UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN editorials
Unsigned editors represent the opinion of the Kansan editorial staff. Signed columns represent the views of other editors.
NOVEMBER 2,1978
Fund energy research
The use and availability of future energy sources has become a major issue during this election season, and the call for increased research into solar energy has become a political standard.
Thankfully, though, it is not being left entirely to the whims of the politicians.
Solar researchers, funded through both private and government contracts, have reported tremendous success in discovering means of producing widespread, viable use of solar energy. Increasingly they are discovering new ways of reducing the high costs and low efficiencies that have prevented solar energy from gaining mass appeal.
WHILE THAT IS NOT, perhaps, the stuff of which dreams are made, it would be an important step toward making solar energy an attractive alternative to the other, more wasteful forms of energy currently available.
Studies performed by researchers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California indicate that it will soon be possible to produce solar-cell modules, which currently sell for around $9 per watt of output, for only $2 per watt.
wide scale—beyond its efficiency and cleanness—is that it holds the key for a decentralized distribution of power. Solar energy generated for individuals from windows and rooftops would break the current corporate stranglehold on energy resources. With solar power, everyone could get into the act.
FEW ISSUES SEEM to produce uniform agreement among politicians, but solar energy shows signs of having that effect. While various candidates have argued back and forth on the merits of nuclear power, there has been total agreement that further research into solar power is a necessity.
However, solar power is currently so often ignored and so seldom utilized that its political support is basically nothing but lip service. Being in favor of solar power is like being for motherhood—it's a safe and sure bet.
But the recent advances in solar energy research indicate that with a little help—as in more research funds–solar energy could be a vital part of this country's energy resources. The politicians who so easily mouthed their support for solar energy during their campaigns should remember that support when it comes time to parcel out research money.
Editor's note: The following was written, at the Kansan's invitation, in response to the Kansan's endorsement of Rep. Martha Keys in the 2nd District Congressional election.
Keys engages in deceptions
By BRUCE EMIRSEN
Campaign manager
Jeffries for Congress
One can't help but wonder how the University Daily Kanan could write and publish the editorial endorsing Martha Keys without feeling at least a little embarrassed.
Item: Key votes against congressional pay raises. Indeed she does. For political purposes, with a family income of $120,000 a year, she can afford it. But she votes for adoption of the House rules which gave her an increase in the minimum wage. She should spend much more on office expenses than any other member of the Kansas congressional delegation.
The limitation placed by the Kanan on this response does not permit a complete list of all the times Keys has voted to keep the government off her property and attitudes on government spending is to add the spending measures she voted for and the spending cuts she voted against, and compare that figure to those for other states of the Kansas Congressional delegation:
Item. Key votes for two percent spending cuts. Her advertising says she voted for every two percent spending cut. That is less than a percent spending cut for the Department of Health Education and Welfare. She voted for that cut, unless those cuts are in the defense budget.
Kevs----$992.9 billion.
Dian Glenckman—$582.5 million
Larry Winters—$69.1 million
Joe Skubitz—$583.8 million
Josh Hulshus—$292.9 million
Keys is by far the biggest supporter in the Kannas Congressional delegation, and her support for the Senate has been solid.
100m: Keys asserts in a public forum that she pays property taxes in Kansas and that makes her a Kansas. The records of the Riley County treasurer show that Keys paid $6.90 in Kansas property taxes this year. Her claim to be a taxpayer in Kansas,
Solbach sets the record straight
Editor's note: The following was written, at the Kansan's invitation, in response to the Kansan's endorsement of Ken Whitentg for election to the 45th legislative district.
I would like to set the record straight on my positions on death penalty, taxes and taxes.
By JOHN SOLBACH Democratic Candidate 45th Legislative District
Death penalty: Talking about the death penalty. I have mentioned three considerations, all of which I think would need to be simultaneously true before I would consider voting for a death penalty bill. There are two reasons for listing the considerations: it) explains some important reasons for not voting to kill; or it) presents a decision making process which a legislator should (with modification) put each proposal through.
than: 1) popular support, 2) constitutionality and 3) deterrence.
For example, is our system one that can make the right choice if we choose the death penalty as punishment? Are there chances for mistakes or caprice, and will capital punishment have a chilling effect on our decision about the death penalty unconscionable?
