4 Tuesday, November 4 1986 / University Daily Kansan THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN What's beyond Reykjavik? Questions from the confused post-Reykjavik world of U.S.-Soviet relations; Opinions Did the United States win by losing an agreement? Does anyone know exactly what was on the negotiating table? Whatever happened to Star Wars as a bargaining chip? Wouldn't it be great if the superpowers could dismantle nuclear weapons as easily as they dismantle embassy staffs? Since the summit, we've watched the Reagan administration struggle with the consequences of confusion about something so basic as what was discussed in Iceland. Finally last week the White House admitted what the Kremlin had been saying all along: Reagan and Gorbachev did discuss the total elimination of nuclear weapons. These discussions, and other proposals about big arms cuts, are clearly now being treated by the powers that be as nothing more than what they always have been: propaganda. Both sides went home and told their people that they had offered world peace, but the enemy had refused it. Then they moved on to really important things, like expelling each other's nasty, spying diplomats. The post-summit priority should be to translate the sweeping generalities of Reykjavik into concrete proposals for the arms-control talks in Geneva. There may indeed be hope that medium-range missiles in Europe can be eliminated. But the Reagan-Gorbachev discussion didn't stop there, and neither should on-going negotiations. The reason of age An agreement is possible if both sides really want one, and are willing to compromise. We don't expect disarmament on short notice, but the first step toward disarmament is arms control. This is attainable, and will be made more probable if Reagan and Gorbachev get the message that the people have had enough of hopeful talk without substance. Perhaps it is only fitting that the nation's oldest president should abolish mandatory retirement. With one sweep of his pen last week, President Reagan determined the fate of many older Americans who, although still capable, may have been forced out of their jobs once they reach age 65 or 70. Unlike many countries, such as Japan, where the elderly are treated with respect and reverence. Americans are contemptuous of anyone over 60—as if growing old was a horrible disease. Actually, the disease that should be feared is the contagious idea that the number of candles on a birthday cake is inversely related to intelligence and ability. Age means experience, if on ly in living. But in most cases The standard of living, medicine and health maintenance programs have pushed back life's limits, and it's up to us to make use of that extension. To waste it would be to waste our own futures. a keen sense of perspective and insight come with life's experience. It's the kind of knowledge that isn't in any self-help book or inspirational cassette tape; it comes from enduring pain, triumph, frustration and ecstasy — and in learning from them. President Reagan has given us the key to our greatest national treasure chest -- older Americans. They've earned their position in society, it's time they were given the respect and opportunities they are due. Blind eyes, loaded gun Read my lips: This is not another Vietnam. It is important to remember that every time a White House spokesman appears on television with the Administration's latest plans for "stabilizing" Central America. Now they say it's time to send advanced jet fighters to Honduras. During the past week it was also announced that Nicaraguan rebels, known as contras or freedom fighters, might begin training at U.S. bases in the South. This decision coincided with the end of the Operation Market Square, the Army's largest war game in 15 years. According to an Army spokesman, the 82nd Airborne Division, the Army's only division equipped to invade hostile territory, was training to fight in Central America. Also, Eugene Hasenfus, a "former" CIA employee, is awaiting trial on gun running charges in Nicaragua. He has said he was working for the United States. This is not another Vietnam For now. It's troublesome to watch our leaders trudge blindly along a path that was forged by four presidents who led the United States into Vietnam and then sustained our entanglement there. Without regard for international law, common sense or history, we are being drawn back into conflict — we're not kicking, we're not screaming. Instead, we're sending the contras another $100 million. Is it coincidence that the United States seems poised to annex most of Central America in the name of freedom? Will we provoke and incite the governments in that region to go to war in spite of the consequences? When the next Congress convenes, it will again be faced with requests for money and arms to expand our covert war in Central America. Jets, troop training and money will only add fuel to the smoldering embers. Will we be engulfed in the inferno? News staff News staff Lauretta McMillen Editor Kady McMaster Managing editor Ted Clowes News editor David Silverman Editorial editor John Hanna Campus editor Frank Hansel Sports editor Jack 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 Sally Depew Classified manager Lisa Wiemma Production manager Duncan Calhoun National sales manager Beverly Kastens Traffic manager 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 writer will be photographed. The Kansas reservoirs right to reject or edit letters and guest shots. They can be held at the Kansas newsroom, 111 Stauffer-Flint Hall. The University Daily Kansas (USP5 650-640) is published at the University of Kansas, 118 Stairwater Flipp Hall, Lawan, Kanao, 60045, daily during the regular school year, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays and finals periods on Wednesday during the regular school week. Subscriptions by mail are $15 for six months or $27 a year in Douglas 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 Structor-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan 66045 There is a new and exciting sport sweeping college campuses across the nation, and it's beginning to catch on here at the University of Kansas. To some, it is a way