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Friday, September 26, 1986 / University Daily Kansan
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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Crowded conditions
The prison population has almost doubled within the last five years in Kansas, a trend that shows no signs of reversing itself. Within the last three months, the prison population has increased by 4.5 percent in the Midwest. As the number of crimes and convictions is not likely to go down, prison officials are predicting an overflow in the near future.
That overflow has arrived at one Kansas institution. The Kansas Industrial Reformatory in Hutchinson already has exceeded its capacity by almost 200 inmates. Inmates are forced to live two to a single cell and six men inhabit
Opinions
cells designed for four
Crowding that many men into a correctional institution is only going to have the reverse effect. While having to live in cramped quarters may not constitute cruel and unusual punishment, it is by no means conducive to reform. Neither is having inadequate manpower to staff the institution.
New and expanded facilities are a necessity. One such facility is to begin construction next month in Ellsworth and should alleviate a small part of the problem. Until then, inmates will continue to fill our crowded prisons.
Making strides for peace
In an assessment of the meetings earlier this month between President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Prime Minister Shimon Peres of Israel, an Israeli official remarked that it was the diplomatic equivalence of a souffle — hard and savory on the surface, but filled mostly with air underneath.
But the lack of an earthshattering Middle East peace plan as a result of the meeting should not indicate that it was a total failure.
Preceding the Mubarak-Peres meeting was the settlement to begin arbitration of the Taba border dispute. The squabble over the 750-yard stretch of Sinai beach had added to the cooling of Egyptian-Israeli relations that began shortly after Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. Egypt recalled its ambassador after the invasion and the two countries had not held a summit since.
In the final communique of the meeting, the two leaders declared 1987 the "year of negotiations for peace," agreed to set up a committee to prepare an international peace conference on the Middle East and paved the way for the Egyptian ambassador to return to Israel.
At the same time these Middle East powers were overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to a summit, Palestinian terrorists in Paris, Karachi and Istanbul provided grisly proof that a solution in that troubled area is still far in the distance.
Inflicting death and destruction is only part of the Palestinian terror campaign that has been waged for decades. Psychological warfare is another strategic feature aimed at sabotaging the already sputtering peace process.
The insistence of the Israeli and Egyptian governments to continue with their discussions in the face of such military and political pressures is a credit to their stalwart goal of peace.
The Palestinians factionalization and intransgence in recognizing Israel's right to exist has been compounded by their campaign of terror and led to their exclusion from peace negotiations.
It is an approach that should be emulated by two other powers that are contemplating a summit. Instead of quibbling, the United States and Soviet Union should follow the Israeli-Egyptian lead and turn 1987 into a year of negotiation and peace.
And these are serious, violent criminals the countries are up against.
Terrorism attacked
in the words of Douglas Hurd, British Home Secretary and chairman of the meeting, "Terrorists, by their choice of method, are not warriors but criminals, and should be treated as such."
Twelve western European nations yesterday agreed to pool their detection and communication knowledge to help wipe out terrorist attacks that have thrown that part of the world into a state of panic.
Last week, a deadly bomb laced with nuts, bolts, nails
The countries called an emergency meeting at the request of France, a country torn apart by terrorist bombings that have killed nine people and wounded more than 160 in the last month.
The new cooperative effort will pull the countries together through computer-based techniques of crime detection and a concerted effort to exchange information.
and razor blades as shrapnel exploded outside a popular discount clothing store in Paris. The blast killed five people, including three women and a small boy, and more than 50 others were maimed.
Johns was here and As Newsweek magazine put it, "the City of Light was transformed into a city of fear. Parisians are staying home, afraid to roam the streets of their once-fair city."
It is unfortunate that it took such a rash of tragedies to mobilize the European community into a joint effort to combat terrorism, but at least the situation now is being dealt with in a seemingly intelligent manner.
Representatives from the countries will meet at least two more times before Christmas and focus on stopping the "really dangerous" elements of the terrorist movements.
Perhaps through this union and others like it, the world will be a safer, more sane place by the time that peaceful holiday arrives.
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
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 Wermatt...Production manager
Duncan Calhoun...National sales manager
Beverly Kastens...Traffic manager
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It's Tuesday night and you're sitting in your room, trying to think of something to do. Of all the bars and gathering places in Lawrence, there is one hot spot that you're probably not aware of. It's not The Wheel, or Cogburns, or even Johnny's Tavern. Suprisingly enough, the fifth floor of Watson Library is the place to be.
'Club Five,' the hottest new hangout
Jon Gregor
Columnist
How have I come to this conclusion, you ask?
One evening I sat down at my desk in my room and began to thumb through my English assignment: "Moby Dick." At that very moment my roommate began to thumb his guitar. I then thought of the solitude and space I was sure would be available at Watson. One must have such an environment to digest the likes of the great white whale.
perienced something completely different.
As I trudged up the stairs to Watson's fifth floor, the twang of my roomie's guitar still echoing in my head. I thought of the intense boredom that lay ahead. But as I stepped through the door, I ex-
The vast open space of the fifth floor of Watson resembled a library about as much as the U.S. invasion of Grenada resembled World War II. One was a picnic, the other was a nightmare.
highway.
