4 Wednesday, September 26, 1990 / University Daily Kansan Opinion Gubernatorial debate If Democrats want real populist for candidate they should back Empty Chair, not Finney Kansas history students someday will chuckle — or groan — about the time the governor debated an empty chair. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joan Finney, who leads Gov. Mike Hayden by 12 to 18 points in recent polls, has slipped into her populist bunker. Saying she prefers milling among the people to mass communications. she has refused dozens of invitations for joint public appearances. She knows the race is hers to lose, and she hopes not to disqualifier her guests get to know her too well. But last week, a Wichita television station, determined not to permit Fimney to short-change the votes, refused to Empty Chair better web-supported media. Finney's refusal to attend. At the Oct. 5 and Nov. 5 debates, Hayden will oppose a political newcomer. Empty Chair. After the station announced its decision, Finney quipped that Chair might win. Hayden responded by suggesting that Chair, not Finney, should be on the ballot. In many ways, replacing Finney with Chair would be a crafty move by the Democrats. Chair never has 'reorganized' its tax plan or backed away from its erstwhile unqualified opposition to qualified admissions. And although Chair has no environmental platform, neither does Finney It is unclear what public image Chair's consultants would use in their effort to unseat Hayden. A recliner would indicate a relaxed leader, while an overstuffed would imply largess in government. As self-proclaimed populists, Finney's folks probably would opt for a straight-backed, wood variety. Finney has cultivated her But more appropriate would be a rocker that keep? That is, after all, Finns' campaign strategy. Her supporters know Hayden's unfavorable rating is high. Many people just don't like Mike. And the Finney handlers hope that by keeping a low profile she won't scare away those who desperately want to vote against Hayden. Mike Hayden image as extensively as has Hayden. Her handlers prefer to showcase her to the public alone rather than with her opponent. Appearing jointly, she might be mowed down in a crossfire of ideas — ideas from which the public would benefit. That avoid-the-debate tactic was used successfully by George Bush in the 1988 presidential election. But Bush never claimed to be a populist. The fiery Kansas Populists of the 1890s would crine at what their namesake has become. Derek Schmidt for the editorial board LETTERS to the EDITOR I have just come home from a film that I had been looking forward to seeing ever since its restoration, namely, "Fantasia." Unfortunately, I and others had to sit next to a rude young woman with her equally rude child. The two felt it necessary to comment about every inch of the film. Not only that, but the child was allowed to bounce back and form relationships with his peers, lap, chew, munch and snarl on what ever it was, and basically be a regular nuisance. I politely had asked them to be quiet, but it was as if I hadn't said anything. The ruckus continued from opening credits till Filmgoer requests quiet the end. Since "Fantasia" is a film of only music and animation, being able to enjoy the soundtrack is important. Maybe I'm wrong. But I think if Walt Disney had wanted a running commentary on what type of dinosaurs were running around during the "Rite of Spring", sequence, he would know that dinosaurs are known to go to be impossible for an adult your child to remain quiet during a movie, don't come to the theater. Wait till it comes on video. Cheryl Fosha Lawrence graduate student Signs clear behind cafe In reference to last week's story and editorial about the Parking Department's new policy of towing cars from Alumni Place lots, an incorrect impression was received from each article. In both the story and the editorial, statements from Jeff Hatfield, manager of the Wheel Cafe, implied that signs were not posted to warm potential violators of the new policy. The editorial, for example, read: "He (Haffteld) said signs should be posted to warn people of the new policy Hulline (Parking Services) said such signs would soon be in place. Bravo to the Parking Department! This made it seem that people were not warned before they decided to park in this lot. On the contrary, signs were posted regarding this policy long ago. In addition to the old signs, reading "Alumni Place Permits Only, 24 hours," there are now neat, perfectly readable signs which read "Violators will be towed" These signs have been up since Aug 10, nearly a month before any was towed from an Alumni Place lot. Shan Schwartz Topeka junior 9 WELL SIR, IF THE SANCTIONS, AND THE MARINES, AND THE NAVY, AND THE ARMY, AND THE AIRFORCE CAN'T DO ANYTHING. WE COULD ALWAYS GET 'EM BANNED FROM THE OLYMPICS — THAT SHOULD WORK." Diversity can only be promoted T the diversity crisis. The label may not be accurate, but I am not sure how else to describe the present situation on campus. It is sad and regrettable that, years from now, when