4 Monday, November 10, 1986 / University Daily Kansan Try as he might, President Reagan was unable to translate his own immense popularity into votes for Republican senatorial candidates in the mid-term elections. Checks and balances In his coast-to-coast stumping for Republicans, Reagan warned that he hadn't been re-elected to be a six-year president. The new 55-45 Democratic majority in the Senate won't have as profound an effect as that, but it will make his efforts to reshape the nation in his conservative image considerably more difficult. One of the president's biggest worries about losing the Senate was that his adversaries would take control of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The most influential long-term legacy of any president is his judicial nominations, because federal judges serve for life. Rumor had it that the next Reagan appointment, to the Supreme Court might have been Attorney General Ed Meese. That's right, none other than the man who asserted that Supreme Court decisions aren't the law of the land. Now, it'll be a cold day in Hades before the new Senate confirms such an appointee. Judicial nominations aren't the only area in which the president's conservative agenda will face stiff opposition in the 100th Congress. Aid to the contras in Nicaragua is sure to be reconsidered, and less extravagent sums of money may be spent on the Strategic Defense Initiative Plus, there's hope that six years of neglect of vital programs for education, health care and the poor will be reversed. The Democratic majority isn't large enough to override presidential vetos, however, and we can expect more than a few of those in the next two years. But stalwart Democratic leaders shouldn't worry about standing up to a popular president. A strong dissenting voice from the legislative branch will be an asset as the nation faces the challenges of the next two years. Opinions A few weeks ago, President Reagan signed the sweeping $1.7 billion Anti-Drug Act of 1986. The money, new drug prevention and the rejuvenation of police powers to fight drugs signals the culmination of what has become a growing anti-drug hysteria. Quick, but ineffective The largest portion of this money - $405 million - will be allocated for patrolling U.S. borders by the Coast Guard and by U.S. Customs Service. These agencies will use sophisticated radar planes to stop low-flying smugglers. Unfortunately, the agents have said that nothing short of a giant net will stop drug smuggling into the United States. Congressmen who have never shown any interest in the drug issue before have suddenly become experts on curbing the problem. But the pressing question is: Exactly WHAT problem are we talking about here? Although an estimated 37 million Americans used one or more illegal drugs last year, the use of drugs, other than cocaine, has been on the decline for several years. And social scientists say this decline is not due to law enforcement, but rather to changing social trends. Experts say that, regardless of how the new drug law is carried out — even if it fails — drug use probably will continue to decline for the next 10 years. So why the hysteria? Reagan has decided this is his pet project. But even he admits that the real solution is not enforcement, but education. Two-hundred million dollars will go to fund education and prevention programs — half of the amount earmarked for the defense of the border. Ironically, some education plans, that give detailed descriptions of the properties of drugs, have actually led to increased drug use. Faith based on hate John Coleman, a member of the church and a resident of the compound, has been charged with shooting Epperson. Coleman contends the shooting was an accident. Officials Congress has the right idea, but it has acted hastily in the face of intense public pressure and has come up with a solution that falls short of the mark. Jerry L. Epperson was hunting deer last month on his uncle's property, which adjoins the Church of Israel's compound, when he was shot in the face and chest. Outside a little town in southwest Missouri is a haven of hatred and prejudice hiding under the thin guise of its name, the Church of Israel. This church of racist white supremacists believes that white Americans are God's chosen people and that Jews and blacks are inferior. This church was also the site of a killing. say the evidence against Coleman is strong. Residents of the town, Schell City, about 100 miles southeast of Kansas City, will not talk about the church or its leader. They fear retaliation from church members who are not afraid to use violence. These organizations are based on beliefs that this country has fought long and hard to dispel. However, the actions of these people, who pride them selves on "righteousness," are void of compassion, full of hatred. Racism must be fought continually. A group of crazies isolated in their fenced compounds and terrorizing a town of innocent people has no place in this country or in the world. News staff News staff Lauretta McMillen Editor Kady McMaster Managing editor Tad Clarke News editor David Silverman Editorial editor John Hanna Campus editor Frank Hansel Sports editor Jacki Kelly Photo editor Tom Eblen General manager, news adviser Business staff David Nixon Business manager Gregory Kaul Retail sales manager Denise Stephens Campus sales manager Stuart Degen Classified manager Lisa Weems Production manager Duncan Calhoun National sales manager Beverly Kastens Traffic manager Jeanne Hines Sales and marketing adviser Letters should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 200 words and should include the writer's name, address and telephone number. If the writer is affiliated with the University, include class and hometown, or faculty or staff position. Guest shots should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 700 words. The The Kansan reserves the right reject or edit letters and guest shots. They