These concerns illustrate my position against the death penalty and my position that a legislator should obligate him or herself to look at issues openly and honestly. I believe that legislative entities throughness in getting facts, care and honesty in weighing alternatives.
Taxes and education: It would be absurd for anyone who has followed my campaign or who has known me to say that I have not consistently advocated to take taxes low or that I have not consistently strongly supported quality education at all levels. I am
very sensitive to the importance of keeping taxes low and I have advocated a statutory property tax lid. I am also sensitive to the fact that many voters in our 45th district want, need and are willing to pay for quality education at all levels.
It should be borne in mind that the legislature deals with more than 1,000 bills in each 3-month session. In choosing a representative, it is important to consider: 1) his or her a) knowledge of and sensitivity to issues; 2) willingness to work c) ability to get people to work together on good ideas d) willingness and ability to weigh each proposal or bill honestly and thoroughly and 2) whether the candidate has a value system compatible with making decisions which will protect citizens' rights; 3) improve the quality of life for the entire state.
Election '78
These are qualities which I would hope to bring to the State Legislature.
The general public does watch television debates, and Jeffries accepted an invitation issued Sept. 14 for an Oct. 30 debate on the topic of national security available to every radio and television
without disclosing that she paid only $6.90
can only be described as deceptive.
Tapergrant Congress has tried every approach to deal with inflation except the one Kennedy proved would work: cutting taxes. He is no longer dozed again.
It would have been preferable to write an editorial response that dealt with the merits of Jeffries' candidacy. But the Kansan chose to engage in untruths, distortions and misrepresentations. And those cannot go unchallenged.
Item: Keys has distributed a column to weekly newspapers asserting that she voted for the amendment in her hiring. In fact, she voted for an amendment which restricted veterans preference in civil service聘用, and against an amendment which restricted veteran preference as it is. She's being deceptive again.
Item. Keys complains that Jim Jeffries won't debate. That's a phony issue if ever there was one. During the Keys-Freeman campaign two years ago, there were a number of debates and a number of debates. They soaked up a lot of Ross Freeman's time. A challenger can't afford that. Most of the debates had audiences of fewer than 30 persons, and invariable the crowd comprised Freeman boosters and opponents. The general public ignored the debates.
**Item:** In her weekly column, published Aug. 10 in the Junction City Daily Union, Keys described President Jimmy Carter's tax bill as grossly unfair to the middle class: "The media had no way to explain she made television ads describing the bill as 'responsible.' Deceptive. Again."
But the editorial does represent Martha's thinking. Deceptive.
Item; The "simplistic" Kemp-Roth Tax Reduction Act is virtually a carbon copy of President Kennedy's tax-cut plan of 1965, which allowed companies with the lowest inflation rate in modern history, the greatest growth in real disposable income, a reduction in government revenues.
station in the district. There is no broader forum for a debate than the one on WIBW. It offers the most people the best possible opportunity to see the two candidates
BIC listening to reviewing board concept
To the editor:
The Kansan allowed Melissa J. Thompson to write a review on a subject she apparently knew nothing about and it was printed on the front page. In her review of Cole's rendition of "Que Sera, Sera," Thompson said, Cole deserved the praise for being a model of the original melody was lost. This song was probably the weakest part of her act."
sunshine Cole is not Doris Day and there was no weak part of Cole's performance. A rhythm and blues performance should be a big part of the rhythm and blues performers. They should not be compared to Doris Day. Let us see about the culture of a new generation.
Thompson's writing was journalism at its worst. Thompson had little knowledge of her subject beforehand. Thompson wrote "The Melody." Since "Melody," Cole has produced two new albums: "Natalie Live" and "Thankful," Thompson didn't even report the correct dates for the recordings.
The Cole article was racist in nature. When she reviewed Ashford and Simpson, Thompson stated, "The couple's singing was plagued by the same mushiness that marred Cole's first few songs." We agree with that. But now, Melissa, tell us what apparently everyone knew but you, it was that they distorted the sound, not the sound system.
