White House tablecloths are made from plywood, as apparently in hopes of getting more donations.
Starting on a long drive directly after finals has the same effect on the mind as a sudden drop in temperature has on the body: a disturbing state of shock sets in.
Now when, with 10 miles behind you and ten hundred more still left to travel, your mind asks, “Are we there yet?” the state of shock begins: The mind is not going to behave itself, or be confused, times it is best to have pouchers, or mental animal crackers, to feed the mind. Think about:
Having spent more than two straight weeks in bookish bondage, the mind is suddenly let loose on the highway and, like an old horse put to pasture, is told that its services will not be
- How when you made this drive as a child, it seemed unbelievably long. But now that you are older and living in a smaller world, it still seems unbelievably long.
- How the cow by that pond hasn't moved since last you drove by.
- How sweet water will seem if you boycott all bathrooms along the way.
- How all the answers that hid from you during finals now seem so apparent.
- How the trio of famous Xmas travelers must have been wise, there being so much more time to meditate when riding by camel.
- How, regardless of the number of things you learn, long drives are marked by short ones.*
***
Most students who ride buses to their hometowns after finals probably will remember to travel light. But some will forget to travel legally. To help those forgetful students, the following is a partial list of items the Trailways and Greyhound companies say cannot be carried on buses:
Bull semen.
Insects,live.
Poisons.
Acids. Poisons.
Ashes of cremated corpses
Liquor. Cerveas
Neon signs Rait live
Animals or pets, including live poultry, fish,
reedling or snakes.
Motion picture films
Liquid, flammable
Liquids, flammable Fireworks
readily admit that discrimination does exist, to an extent, in fraternities as well as sororites.
Fireworks.
Animal heads Wild game
Radioactive materials
Travelers who remember the above list are virtually guaranteed to have safe—and odor-free accommodations.
However, my question to the Kansan is why this series did not offer any type of constructive solutions to this problem of racial discrimination instead of rubbing the Greek name in it.
Consider, for example, a forum composed of representatives from the Black Student Union, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic. This council could possibly discuss issues, such as methods available to offer support and encouragement to blacks interested in Greek rush. Another option for this group is the committee of a dinner exchange between black living groups and Greek living groups. The possibilities are endless once a panel of concerned students is brought together.
I would like to propose a challenge to both Greek and minority students to disallow this series or stories to instill even minimal anger or bitterness within us. We must communicate freely and work together to achieve greater levels of desegregation.
Blacks and other minorities must try to understand that many Greek houses were born over a century ago. Some were founded in the South and the majority are steeped in tradition. Traditional barriers will not easily be broken, but they may be made easier. The Greek system is a selective one. No matter what race you belong to, you will not be guaranteed a position in any house.
In return, Greeks must realize that there are blacks and other minority students interested in joining Greek school. We would be a black woman in to be in my house?" We would a black want to be in my house?" We have a severely narrow mind. Being a Greek can be a rich and rewarding experience that should be shared by men and women of all
Mark McClanahan
Former Interfraternity Council president
To the Editor:
Post-election reflection
Well, the Student Senate elections are over, but I guess the fanfare wouldn't truly be concluded without a letter of sour grapes from the losing candidate. Here it is.
Steps must be taken in future elections to assure that no one coalition has access to the ballots before the polls have closed, according to the Groncho Marx Coalition, they railed a last-ditch
voter drive under the impression that the Working Alternative was out of the race, and that if all living groups didn't turn out and vote, a KU student government would cease to exist.
I don't think this hurt our coalition, but it was fatal to Loren Busch. Undecided voters were told it was a two-way race, and that a vote for Loren would be waived. After the time and effort Loren spent trying to create student interest, this was a cheap and vengeful shot by the powers that be.
As long as we're on the subject of election irregularities, why were the press and representatives from two of the coitions barred from the counting of the ballots? Perhaps we ought to again turn to the omnipresent Perspective clan for an explanation.
And finally, why not do away with the tired old tradition of awarding the victory to the candidate with the most votes? Instead, in the spirit of Reaganomics' why not declare the candidate who ran the most cost-effective campaign the winner? As I figure it, we received 60 votes per one dollar spent. Adkins' ration was 2:1. I'm not sure which way.
David, I have no reason to doubt you are an unreasonable man, but if you change your mind, I'll be in KC over the Christmas break. You can mail me the key to the president's office.
David E. Phillips
David E. Phillips
Presidential candidate
Groucho Marx Coalition
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