can be mailed or brought to the Kansan newsroom, 111 Staffer-Fint Hall. The University Daily Kansan (USP5 650-640) is published at the University of Kansas, 118 Stairwater Flint Hall, Lawn, Kanon, 60045, daily during the regular school year, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays and finals periods, and on Wednesday during the summer session. Second-class postage paid at the Post Office in Kansas City, Missouri, for a 7-year stay in Douglass County and $18 for six months and $35 a year outside the county. Student subscriptions are $3 and are paid through the student activity fee. POSTMASTER Send address changes to the University Daily Kansan, 118 Stauffer-Fint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 66045. High employment is in the stars President Reagan has come up with still another compelling reason for going ahead with the Star Wars defense program. He says it will create a lot of new jobs. Mike Royko Chicago Tribune I suppose that's something none of us can argue with, because it makes so much sense. 3. The defense contractors will hire scientists, researchers and all the other people needed to build Star Wars. 1. We, the taxpayers, will pay the government the billions of dollars it will cost to build the Star Wars system. You don't have to be an economist to understand what he's talking about. 2. the government in turn will pay billions of dollars to defense con- tractors. Star Wars — providing paychecks for mathematical geniuses, secretaries, computer whizzes, janitors, MBAs and authors, all drawing Star Wars paychecks. 5. Then they can all go to their local department stores, auto dealers, bars, restaurants and spend their paychecks. 6. And the people who work in the stores and other businesses will earn enough money to pay their share of the taxes needed to build Star Wars. And no matter how much is said about this problem, millions of Americans still go on drinking too much. That's true. A recent survey of several hundred of the nation's top scientists — physicists, engineers, mathematicians and others — showed that an overwhelming majority of them think War Stars is a dumb idea. But at this point, some nipiticker is going to say that I have neglected to mention something important — Star Wars probably won't work. But that's a shortsighted view. The thing to keep in mind is that Star Wars, even if it flops, will still be a partial success because it will — as President Reagan points out — create a bonanza of jobs. And since thwarting a Soviet attack is the whole idea of Star Wars, it Besides, the scientists could be wrong. We should remember that another survey showed that 60 percent of Americans think it will work. wars. And since inwarding a Soviet at 4. We have a whole new industry — tack is the whole idea of Star Wars, is does appear, at first glance, to be a serious flaw. So why not set up a multibillion-dollar federal research program to develop a drink that will permit a person to become roaring drunk, but won't impair his reflexes, damage his health or give him a hangover? True, the scientists might know more about the practical application of lasers, sensors, kinetic energy weapons and other such things. For example, one of the oldest problems in society is the abuse of booze. It leads to liver problems, shattered hearts and ruined careers. Workers calling in sick on Mondays But far more of those average Americans who were surveyed have seen "return of the Jedi" and know that if the good guys put their minds to it. benefits Let's assume, though, that the scientists are right — President Reagan really doesn't know the difference between scientific realities and theoretical facts. So? We'll still have created all those jobs he has talked about, and it won't be a total loss. In fact, I think that the government should launch other projects that might have similar economic I'm sure there a research program would create another job bonanza. And there would be no shortage of apache to serve as volunteer samplers. And consider the wondrous possibility that such a drink can be If it didn't work, so what? We'd just be stuck with a few red-eyed, shaky researchers. Then they could serve it at the White House. And it would surely be better than whatever they're currently drinking when they make plans for turning outer space into a video game. DRUGS! AIDS! The Miami Herald Distributed by King Features Syndicate Mailboy Interesting loans Thank you for the editorial appearing in the Nov. 6 Kansan titled "While the students sleep." In a time of unmatched student apathy, it's nice to know someone has at least perked an ear. We certainly agree that Student Senate races need to be run on issues and differences in philologies. We also agree with the editorial board that the Emergency Short-Term Loan Program is "the most exciting news of the campaign." Student Senate would provide no interest loans of $15 to $100 to students to help them make ends meet. The student need only come into the Senate office, fill out an application, and pay a minimal service fee. The application would be processed and the money would be available within 48 hours. The student would be required to pay back the loan within 30 days and would be able to apply for an extension if necessary. The plan is modeled after an extremely successful program at the University of Alabama, which is of comparable size and governance structure to KU. We would be able to hold transcripts until the money is paid back, just as is currently done with bounced checks and parking tickets. At Alabama, 98 percent of the loans are paid back within the time limitations. Last year, when the SecureCab This service will fill the gap left between students' needs and available assistance, such as the KU Endowment Association loan programs. Endowment loans are only given for amounts over $200, require a co-signer and carry a six-percent interest rate. At Alabama, where there is a nearly identical Endowment loan