When Thompson refers to a man "strutting" around wearing a three-piece suit and a floor-length cap, she is relying on the old stereotype of blacks dressing exquisitely. There's no doubt in anyone's mind that Thompson was referring to a black man.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Published at the University of Kansas daily
through Thursday, June 20 and July
except Saturday, Sunday and Sunday. Second-
day subscriptions by mail are $13 for six months;
subscriptions by mail are $14 for six months;
and subscription by mail are $15 for six months
or $3 a year outside the county. Student
subscription are $2 a semester, paid
by the university.
Editor General Manage
steve Frazier Rick Musser
Steve Frader, editor of the Kansan, has agreed that parts of the article showed "at least some degree of racial insensitivity." Frader said, "It was written from a native
Thompson has stated that the Cole concert was the first rhythm and blues show she has ever attended. The Kansan editor has stated that Thompson was selected because the song "The Band" had stick. BIC contends that the article should have been edited more closely, and that it should never have appeared on the front cover of the album. The story was an editorial, not a report.
If this is an example of the coverage we can expect from the Kansan when blacks are involved, then we would prefer that the continue to ignore us as you have in the past.
Thompson referred to the dress of the evening as costumes, but the attire was typical for most rhythm and blues concert. This is an example of another racial slur.
The editorial paper has always been open, so in essence, nothing is being done. The need for a black press was magnified even further, with the revelation that a picture of a black man blowing bubble gum while walking on campus. The caption read, "he hopes to be a world leader some day." Many have indicated their intention to take a picture that appeared offensive in nature.
Frazier admitted that it was unusual to run an editorial on the front page but he defended the right to make that decision. The editor realizes that an error has been made, but there is little being done by the Kansan to guard against reappearances of writing. His answer is to merely print letters to the editor and open up the editorial page.
Lastly, we disagree with Thompson when she says, "be thankful for what we've got." What we have here is an example of racism exhibited by bad journalism.
On Oct. 27, a Blacks in Communication
The only news that the Kansas seems to locate concerning blacks is derogatory. In a recent publication the Kansas reported on how many black people were having while trying to obtain money for a newsletter. Since then, the BSU has received additional funds and the black press is in the beginning stages. Why isn't she telling us their story? Our answer...they haven't looked.
member took a press release to the Kansan office telling about the BIC's plans to hold a counseling session for all interested students. The event was scheduled for this writing (Oct. 13); not one word has been printed about the counseling jamboree.
The Kansan has received complaints from elsewhere also. In the October 26 issue, on page one, Phill Kaufman, former chairman of the National Association, attacks the judgment of the paper,
The Kansan has ignored blacks, ridiculed us, and now they are willing to attack our culture. Kaufman suggests that a solution should be found to "improve reporting of campus and non-campus activities." It is the opinion of BIC that this is an idea worth listening to.
Chris Gardenhue, presiden
Blacks in Communications
Errors, overtones
Our concerns are focused on this article's composition which contained derogatory adjectives and clauses connoting racial and gender inequality. The negative sensationalism is the focus upon sex. Had this article not been of such a negative nature, we could appreciate its dominance of the front page. It should be noted that in all ditorials and reviews to be on the front page.
should be corrected
To the editor:
This is in regard to the front page Kansan review of the 1978 Homecoming Concert featuring Natalie Cole published October 30, 1978.
Furthermore to be addressed is the inaccuracy of the review. There was no song entitled "I'd Like to Think this is a Special Issue" and there was no Cole's open statements. "Mr. Melyod" is not a current hit, etc. Therefore we request that this particular situation receive attention and that Ms. Evelyn Greer and Mr. Steve Pollard; and a more conscientious and professional attitude of both the authors of the reviewers and reporters of the Kansan.
Submitted by Sharron Parker,
President of the Black Student Union,
for the Black Student Union,
signed by 133 students
KANSAN letters
Kansan could find a home in outhouse
To the editor:
I was shocked and appalled at the review that the Natalie Cole concert received from one very inept and totally uninformed Melissa J. Thompson. Her sarcastic and highly contradictory comments were shrouded with the veneer of adulation, her horrific behavior, her devious murders were completely devised of age and intelligent reasoning.
