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University Daily Kansan Thursday, March 27, 1958
Be Serious, Americans
The press will long continue to print and people will continue to discuss the apparent collapse of Kansas State's basketball team in the NCAA championship. And nearly everyone knows and discusses the football prowess of Oklahoma and Notre Dame. Almost everyone who follows KU could tell you who Wilt Chamberlain is.
These things are important and certainly provide a needed variety in today's hectic world. They should receive adequate publicity and discussion.
But, there are topics of equal and probably more importance to the advancement of America; yet, they do not assume this position in the minds of American people.
For example, at KU very little recognition is given to a professor who makes an advancement after many hours of research. Who knows anything about the new high speed oscilloscope just built at KU? Trips abroad for study, instead of increasing the intellectual capacity of only one man, could help us to better understand the problems of the world.
But we as American people will not allow our minds to be filled with these more serious matters. It's too much fun to discuss the more pleasant aspects of life which don't overwork our minds.
For generations the American public has failed to give adequate recognition to important happenings in the United States. Instead of turning their minds toward topics of a serious nature, they have continued to let themselves be interested in affairs of little importance.
But today, as the United States seeks to keep ahead of the Soviets in world leadership, it is very important that this attitude be changed.
Much of this attitude develops in the colleges and universities throughout the nation, then carries over into later life. While in college, whenever possible we allow our minds to be sidetracked to topics of relatively small importance. Seldom do we give adequate notice to topics which stimulate intellectual thinking. Why? Because seldom do you find the average individual willing to read and discuss this material.
The day is approaching when the public is going to have to realize that life is not just one big game. If the public continues to revolt against discussion of serious topics, it could lead us to the exact thing which the minority is now trying to prevent—a loss of prestige and power in the world.
—Malcolm Applegate
Let's Solve Our Problems First
With Russia and the United States in a battle for world supremacy today, it is of utmost importance that the United States be in a stable position, if she is to show the free world the kind of leadership it is looking for.
The main problems in today's governmental departments seem to concern help for other countries. Too often, in giving this, we fail to attempt to meet our own problems.
In looking over history, the principal objective of World War I, we find, was to change Germany. We were trying to correct her behavior and make something different of her.
Yet, today, after thousands of lives and dollars were lost in this costly war, the Germany of 1913 would probably be a welcome sight. A Germany run by conservative but relatively moderate people, with no Nazis and no Communists, a Germany with confidence and full of energy, united and unoccupied and able to play a part of balancing off the Russian power in Europe, would be an asset to the free world. But after 45 years, Germany is not able to play this part.
World War I began with a seeming balance of power between several countries in Europe. The only American interest in the war was to see, as a neutral country, that these powers did not fall into the hands of one country. But, after once
entering the war, the United States became interested only in a total victory over Germany.
Once again the United States is letting its main interests lie with the problems of other countries, rather than making an all-out attempt to solve its own problems.
True, Russia has taken control of several countries in Europe. Constant decisions have to be made by the United States on where to stop this aggression. How much aid should we give these countries threatened by Soviet aggression?
Preceding World War I the United States had many problems within her own boundaries, yet overlooked these problems to handle those in Europe. We cannot afford to let this situation arise again.
Today, the most important thing we can do is set a good example. If we could clear up our national problems, it would be much easier to handle those abroad. And only by clearing up our national problems will the countries abroad realize that the United States, with its democratic form of government, is capable of assuming top position in world leadership.
—Malcolm Applegate
LITTLE MAN ON CAMPUS
By Dick Bibler
Editor:
Letters Campanile Off
Why doesn't the Campanile strike on time? Every couple of weeks lately it's been two or three minutes fast
Either of two things could be done: The Campanile could be adjusted, or, if this is impossible, the whistle could be blown a bit earlier to keep pace with the Campanile.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Luthrie Suitcase Book
Instructor, Romance
Languages
Daily Hansan
Lethem Sutcliffe Roden
University of Kansas student newspaper
Founded 1889, became biweekly 1904.
trilweekly 1908, daily Jan. 16. 1912.
Telephone Viking 3-2700
Extension 251, room
Extension 376, business office
Member Inland Daily Press Association.
Associated Collegiate Press. Represented by
Maryann McKee. 20 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. News service; United Press. Mail subscription rates: $3 a semester or $4.50 a year. Published noon during the University year except Saturdays and Sundays. University holidays, and examination periods. Entered as second-call matter Sept. 17, 1910, at A. K. Kan, post office under act of March 3, 1879.
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