of life, while others have never even heard of it. Feet square, head straight—surf's up Bus surfing is here, and it will soon thrill all who participate in or just To become involved in this new and exciting field of physical folly, you need only a few items: nearly all of nice, sticky tennies are necessary to grip the bus floor. Knee pads should be worn at all times, in case of violent spills. Wear jams, simply because they look good, damn good, on surfers. A sweatshirt and elbow pads provide upper-body protection. Finally, sunglasses are a must because they protect the eyes from flying objects and the glare of the sun coming through the windshield. When you step onto the bus, look deep into the driver's eyes. There should be a hint of insanity and hatred for the human race in them, for these are the eyes of the toughest drivers to surf with. They are, indeed, the Mario Andrettis of the Lawrence Bus Co. Now that you've assembled the perfect surfing fashion statement, begin your quest for the perfect ride. To receive the greatest thrills the sport has to offer, you must learn to Next, you'll notice that the fans are already at your disposal and are closer to you than any other sport allows. Walk to the middle of the bus, turn and face forward. Eye the road that lies ahead, bend those knees, dig in those tennies, and remember, you can never touch anything but the bus floor. Using the hand rails, fans or the seats for support will automatically cost you points. Jon Gregor Now, imagine mom and pop at home watching you — yes, you — on ABC's Wide World of Sports in the KU-KState competition; Columnist "Good evening, and welcome to Wide World of Sports. Well, Tom, to day has to be the biggest event in collegiate bus surfing history." "You bet, Jim. These are two of the best surfers who have ever hit the road. Bucky 'The Surf' Henderson, of Kansas University, will be up against William Joseph Robert Jackson (Billy Joe Bob, of course) of Kansas State, which, by the way, has no formal busing system." "That's what makes his story that much more courageous, Tom. He's been practicing in the back of a moving pickup for the past two months. This man is hungry for a national title." "First up is Henderson, a junior here at KU. His driver is Bill Reamer of the K-State team. This is the first time Bill has driven on paved roads, so Bucky will have his work cut out for him." was almost cut short last year by a severe groin injury that he suffered when he lost his footing and went feet-first into a screaming, knee-toting fan." "And here's the start of his run, Tom. The bus sprints out of the gate at Ellsworth Hall. Bucky is riding low and lean — eoh, did you see that? Bucky caught air on that bump between Hash and Lewis! "Now, coming around the turn at Templin and down the hill. Reamer pulls a fast one on Bucky and stops for a passenger. Of course the rule here at KU is to apply the brakes firmly approximately five feet before the stopping point, but Bucky rode it well. Not a single penalty point, and the fans are abuzz with excitement. "Oh, Jim, what a mess. It looks like Bucky has the competition all swned up, and the authorities are going to have to inform William Joseph Robert's Auntie Em of her nephew's accident." "As his ride begins, you'll notice his overalls and cowboy boots. He's better ever more protection and better comfort than the regulation surfing garb. "Now Reamer approaches the four-way stop at Murphy. A Toyota has pulled out too far into the intersection. Reamer applies the gas pedal and the back end of the bus rolls over the little car. 'You know, Jim, Bucky's career "Oh no, that's gonna cost Bucky five points, but if he hadn't grabbed that girl's tongue he would have kissed the floor, and his ride would have been over. "Come to the final stretch at the Chi Omega fountain, Bucky executes a perfect 180 and is now riding backwards. That's a seven-point bonus, Tom, and his final score is two." "Well, thank you for tuning in to this week's exciting edition of Wide World of Sports. And remember next week, when we'll have football players tossing engineers for distance, so tune in." "Next up is William Joseph Robert of K-State. You know, Jim, here at the KU meet, chewing tobacco is strictly prohibited. It stains the spectators' clothing and has caused a reduction in attendance at the last two events. You'll notice that "His ride has been perfect so far, and now closing in on the four-way stop, you'll note that the driver is right. He's already the meanest driver on the KU team. William Joseph Robert is without his usual chauk but has instead opted for a stricter dress code. Needless to say, bus surfing can be a dangerous and exciting sport. The sooner you start riding, the sooner it will become a varsity sport here at KU. "That's right, Tom, and it's so much better for you kids out there." "Did you see that folks? Halter locked 'em up and William Joseph Robert's boots didn't hurt. He's flown through the windshield!" If all goes well, we will have another sport that we can use to whip K-State. But if we fail to capitalize on our advantage of talent, we would simply be giving them another reason to riot in Manhattan. Ron loves bashing on Carter So none winds up in the poorhouse. But few, if any, can ever pass on to their successors what they have learned through experience. No one at the White House will listen. On Oct. 1, President Reagan flew to Atlanta to salute his predecessor, Jimmy Carter, and to help dedicate the Carter Presidential Library. Reagan spoke generously of Carter's contributions as an "American." On Friday, Oct. 24, Reagan flew to Tampa, Fla., and attacked Carter by name for the "mess" he found in Washington when he became president. That is not true of expres dents to day. Most of them have become millionaires on leaving office. Helen Thomas UPI Commentary For about six years, Carter has been Reagan's target and has been blamed for most of the country's past ills. The president declared a temporary truce for the library ceremony, but not for long. Even though gracious words were said, they were soon buried once more in the pit of politics. Assigning blame to his predecessor is a particular pastime with the president. And