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University Daily Kansan
Opinion
Monday, Dec. 2, 1985
Justice delayed is justice denied. But a delay in Senate confirmation of new federal judges may be a good thing.
Judicial jockeying
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee postponed until this week voting on a batch of Reagan nominees to the federal bench, including Deanell Tacha, vice chancellor for academic affairs.
The delay was to protest the Republican's speedup of confirmation proceedings. The Democrats contend that the shortened schedule — an average of 23 days between nominations and hearings compared to 65 days in the late 1970s — isn't adequate for a thorough investigation of candidates.
The Democrats' concern may be justified in light of Reagan's campaign to fill U.S. courtrooms with conservatives. Before he leaves office, Reagan may have a chance to appoint more than 370 trial and appellate judges — more than half the federal bench.
Presidents have every right
to pick judges who share their political philosophies. But Reagan has been accused of going beyond the selection of philosophical soul mates during his second term.
For example, some potential nominees have said they were asked how they would rule on specific issues such as abortion, even though lower court judges legally are bound to follow the precedent of Roe v. Wade.
The administration denies that it uses any such litmus test. Even if it doesn't, the Democrats might be right in slowing down Reagan's judicial agenda — as long as their objective is to examine the nominees, not to needle the Republicans.
Prospective judges deserve more scrutiny than candidates for the executive and legislative branches because they are appointed for life.
The Founding Fathers wanted to keep politics out of the courtroom. It should be kept out of the selection of judges as well.
Beyond the landslide
The Common Sense Coalition's presidential and vice presidential candidates coasted to victory by the biggest margin in Student Senate elections history.
But, although David Epstein and Amy Brown grabbed 76 percent of the ballots cast, they should be concerned about another statistic: Voter turnout this year tied for the lowest ever — only 8.5 percent of the student body.
That figure indicates that 91.5 percent of the students don't care enough about student government to take the time to vote — something the newly elected leaders should remember when they take over the gavel.
Common Sense will enjoy a comfortable majority when the new Senate convenes; the coalition captured at least 44 of 58 Senate seats. Epstein and Brown should be able to use this edge to translate their ideas into action.
But Common Sense's overwhelming victory shouldn't
obscure its commitment to the entire student body.
A landslide in an election in which only 8.5 percent of the students voted doesn't give the winners a mandate to overlook other points of view.
Specifically, Common Sense representatives should try to absorb the Chrysalis Coalition's concern for "the diverse student body" into its administration. Lines of communication must remain open, and not just between so-called traditional students.
Epstein and Brown seem well prepared to carry out their platform. Their campaign promises include starting a night bus to and from entertainment spots, publishing a guide to professors, and creating a Senate hotline.
Building a strong, efficient Senate, however, remains their greatest challenge.
If Epstein and Brown can accomplish this, perhaps next year's voter turnout figures won't set another all-time low.
"Heading in the right direction."
The right direction
Although the summit produced few tangibles, it was an encouraging two days of work by the two world leaders.
That's how President Reagan described to Congress his Geneva summit with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
The most important aspect of the meeting, as Reagan told Congress, was that he and Gorbachev "understand each other better. That's the key to peace."
The challenge for the superpowers is using that key to unlock `the door` to arms control.
Between the next Reagan-Gorbachev meetings, scheduled for 1986 and 1987, the arms accord workhorses must work to reduce outrageous weapons
stockpiles, which cast economic and physical shadows over future generations of Americans and Soviets.
If both sides concentrate on reducing weapons, neither needs to argue whether Star Wars should be developed and tested — let alone whether it will work.
Americans and Soviets must realize that they benefit by sharing what they produce. The cultural and educational exchanges on which Reagan and Gorbachev shook hands may seem small change for a summit billed as big bucks.
But they attack the problems that have plagued U.S.-Soviet relations and prevented arms control progress for years.
They point us in the right direction.
Rob Karwath
Editor
Duncan Calhoun
John Hanaa Michael Totty
Managing editor Editorial editor
Lauretta McMillen
Campus editor
Susanne Shaw
General manager news adviser
Business manager
Brett McCabe Sue Johnson
Retail sales Campus sales
Megan Burke
National/Co-op sales
John Oberzan
Sales and marketing adviser
General manager, news adviser
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR should be typed, double-spaced and less than 300 words. Include the writer's name, address and phone number. If the writer is affiliated with the University, include class and hometown, or faculty or staff position.
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POSTMASTER. Send address changes to the University Daily Kansan, 118 Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan., 6045.