In effect Miss Thompson could not relate to what was happening around her that night in Allen Field House. She was unfamiliar with the works of the various artists, her closed and narrow mind, and the prineirie ingredient of objectivity, and her description of the sound system was unfounded. I am an audio technician and I did not take note of any "garbled" or "mushy" sounds. The acoustics of a recording may be best保证 that the tonal quality and response of the music was still further from "garbled."
Miss Thompson was very inarticulate and indiscreet. The fact that Miss Thompson did not particularly care for the concert I can accept, I can not accept the fact, however, that she made it blatantly apparent in her review.
The true value of a concert is found when one observes how well the performers entertained their audience; after all, are not our present system of standards fashioned in this century? Do we have to underline an event that 11,000 other persons fully enjoyed?
I was under the impression that the University of Kansas had grown up, but with journalism similar to this, the UDR will quickly become an outhouse. Rockeback in the neverbler ousthe.
The racial implications of this act are far too apparent to be covered up. It is the duty of the UDK to amend the disgrace that Miss Thompson has brought to the University of
Brian Orlando Hurt Kansas City, Mo., sophomore
Cole reviewer lacks knowledge of artist
To the editor:
4. a three letter acronym (ig - nar-sans) n. The condition of being intelligent; lack of knowledge.
After reading the Kansas review of the "special night" concert, I was stunned by the lack of quality of the review. It was clear that the reviewer was unqualified to make such a review. Several pointers were made to the reviewer's obvious ignorance. To put it mildly and directly, Ms. Thompson didn't know what to look for, due to her unfamiliarity with the music, and therefore she didn't know what she was talking about. After all, how can one write about which they have no knowledge of, and maintain the notion that they are competent.
Because of several contradictions within the review and the lack of organization, I am inclined to believe that the review was poorly edited, if it was edited at all.
The reviewer's statement regarding the intricacy of the singing as a "frustration effort" was irrational. As one example, Ashford and Simpson's piece entitled "Send It." was a very complex arranged number. The harmonizing and timing was tremendous, surely the works of its attested to sound system did not seem so attained what of a problem, but then Allen Field House is far from being acoustically perfect.
Ms. Thompson also had a rough time getting the song titles correct. "I've Got Love" is the title of an Mela Moore hit. "I've Got Love On My Mind" is the title of the tune Natalia delivered so convincingly. "Be Thankful" is the title of the encore Natalea performed, not the refrain be thankful for what you've got! Ms. Thompson's most obvious name when she referred to her as 'Melody,' as Natalea it was, Natalea's current hit is entitled 'Annie Mae.' It too was well received by the audience.
Another hint of the reviewer's confusion showed when she watched of Nancy's delivery "hazed up, and delivered with a 'blueies' style and maintained its original melody." Ms. Thompson again asked for a thank you back for After the ovation that Ms. Cole received for the number, how can
it be said that that was the weakest part of her act?
Overlooked in the review was the surprise guest appearance of Rena Scott. Ms. Scott teamed up with Michael Henderson to sing "Moonlight Serenade," the crowd response should have hinted to Ms. Thompson that something special was taking place. It seems as if Ms. Thompson overlooked this new, fresh and rising singer as simply another member of Henderson's group.
After reading this front page masterpiece of butchery for the last time, I feel as if I should demand an apology or partial retraction of the review, but then I realize that it was done by an incompetent writer in complete ignorance of the review. After all, would you send a blind person to a fireworks display? Or would you
Roderick Bremby
Leavenworth freshman
Contrary to review concert was great To the editor.
The next time you send somebody to review a concert, maybe you should send somebody who appreciates and understands the music. Apparently the reviewer knows what you're talking about, she say that "Cole's first number kept the crowd whistling and clapping, although it was an unimpressive fast song." Why would the crowd be whistling and clapping if the song was unimpressive? Anybody who knew what the song sounded sure knows little or nothing about her music.
The article didn't give the other two performers any justice at all. The great comedian had to be on their side. Michael Henderson wasn't even mentioned. Did the reviewer step out for a while or continue?
The word "boring" that is used to describe Ashford and Simpson's vocals should have been changed to "inspiring." Ashford and Simpson were great. They kept the crowd waiting patiently for Natalie. We have bored by their moving set, or was watching a typing error that should have been corrected before the review went out?
Catherine Ivy Olathe junior