University Daily Kansan, September 17, 1980
Page 9
Students support Bolivia's recent military coup
By IAN SIMPSON Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Political ambitions of officers and international rivalries might have fueled the coup that overthrew the Bolivian government in July, according to Bolivian students at the University of Kansas, but it was necessary for the nation's stability and prosperity.
"Democracy works here but it doesn't have to work in South America," Javier Valencia, Bethesda, Md., graduate student, said this week. He taught that job who has lived in the United States for nine years.
"I don't think South America is ready for democracy," he said. "Civilians have a way of messing things up, so they ask the military to take over."
On July 17, army units seized control of the country and validated the June 29 elections, the only time the military had ever taken control.
Radio and television stations and newspaper offices were seized. Interim president Lydia Gueller and her cabinet were imprisoned. The socialist candidate for president was killed, and
several journalists were beaten and expelled,
according to news accounts.
HERNAN SILES ZUASO, the candidate with a plurality of votes, has gone underground, and Army Chief-of-Staff Luis Luis Garcia Meza has taken power and stamped all resistance.
The students said reports of brutality had been exaggerated by the American press. Fernando Quiroga, who is visiting friends in Lawrence, said Bolivia's capital, LaPaz, was calm during the takeover. All the students their families had reported a nation at peace.
"The news we have been receiving here through the papers is not true at all, not at all." Jorge Basaure, La Paz senior, said. "I would say it is a normal revolution."
The Bolivians said democracy should wait until a stable government could heal the nation's fractures.
Bolivia is one of the world's poorest nations; its per capita annual income is less than $500. Its foreign debt was almost $4 billion at the beginning of this year, and 60 percent of its export earnings去服务ing the debt, according to Latin American Weekly Report, a newsletter on
Latin American political and economic affairs.
"Most Bolivians love to see democracy, but we don't have the right kind of society." Basura said. "We need education and stability, but we haven't had enough."
Valencia said, "If you have elections, too many people are thinking about politicians. But if you know that a guy is going to be in for 20 years, then you're going to 'forget' about politics," and go back to work.
"That is what we need, people who will work."
RUTH MARTINEZ, Lawrence graduate student, was in Bolivia from 1970 to 1973 as the wife of a U.S. military attache. She said the army provided one of the few means of social advancement available to those born outside the families that control the nation's wealth.
An officer may think he can seize power, or help someone do it, she said.
"It is a way of life, a way of socially and economically," she said. "How else can you justify so many coups?" It's not just power, I'm sure.
"One of the dreams of officers is, 'I could be
Garcia Meza wanted to keep the military in power, according to an informed Latin American historian.
President of Bolivia.' That is why there are so many of them."
"The government had been one of the military, and it had to be maintained," he said. "Garcia Meza simply was the force that took the initiative."
He said the international politics of the "Southern Cone" of South America—Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile—had much to do with Garcia Meza's coup.
BOLIVIA IS THE center of the continent and borders five nations. All are concerned with its political and economic development, because it has a pawn in the struggle with the other nations.
Bolivia has not had access to the sea since Chile defeated it in the War of the Pacific a century ago. The diplomatic source said 70 percent of Bolivia's exports passed through the Chile ports of Antofagasta and Arica, to the resentment of Bolivian governments.
"All the time the Bolivians are thinking about
a return to the sea," he said. "The army also—it is a geopolitical constant."
Argentina and Chile have had a long dispute over control of the Beagle Canal at the tip of Tierra del Fuego. A Bolivia unfriendly to Chile could tip the scales in the Argentines' favor and draw attention from the southern islands, the source said.
Many Army officers, including Garcia Meza, were trained in Argentina, Martinez said, and the Argentine government in Buenos Aires was worried about a democratic Bolivia being used as a base for terrorists committed to its downfall.
Argentine security forces reportedly aided Garcia Meza in the coup, and Argentina quickly recognized his government.
"If the Bolivian military has the support of Argentina, it can be in power for a while," the source said.
The diplomatic source said the halting of elections in Bolivia and grave consequences for the region.
Living Resource Center lets handicapped test new waters
By ROSE SIMMONS Staff Reporter
Last year, Vernier Newman's hone-
sroom was renamed to Newman's in-
house for more than 12 months.
Newman, an amputee, could not get out on his own because his house at 1112 New York St. was not designed for people in wheelchairs.
Now Newman no longer has to wait for someone to carry him down the steps. A ramp and porch railings were installed at his home recently with the assistance of the Living Resource Center. 839 Kentucky St.