I had stumbled into what seemed to be a tame sort of riot, a.k.a. "Club Five."
The mixed aroma of Giorgio and Polo filled the air. The somewhat deafening hum of giggles and senseless conversation cut my attention span to that of a five-year-old — as was the case with many who vainly sought tranquility within the confines of the club.
It was impossible to concentrate on anything except the people who composed this elite social clique. I eyed them, they eyed me. I took notes and still they eyed me. What intrigue, such social tension!
If you want to meet girls, if you want to meet guys, or if you just want to kill an evening mingling with people, the fifth floor of Watson is where you should be. Serious students are not issued memberships to Club Five.
If you are interested in becoming a member, please note the following:
One must possess a certain attitude and style. First, bring a Walkman.
Even if you don't listen to any music, it will automatically set you apart from the rest, who must wait in an uncompanion silence until the next acquaintance can be conquered.
Don't wear shoes that you can't slip on and off easily. One must be able to patter patter from table to table in stocking feet in order to make the proper fashion statement. Complicated shoes are a definite faux pas.
First glancing down at his book uneasily, Biff, as I call him, then shifted his eyes from side to side, looking intently at each girl that passed by. His biology book stayed open to page 57 for 15 minutes — a mere complication that did little to damage the "study" illusion.
One last rule of thumb: Never dress down. If you've got a pair of Jams, faded blue jeans, a corduroy Jayhawk baseball cap, or a Greek party shirt, wear them. Club members come prepared, and the competition is fierce. Prepy is in, and my Mickey Mouse T-shirt did not persuade any females to dash to my table.
Books are the essential element in the "I'm here to study" illusion, used to make everyone think (including your own conscience) that you are, indeed, studying. If you should forget your books, the illusion will be lost, and everyone will know that you're really there to kill an evening. Don't kid yourself. There is no way to make a dignified exit from five after such a monumental slip-up, and you'll probably be blackballed.
wearing a Delta Gamma shirt and a pair of Bermudas, his style was almost flawless.
But Biff one's fatal flaw was that he only used one chair to sit in while "studying." Big mistake gang. Using a second chair to prop one's feet on greatly enhances "the look."
The other guy at my table was obviously a seasoned club member
If, by chance, someone uses three chairs, the art becomes a science, and success is imminent. One guy used a chair and an end table. Sheer genius. Such innovation, yet so laidback. Needless to say, the females flocked.
Yes, it's sad to say, but long gone are the days of the old Watson frequenter. The nerd who went down to the first floor and locked himself in one of the cages so he could finish his physics is a dying breed. As Paul Schaffer would say, "a totally unhappy cat," who wouldn't fit in.
So the next time you are in search of a good time, hoof it to the library. Learn the system, and become one of the few, the proud, the (failing?) members of Club Five.
Human rights not always what they seem
Last fall I took a section of Western Civilization which met weekly in the well-lit, nicely-furnished, heated residence of a professor. After lengthy and lofty discussions of man's basic nature and natural rights, we students were often treated to refreshments before jumping into our cars and heading home.
Even though Hobbes and Locke had covered the subject of rights thoroughly, I still felt something was
Jeanne Flavin
Guest Shot
missing. For this and other reasons, I left for England in December to find a job and a place to live.
Armed with a work permit, I gained employment at the Oxford Salvation Army Night Shelter, which provided food and a place to sleep for homeless people who had been refused entry elsewhere.
The experiences I had while working at the shelter were radically different from the life I had led at KU. During my tenure there I discovered a few rights that my classmates and I had neglected to address in our discussions of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; such as:
A change of clothing.
At the Shelter, men wrapped in nothing but a blanket were a common sight as we washed the only clothes they owned. Many of the men wore suit jackets, sweater vests and trousers, because these items were most frequently donated. Unfortunately, this made de-lousing nearly impossible as their clothing seldom survived the high heat of the drier and we rarely had clean clothes to offer in exchange for their louse-infested ones.
Enough food.
We offered visitors an evening meal and a breakfast. The portions were meager, 10 ensure that at least 50 or 60 people received a meal. Any leftovers were tossed into a stew which was kept on the stove all night. By morning it had been devoured by late-night arrivals. Raw onions were popular snacks, as were bread and sugar sandwiches. Breakfast often
consisted of one boiled egg for each person. On several occasions people brought in their own food off the street.
I remember one chap munching on a hamburger and thoughtfully commenting, "Amazing what some people throw away. Want a bite?" I politely declined.
- A clean, warm place to sleep at night.
The Shelter had four sleeping dorms with beds for about 30 men and 10 women. There was always a need for more beds and blankets. Many of the blankets we were loused up, but that didn't stop people from stealing them to use during the day or swapping a few for a friend. Some of the residents preferred to sleep on the floor or in chairs to avoid contracting lice. Others walked around all night or went to the police station in hopes of getting a bed there.
Respect.