I relate the tales of my years at the University of Kansas to my college-age offspring the diversity crisis is what will dominate the conversation. I envision a 17-year old, clad in some outrageous fashion, listening to music I cannot hope to fathom. She tilts her head in confusion when I talk about the Ku Klux Klan visit. Black children are unaware when one of their own is attacked, uproars over offensive cartoons in the student newspaper and Chris Wallingford's now infamous aversion to foxholes occupied by them. Bryan Swan Staff columnist I blame this uncomfortable feeling, for the most part, on the diversity crisis I thought I had left behind after graduating from KU decades ago. "Oh Dad," my beautiful daughter laughs. "You've got to be kidding." Years ago at KU, I remind myself, this is how we were told to see things: The doorbell rings. Apparently the new, alluring fashion my daughter is wearing is for her date tonight. The eager and nervous young man I see here is the door is unquestionably the cat of the high school. He is also Black. He could just as easily be Oriental, Hispanic, or Swedish for that matter. He will still get the third degree about himself, and I will lay down the law when it comes to my daughter's dating activities. Nonetheless, I still want to be a normal person, even noticing the young man's skin color. his race man versus woman, Black versus White, homosexual versus heterosexual and even Greek versus independent, and on down the line into narrowing degrees of differences that led only to madness In the here and now, the initial step in any push toward institutionally promoted and enforced diversity, which is what various groups on campus seem to be campaigning for, is to first recognize differences amongst ourselves. That is the easy part. Acceptance of diversity can be promoted. Despite the barrage of criticism he is under, Chancellor Gene A. Budig has been promoting it like it is going out of style, which some people obviously fear is the case. Learning to accept such differences, mind you, is completely different. To have diversity and equality functioning on the same level is not as easy as many think, no matter how hard all that think that is the way it should be. Diversity cannot, however, be enforced. Anti-discrimination laws are viable because they are laws, but diversity is an idea, and therefore values are important interpretations. Tolerance is sometimes either have or do not have when they arrive. Anyone committed to being a bigot will remain one, no matter how many diversity orientation films he is forced to view Supporters of diversity should remember and take heart in the fact that the realities of campus life — where one encounters and interacts with different races, cultures and ideas every day — are their first and most important feature, an ignorance that breeds bigotry. Attention to rule-making or pronouncements of good intentions will always place a weak second. I blink my eyes and shake old ghosts from my brain. A good host, especially an overprotective father, should not space out when trying to hold a conversation with someone who takes his daughter on the town. Yet, the turmoil of those distant college years continues to manifest itself. Even in this distant era, one can discern Black people from non-Black people. This is diversity in action. What do I say? What do I do? The hard-to-swallow answer is that I do and say nothing. I shake the young man's hand and say it was nice to meet him. My daughter comes bounding down the steps after checking her makeup and allowing Dad the chance to make her date nerves. The girls leave. I close the door behind them. I would pray that my daughter and her date have an easier time with diversity than the students at the University of Kansas did back in the late 1980s and early 1980s. I can see why it is not necessary, though. Thank God. Bryan Swan is a Topeka senior majoring in journalism. Other Voices We should look higher Andrei Sakharov had this great theory that goes something like this: Eventually the superpowers will converge and their economic systems will be as one. Then there will be peace and hammess. According to the new Society 500 day plan, brought about by little-known Soviet economist Staslash Shtalin and adopted by just about the Soviet leader as his own, times in the U.S. Union are soon to be a chaumon" Land soon may be privately owned, and prices on goods will be set by the market, rather than the centralized bureaucracy. There will be credit, and there will be unemployment and those who lose jobs through reforms. That's certainly a lot to swallow. It also shows how much influence the United States is having on the Soviet Union. And if the U.S.S.R. is trying to be like the U.S., perhaps it should have higher aspirations. streets demanding bread, of all things. Go to any Food 4-Less here and you have your choice: wheat, white, generic brands, bread with raisins, bread with pecans, bread with walnuts. Yes, the United States has the best of everything. Unfortunately, we also have the worst of everything. Though we can