Helping severely disabled individuals live more independently is the center's goal, said Mona K. McCoy, community worker for the center.
The center's help has significantly increased Newman's freedom, he said.
November through federal and state grants.
It offers support services to severely disabled individuals between the ages of 18 and 65.
THE CENTER IS a pilot project in Kansas, and was established last
"I feel a whole lot better knowing that I can get in my car and ride around when I want, without depending on others," he said.
"Some people are inappropriately placed in an institution," McCoy said. "With support, these people could live in less restricted environments."
The center recently helped a partially paralyzed stroke victim move out of a nursing home and into his own apartment.
Counseling on how to cope with the stresses of life is also offered.
"Many of the disabled have questions about sexuality that doctors are too afraid to address," said Anita Siles, counselor for the center.
"People want to know their options," she said. "They want to know what to do when the sight of a catheter turns off their sexual partner."
Siles, a paraplegic, has often been called to the hospital to discuss sexuality with people who have recently been disabled, she said.
THE DISABLED person's other
questions might be answered by materials in the center's resource library. The library has books that discuss topics from sexuality to modifying homes to meet the needs of the handicapped.
But according to McCoy, the major problem is the severely disabled is transportation.
ASTA
The city will install a sewer main through 7.2 acres belonging to Leland Cox to reach the subdivision, which was annexed several months ago.
With an identification card supplied by the center, a disabled person is able to use the Jitney, a mini-bus service, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, she said. The usual service hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Annexation of the subdivision left Cox surrounded by city land.
The city wanted to annex Cox's land, thus forcing him to pay for his share of the sewer installation. City Manager Burdock Watson said that if the land was purchased in the meantime, installed, Cox later could decide to join the sewer line and pay only £2,000.
Singing Telegrams
AFTERNOON SPECIAL
The Lawrence City Commission last night voted to annex 7.2 acres at North Second and Arkansas streets to provide water and sewer service to industries in the Earthmover's subdivision to the north.
Buy one donut or roll, and get one free with your KUID.
Good from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday Friday.
CAROL LEE
DONUT SHOP
70 WEST 10TH ST
LAWRENCE, MASSACHUSETTS
"Say it with a Song"
841-6169
The Douglas County Drug Abuse Council will sponsor an abuse prevention program for juveniles, David Rodwell, a council representative, told the commission. Through the program, businesses and volunteer agencies will provide jobs and activities for county youths, he said.
Cox said he was willing to grant the city an easement to build the sewer, but commissioners voted four to one to commissioner Marci Francisco dissenting.
Commissioners also considered a petition submitted by residents near the
COX COULD END up paying more than $10,000 for sewer line installation
For most disabled people, the center is a place to call when they need adaptive equipment repaired, personal attendants or help with public benefits.
Flowers by Alexanders
"The only thing we'll get out of it is a big bill," he said.
By JENNIFER LISTON Staff Reporter
The commission also approved a request for a day care center at the school where two students and denied a sign variance request for Radio Shack, Sixth and Kasdak streets.
Featureting one of the largest selections of wine in town. We have something to sull every taste. Let us serve you!
Cox said he had a septic system and well water and resented paying for a new septic system.
Residents complained about noise and litter around the club. The commission tookicials and the state liquor control board to investigate the club for violations.
Meisner Milstead Liquor
25th & Iowa 842-4499 Holiday Plaza
Commission annexes
Red Dragon Club, 19th and Beachus streets, to have the club closed.
Tryouts will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17 and Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m in the south gym of old Robinson Gymnasium. Come prepared to play. Any questions?
K.U. Volleyball Club Fall Tryouts
Call Stan 842-1114 or Steve 842-4387.
acres
IF ALL YOU WANT FROM CHURCH IS HELL, FIRE AND BRIMSTONE, BURN THIS AD.
Hell, fire, and bristlestone you won't find in the Episcopal Church. But if it's warm fellowship and the love of a forgiving and understanding God you want, join us in worship this week. Holy Eucharist Thursday at 11:00 am. Chapel. Sunday evenings at 5:00 at Cainley House, 1114 Louisiana.
GONE WITH THE WIND
FREE
on Parent's Day September 20 7:00 pm at Hoch Auditorium presented by SUA
Don't Miss this Classic!
All Students Enrolled In Courses offered By The College Of Liberal Arts&Sciences This Fall:
Should be advised that the drop dates listed in the fall 1980 timetable are the correct drop dates. DO NOT USE the drop dates listed in the fall 1980 addendum.
G. P. LOYD'S 701 Massachusetts 841-2745