Respectly, the people at the Shelter didn't always project an esteem-inspiring image. The former mental patients could be confusing, the drunkards annoying, and the
THE SUPERPOWER
SUMMIT IS AN
Opportunity FOR
BOTH SIDES TO
ESTABLISH A
DIALOGUE OF
MUTUAL TRUST...
orug addicts extremely hostile or paranoid. Yet if their personalities didn't always generate compassion and regard, their actions often did. While working there I received a British greatcoat from a junkie who didn't think my own coat was warm enough. Another offered me protection by — and from — the Hell's Angels. One geezer picked my pocket and then returned the contents to teach me to be more careful.
They took a lot of abuse from the police and the townpeople. But worse than the occasional beatings the bobbies gave them, was the more subtle desecration. One of my friends, Banbury John, was hit by a car and left unattended for an hour before his companion could convince a passerby to call for an ambulance.
These people didn't seem to have much to offer, but what they had they shared.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate
The situations which I have described should not seem "foreign" to us. Homelessness and destination are on the rise in America as well. If they weren't, there would be no need for the opening of a Salvation Army shelter in Lawrence. But there is a need — and soon there will be a shelter in town similar to the one I have described.
I'm not expecting everyone to sympathize with the down-and-out as I do I don't deny that these are generally unsavory people with prison records, alcohol and drug addictions, diseases, mental problems and shady pasts — but they are people just the same. They're entitled to respect and the same basic rights we are.
If we're not willing to see they get these rights, then we can at least appreciate the ones we have. Waitness may be rude and plodding, but at least we're not refused service. Buses may arrive late, but we're still allowed to get on. Jobs and classes may fall short of expectations, but we haven't been denied the opportunity to learn.
It's not that I now know all there is to know about man's natural rights. But after my shelter experience, I'm more inclined to recognize and respect every person's basic rights, rather than merely acknowledge a "complete" ist cited in a selection of required readings.
Jeanne Flavin is a sophomore from Cowboy City.
Mailbox
A voice for squirrels
Mount Oread is a beautiful place for learning and reflection. From Prairie Acre and the well-kept flower beds to Potter Lake and the Campanile hill area, the entire University community has partially preserved and highlighted the natural beauty of the region. We spent many hours reading in quiet spots on campus, and I've come to enjoy the pleasant company of the Oread squirrels.
Unfortunately, all has not been well with the KU squirrels. Many have horrible scars — huge patches of fur and skin have been ripped off their small bodies. The maulers appear to be the unleashed dogs brought onto campus for some outdoor exercise. The dogs can't really be blamed; it must be great fun to get off the leash and chase after the tricky little animals. Usually the squirrels get away; sometimes they don't.
Dogs need to occasionally run free. But should owners allow then to terrorize an environment where smaller animals have not been conditioned by the laws of the jungle? (Some of the squirrels are trusting enough to eat
from human hands.) I can think of no reason why owners could sanction the attacks.
it's hard not to notice the scarred squirrels if you spend any time watching them. From the severity of some of the scars, it must be pretty painful to be caught by a playful pooch.
Take your dogs hunting if you enjoy the chase and kill. Or wait until winter to run your dogs on campus. Otherwise, please keep your pets on a leash and respect what natural diversity remains in the area.
Dwaine Hemphill Lawrence law student
Peddling gratitude
Thank you, Gil Chavez, for your brilliant account of the amateur cycling world championships in the Sept. 18 issue of the Kansas. It is so rare, especially in this part of the country, that competitive cycling's gospel is so eloquently and truthfully brought forth.
discovered the truly human aspects of such a technical sport.
At a time when cycling usually takes a back seat to such popular sports as football and basketball, it is relieving to know that some have
Christopher R. Ralston Kansas City, Mo., sophomore
Lament on apathy
As both racer and devoted wom俯身 of professional stars such as Greg LeMond and Bernard Haultin, I was humbled by your column. It is so often that I overlook the excitement of amateur racing and blindly concentrate on the glamorous professional circuit. I appreciate your reminding me that the true drama in sports lies not in the competition itself but in the dedication and utter humanity of the athletes.
I am dismayed by Reaganism and the apathetic optimism of the 1980s. I am writing in support of Christian Colbert's Sept. 12 column that so poignantly pointed out the absence of those willing to identify today's injustices. It's true that students are unduly concerned with impressions. They are frighteningly silent, cautious to the point of being paranoid, and unwilling to risk jeopardizing their opportunities for material success.
Today's students seem convinced that Santa Claus is keeping tabs on who is naughty and nice, and storing the information on microchips.
The bottom line is that students want a clean record. The ultimate threat of facing our own biographies is even more unbearable. This is why nobody speaks. Unfortunately, in a democracy, silence indicates agreement.
In the 1980s, when any act or attitude can be held against you, thinking is too dangerous — as is saying anything relevant. Speaking the truth and accepting the uncertain consequences of instigating change requires strength, commitment, and the ability to tolerate a vulnerable stance.
So, for now, silence is inevitable. While strength is measured by Nautilus equipment, flexibility is valued above commitment to our principles, and protecting our image takes precedence over speaking out on injustice, even the most outrageous wrongs will be passively accepted by Reagan's mute flock
Jennifer Enberg Lawrence graduate student