Mailbox
Sue the 'bar babies'
Need extra Christmas money?
Here's a nifty idea on how to make some quick cash: Open a bar in Lawrence and then sue anyone who comes in.
It's a great idea, being free of those nasty hassles that go with running a bar, such as mixing drinks and providing entertainment.
Don't worry about the public reaction. They'll probably support you. Anyway, everyone who's 21 won't care whether you sue some dumb 20-year-olds who wanted the adult privilege of having a mixed drink. They'll thank you for keeping "the kids" out.
Make sure you hire bouncers who can't spot a fake ID, though, so you can nail the little punks in small claims court. Of course, it's not your fault that you let the babies in your bar. They fooled you with big, bad Mt. Fake Identification.
I can see it now; a cozy little bar with hanging plants, a mirrored bar, pool tables, live entertainment... and, oh yes, a nice little holding cell in the back for your customers.
Jon DeVore Lawrence resident
KPERS' first step
As an employee of the state of Kansas, I want to publicly express my appreciation to Marshall Crowther, executive secretary, and the board of trustees of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System for their enlightened action in divesting my money from those companies with holdings in South Africa that are not signatories of the Sullivan Principles.
Therefore, it is even more gratifying that KPERS has acted in such an
I am disappointed and disillusioned with the Kansas University Endowment Association's refusal to consider divestment, a position I believe to be rigid, arrogant and unreasonable, as well as morally repugnant.
The frustrating quest for free air
Free air—two words that until a handful of years ago meant basically the same thing.
While Webster's dictionary differs on the exact meanings, I would like to point out that air, like water, is in such abundance here on terra firma (and is so necessary for human survival) that to put a price tag on it and actually sell it to other denizens of the earth seems quite ridiculous.
Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. As I was in need (because of a flat tire) of a few pounds-persquare-inch of this precious commodity, I drove not to the nearest self-serve station — because more than 50 percent of self-serve gas stations now sport little yellow machines reading, "Air costs a quarter. You ain't got it, you don't get it."
I drove to the nearest full-serve station and pulled up to — you guessed it — an air hose attached to a little yellow machine.
Undaunted, I continued my trek (sans air) to the next full-serve station, where the manager told me, "Only my customers use my air." Driving away, I wondered whether the managers' own personal air was any better than any other kind.
Finally, I found a station that would allow me, free of charge, to fill my tire to 30 pounds of pressure with its wipe, its gauge and its air. When I arrived home (sans sanity) I began to wonder how such an innocent thing as air could ever be involved in extortion, racketeering, etc.
So I have formulated this theory:
The Air-O-Matic machine was
for moral, as well as fiscal, responsiveness to questions involving human rights issues.
ethical, humane and yes, even financially responsible manner. Its example could set a precedent in this state
one braincild of none other than John Doe, most probably the same man who invented prunes, the pay toilet and other public misuses.
Originally designed to keep the freeloaders, riffraff and miscreants from hanging around self-serve gas stations, it performed other important functions; namely, it made money off of people in unlucky situations by selling them something more common than dirt.
Now, I don't know about you, but the very thought and motivation behind an idea like this seems to me quite shocking. And if that's not enough for some of you, I could relate my conversation with the manager of that full-service station when I called back and asked him how someone gets to be his customer.
Beginning tomorrow, I'm going to stock up on air by using bottles, cans, boxes and anything else handy. The last thing I need is an air bill on top of the rent, phone, water gas and electric bills that are due each month.
If you don't believe in paying for air, then be sure to voice your opinion at any gas station displaying the little yellow machine. As for me, I'm off to stake my claim before the rush is on.
Anyone wishing to join the Free Air society should send $10 to 1313 Airmont St., Lawrence, Kan. 66044. In return you'll receive a matching set of blocks of air ideal for bookstands, shelves and the like.
Remember, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
William A. Siebenaler Lawrence resident
Thank you, KPERS, for taking an important first step in dealing with complex issues arising from the interplay between economics and humanitarian ideals.
Marian Abegg Secretary, School of Social Welfare
Proud of Gottfried
I have read with interest letters published in the Kansan in reply to David Schneider's remarks concerning football coach Mike Gottfried.
What is the matter with our University? Gottfried is doing everything he can, not only to build a football program we can be proud of, but to produce future leaders we can be proud to say graduated from our University.
Many of this country's leaders were former jockeys. Dwight D, Eisenhower, a general and a president, is just one example.