say anything we care to, most of us don't care. We have the power to vote, yet election officials brag when there is a 48 percent voter turnout. Soviet citizens are marching in the We are the land of the free and the home of the brave. Perhaps that line of our national anthem should be changed to the land of the bought-and-sold and the home of the bereaved because our great Uncle Sam is coming home drunk on payday to beat his wife, Liberty Library. God bless the Soviet Union. Maybe they'll have better luck with freedom than we did. God bless America because we need it. Card can change 'Joe Somebody' into adored diety From the Kansas State Collegian Are you tired of being Joe Somebody, whose infinite charm and allure are known only to A. a small circle of friends? Do you yearn to be adored by strongs of people hungering for your lightest word? We here at ReligiCorp understand and sympathize with your yearning to extend your fame far beyond your current circle of friends. We also know that you are not alone in your longing — other people share your desire. To cure this epidemic, therefore, we proudly offer you the ReligiCarp. The ReligitCard, unlike regular credit cards, does not offer you the chance to appease your material lusts. Instead, it offers you the opportunity to become a deity in your own time — a gift far more precious than anything American Express could offer you. The Religicard is miraculously easy to use. Just insert it into any bank's teller machine and indicate the amount of adoration you want — anything from 10 years to infinity. Instantly, hordes of people will drop to their knees and worship you, refusing to move until you command them. Even when you command them to leave, they will follow you, begging for a deceptively simple parable, or better yet, a casual miracle. You will be well on your way to godliness. Eric Swanson Staff columnist If the thought of performing miracles worries you, do not despair. In our infinite wisdom, we have already solved that problem. Immediately ” You will inevitably attract throngs of people, all of whom will clamor for blessings, miracles and the chance to grovel at your feet. following your proclamation of godliness, we will send you, via Angel Express; a packet of freezedried miracles. All you need to do is pop the packet and send your miracles will be ready for you to sprinkle. Miracle-making is not the only gift that the ReligiCld will bring you. Secure in their deity- ness, you will be able to wash the unwashed heaten (a dirty job, but someone has to do it), call home when you need to, and perform other celestial feats that previously were beyond you. Best of all, you can stroll into a church and reduce air pollution by pew-warmers to a quaking, breathless mass. Lest you be caught up in this vision of personal deityhood, we must warn you of one small detail. You will inevitably attract throngs of people, all of whom will clamor for blessings, miracles and the chance to grovel at your feet. Where will you keep all these disciples until you need them? We have anticipated that problem and have solved it with our usual ingenuity. For a reasonable fee, we will send you a box of ready-to-assemble mangers, each one large enough to hold two caddies. You can also do it yourself or do is store your followers in a convenient cathedral until you're ready to receive their adoration. The ReligiCard is only available to those discriminating customers who can cope with the constant pressures of divinity. If you think you can handle such a life, then send in the attached entry form today and we'll start on the road to crucifixion today! > Eric Swanson is an Arvada, Colo., senior majoring in English and journalism. KANSAN STAFF DEREK SCHMIDT Editor Editor KJERSTIN GABRIELSON Managing editor TOM ELBEN General manager, news adviser Editors Editors News Julie Mottenburg Editorial Mary Noubauer Planning Pam Sollin Campus Holly Lawton Sports Brent Maycock Photo Andrew Morrison Features Stacy Smith Campus sales mgr. *Christo Dool* Regional sales mgr. *Jackie Schmalzmirad* National sales mgr. *David Price* Co-op sales mgr. *Deborah Salzer* Production mgr. *Missy Miller* Production assistant *Julie Axland* Marketing director *Audra Langford* Creative director *Gail Einbinder* MARGARET TOWNSEND Business manager MINDY MORRIS Retail sales manager JEANNE HINES Sales and marketing adviser Letters should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 200 words. They must include the writer's signature, name, address and telephone number. Writers affiliated with the University of Kansas are required to submit a cover letter. Guest columns should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 700 words. The writer will be photocopied. The Kanzan reserves the right to reject or edit letters, guest columns and cartoons. They can be mailed or brought to the Kanzan newsroom, 111 Staircase Flint Hall, Letter, columns and cartoons are the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Kanzan. Editorials are the opinion of the Kanzan editorial board. Three Imaginary Girls By Tom Avery