apparently Reagan did not care to heed the words of former Deputy Secretary of State Warren Christopher, a key diplomat in negotiations in the Iranian hostage crisis, who spoke on the history of the presidency at the same Atlanta ceremony. He said: "One comes away from even a cursory review of the lives of expresidents with a chilling sense of a wasted resource. On the whole, their experience was undervalued and their advice too little sought. Most presidents who survive the White House would like the status of "elder statesmen," but few are accorded that honor. Several expressations, including our recent call to Coidge, "fell on hard times and became the subject of private and sometimes public charity." "An important reason for this omission is partisan zeal. New administrations of both parties have sought to distinguish themselves from their predecessors on each and every front, "This ensures a discontinuity which baffles our allies and produces galloping inefficiencies in our system. The irony is that like a son about his father, a new administration often decides in its waning years that the old man was not so dumb after all." Well, Reagan has not drawn that conclusion about Carter. Nor has he availed himself of the knowledge that his predecessor accumulated, although he does consult secretly with former President Richard Nixon when approaching a thorny problem with the Russians. There have been a couple of times in foreign policy situations when Reagan has sought the support of former presidents. But like most of his predecessors he jealously guards his turf. Oread houses a dying breed Look again. Quant old houses on streets lined with trees now in autumn colors: Lawrence, Kansas, right? Between Ninth and 17th streets, just east of campus, a few of the houses that escaped destruction during Quantrill's Raid in 1863 still stand. ___ Eric Torskey Columnist Some of the houses built during the post-Civil War housing boom in the 1870s and 1880s, and still more built during the early decades of this century, also endure in this area, known as the Oread neighborhood. However, virtually all of these old homes are threatened Twelve of the 23 residential demolition permits the city granted during the past year were for houses in the Oread neighborhood. Developers, eager to meet the demand for housing close to campus, have destroyed old homes, in poor and good condition, to make room for new construction. Developers, eager to meet the demand for housing close to campus, have destroyed old homes, in poor and good condition. The push to develop new apartments threatens to disrupt the balance of old homes and multi-dwelling student housing that has existed in the neighborhood. Public apathy about the area, the potential for financial profits and the area's high zoning status promote new development. development The money to be made in building new multi-family dwellings close to campus is so attractive that developers are paying high prices for property in the area. The land that houses stand on is worth more than the houses, according to Paula Naughtin, coordinator of the Oread Neighborhood Association. Many absentee landlords let their houses fall apart, collecting rent as long as possible, then sell to developers interested in the land. The land around old houses in good condition is attractive to developers as well. Last year, the owners of 1505 Kentucky resisted a $75,000 cash offer for their 114-year old house that would have meant its destruction "They attempted to sell with a contract stipulation and sold last five years. Unable to sell or rent the house, they eventually dropped the stimulation. John McGrew, Lawrence reactor, bought the house. "The ground it's on is pretty valuable for multi-family dwelling development," he said recently. "We're looking into that." Many resident owners in the neighborhood stand against the development drive, but some are leaving out of frustration, according to Naughtin. "You live here and have either an apartment or a deteriorating house next to you," she said. Only tenants can request that city officials inspect their houses for minimum housing code violations. Neighbors are powerless and the tenants, generally students, seldom complain, unconcerned or afraid of losing cheap rents. It's difficult to get anyone interested in investing there when there are dumpsters sitting in front vards nearby, he said. "The whole area has been written off in a certain sense," said Oliver Finney, of the Lawrence Preservation Alliance. In addition, resident owners are wary of investing money in their houses, afraid they won't get it back when they sell their homes if an apartment building or deteriorating house stands nearby. Oread has the highest residential zoning status in Lawrence, encouraging high-density development in the area. 'The problems in the neighborhood are not with the players, but with the rules.' — Marc Francisco President, Oread Neighborhood Assoc "The problems in the neighborhood are not with the players, but with the rules," said Marci Francisco, president of the Oread Neighborhood Association. Association Developers move freely to satisfy the demand for housing in the area, paying high prices for properties then destroying them, thus rewarding landlord neglect. The Lawrence City Commission won't downzone the neighborhood until it receives a petition requesting the change signed by the majority of the property owners in the area Supporters would be unable to obtain a majority, though, with most of the absentee landlords in the neighborhood unwilling to sign. Resident owners can have their own properties downzoned, but if an apartment building is built next door and they can't sell their house, they've lost the option of selling to a developer for the value of the land. "That's asking individuals to take an inordinate risk for the whole community," Finney said. nobody with authority and power has pushed for a compromise between preservation and development, according to Finney. The balance in the neighborhood between multi-family dwellings and old houses is in jeopardy. The quaint old homes may not withstand the development drive. If you don't look soon, you may discover that they're no longer there.