Gutt Fried has displayed one of the basic requirements found in every good leader — standing up for his people when he thinks they are right;
I have not met Gottfried, but for what he has accomplished during his time here and his decision in this last round of abuse, he has earned not only my respect, but the respect of every individual who has the capability to recognize a great leader.
Mike, keep up the good work. There are a lot of us out here who don't write many letters, but support you 150 percent.
Ben Tulman assistant comptroller
A caring thank you
We cannot express our appreciation enough to each person who shared thoughts, prayers, cards and flowers with all of us at the Alpha Phi house after the fatal accident of our sister, Jeanna Carkosi.
The community has been extremely supportive and caring, and we say many, many thanks. This type of situation is never easy to deal with, but with your support, we have all grown and become stronger individuals.
A very sincere thank you to each of you for being there in our time or need.
The women of Alpha Phi
U.S. dwarf toss thrown for a loss
Chris Creswell was a bit unsteady for so early on a Sunday afternoon. But that can happen when you're in the tavern business and are enthusiastic about your own product. Especially if you've suffered a depressing disappointment.
It was to have been Cresswell's big day, with network TV cameras, reporters and crowds of two-fisted drinkers gathering in his Chicago tavern, O'Sullivan's Public House.
Mike Royko Chicago Tribune
They were to witness the first official dwarf-tossing contest in the United States. I use the word "official," because Creswell had been approached by the English dwarf-throwing association, which said it sanctioned the competition.
linois Attorney General.
"They called me in and were very nice," Creswell said. "They told me that they probably didn't have any legal way to prevent me from doing it. But they said it would be better if
Of course, the English dwarf throwers are a self-appointed world body, so it's questionable just how official their approval is.
In truth, the English have no business claiming that they are the world governing body of dwarf-throwing, since the sport originated about a year ago in Australia when some barron bouncers tossed some little gry guy around a pub and claimed the world-record loss of 30 feet.
It was only then that the English got into it. Their best dwarf-throw was barely 15 feet, which isn't surprising when you look at the arms on somebody like Prince Charles.
His teams had all lined up their lit-
All of this led to Creswell's decision to hold this country's first dwarf-toss, on the sidewalk outside his bar.
'If it's acceptable, even praiseworthy, for someone like William 'The Fridge' Perry to plop himself on top of a 170-pound runner, it can't be illegal to toss a consenting dwarf.'
use people to throw, they had put up entry fees, and they were ready to start throwing.
But on Sunday, after the contest had been canceled, a mournful-sounding Creswell said. "All I wanted to do was have a little fun. Get a little publicity. Give the customers a good time. I didn't want to offend anyone."
Ab. but he did.
There is an organization called The Little People of America, which claims to represent dwarfs, midgets and other tiny people. And they have been opposing dwarf-tossing as an insensitive example of man's inhumanity to little man.
They protested to city and state officials, and last week Creswell got a phone call from the office of the II-
"Gee, and I didn't even know you needed a license to toss a dwarf," Creswell said.
didn't.
"So I said, 'OK. I won't do it.' I had already decided to cancel, when the city came after me on it, too."
And the city's law department went to court and got a temporary restraining order, preventing Creswell from allowing anybody to toss a dwarf in or near his bar, unless Creswell had the proper license.
Mayor Harold Washington, with an eye on the short vote, issued a statement: "This alleged contest is degrading and mean-spirited, endangers its participants and is repugnant to everyone truly committed to eliminating prejudice against any group."
I didn't either. So I asked a City Hall spokesman how somebody gets a dwarf-throwing license.
"You'd have to get a public place of amusement license if it's on your own premises," the spokesman said. "If it's on the sidewalk, you'd have to get a public way permit."
Ah, so there is no specific dwarf-throwing license?
"No, but these would cover it."
Although I'm not a lawyer, I suspect that the city is bending the law in this case. It seems to me that if a consenting adult dwarf chooses to be tossed, it is his right to be tossed.
And I'm sure that if Creswell took this to the higher courts, he would eventually win. If it's acceptable, even praiseworthy, for somebody like William "The Fridge" Perry to plop himself on top of a 170-pound runner, it can't be illegal to toss a consenting dwarf.
But we'll never know, since Creswell had vowed that he was through with dwarf-tossing.
And now that it is over, he admits that his contest probably didn't even qualify as dwarf-tossing.
"My house dwarf, who is called Munch, is just under 5 feet tall and weighs 133 pounds. He's not even a dwarf. He's just a short guy."
Then you could go ahead and have a short guy-throwing contest and ...
"No. All I'm going to have is a tail"
drink."