program, more than 400 students a month use the Emergency Short-Term Loan service. The costs of establishing this program would be minimal. We would establish a $7,000 pool from the Senate unallocated account from which loans could be drawn and where money would be returned. At Alabama, the only program cost are this one-time initial investment and the salary of the student loan officer. The small processing fee covers all other expenses. program was first proposed, there were many objections. But when the questions were answered and the program was implemented, it was proven to benefit students a great deal. We are certain the same will be true of the Emergency Short-Term Loan Program. Brady Stanton presidential candidate "Cheers" coalition Missed points I was glad to see the Oct. 29 article about the KJKH "Womonsong" show. The article skimmed over some important points, though. I would like to point out two. The article seemed to portray the time switch from 6-9 p.m. Saturday to 3-5:30 p.m. as an issue of desirability. What this means is that the show has not been at the same time period for more than three weeks since July. As a listener to the show, I have found it very difficult to adapt to these changes. In fact, what has happened to the show in the last three months is that it was moved from 6-9 p.m. to 6-8 p.m. without warning. Then it was switched to 3-5:30 p.m. and has since been pre-emptied by football three times. This is not an issue of desirability, or of convenience. This is an issue of whether this show will be allowed to develop a legitimate audience. I believe it certainly deserves one. My second point is about the show's opening song. The meaning and message of the song is grossly misrepresented by the article's inaccurate quote. The song is a parody on homophobia, not an attack on heterosexuals or heterosexuality. Allow me to quote the song accurately: "Here come the lesbians Here come the leaping lesbians We're going to please you, tease you." Hypnotize and tightly squeeze you We're going to get you if we can. Here come the lesbians. Don't look in the closet What's creeping down the stair Who's slipping up behind you Watch out, better beware." I would further point out that the song is sung with plenty of bowls, old horror movie melodies, squeaky door noises, etc. Katherine M. Harris Lawrence resident Irresponsible drinkers The song is not extreme, the song is funny — if you have the courage to laugh at your own homophobia. I am writing in response to the comment made by Ken Wallace, owner of the Jayhawk Cafe. He thinks the state drinking laws were written by pompous, self-righteous jerks who didn't have the slightest inkling of reality. He also states, "There is a lot of irony in the fact that 18-year olds can vote, but can't drink." Mr. Wallace, do you honestly think that 18-year-olds can drink responsibly? I work in a residence hall where the residents are mostly 18- and 19-year-old gentlemen. I am one of the people who is awakened at 2 a.m. to take care of the "responsible drinkers." These "responsible drinkers" are also the cause of a great deal of vandalism in the hall, creating more work for staff and higher rent rates for students. These people are not a minority. My big question to you, Mr. Wallace, is: Are you truly concerned with the rights of 18-year-olds or do you only care about the profits you will be gaining by selling to a larger crowd of people? Richard Festen Chicago sophomore Varying degrees I felt as if the article, "Degree cut brings worry for future," in the Oct. 30 Kansan, implied that the preponderance of graduate students to whom this degree was available were upset over the elimination of the master of philosophy degree. My understanding of the degree is that it is not awarded after completion of an advanced-degree program and is not widely recognized in the academic community. The master of philosophy degree was offered to students within the department of systematics and ecology who had successfully passed their oral exam; no research skills nor the demonstrated ability to write scien- tificly were necessary to obtain this degree. The department of systematics and ecology routinely accepts students with bachelor degrees in the doctoral degree program. Therefore, a student with only a bachelor degree may receive the M. Phil after the successful demonstration of a thorough knowledge of biology, a general knowledge of biology, but without demonstrating competent research skills. If an advanced degree is indicative of the competency of a particular student to enter academia, teach, conduct research and obtain funding, why should a semblance of an advanced degree be offered? Perhaps those students who are seeking doctoral degrees and wish to have a definitive record of their progress should complete a master of science or art degree prior to entering the doctoral program or as they are pursuing their Ph.D. Susan L. Mearns Pottstown, Penn. graduate student An effective frog Monday's editorial illustrated perfectly the need for and purpose of Agnes the Frog's campaign. There is no doubt that this "cute" idea was an effective way of generating media coverage, but the powerful factions within this city promoting the bypass don't seem to have any trouble getting media coverage — even when there is no election. Just pick up any Lawrence Journal-World, or sometimes Kansan, for proof of that. Given these facts of life, how much media coverage would a "real" candidate get? I believe the results of the election will show that many people were willing to "mock" the democratic process, but not because it's cute. They wanted the right of choice about the bypass. And they deserved accurate information about its impact and cost. Contrary to the belief of the Kansan editorial board, we who supported Agnes were committed to Lawrence and its prosperity. We just didn't judge progress solely by the bottom line. Mick Palmer Mick Palmer Lawrence graduate student