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Thursday, September 11, 1986 / University Daily Kansan
Silence isn't golden
When confronted with a seemingly unavoidable and embarrassing situation, the best thing to do is confront it. Right?
Not if you're Chancellor Gene A. Budig.
It has been six weeks since Richard von Ende, University executive secretary, was charged with six federal counts of distributing and conspiring to distribute cocaine.
One of his top administrators has been charged as a drug dealer, yet Budig has been content to keep silent on the matter.
That the administration, and especially the chancellor, have refused to take a position on the von Ende affair is no longer embarrassing, it is an outrage.
Budig's first comments on von Ende's arrest and arraignment came Tuesday; he announced that von Ende's responsibilities had been reassigned. Earth-shattering news.
If anyone asks him a tough question — What is your position on the matter? Why is von Ende still on the payroll? — Budig will refer you to Vickie Thomas, University general counsel.
Mum's the word. Keep the faith. We ain't talkin'.
It's true that the Chancellor has never been one to seek the spotlight. Except for an occasional, carefully worded written statement, he has been satisfied to quietly run the ship while the Office of University Relations did the talking for him.
It's a lesson in public relations that is reminiscent of the Nixon White House days.
That's fine if the issue is a mundane one — as they usually are. But in this most unusual case, Budig's decision to remain silent while one of his top aides is charged as a drug dealer is not only incomprehensible, it's wholly irresponsible.
Where does the University stand? Where does Budig stand? Is his silence a tacit endorsement of von Ende's activities?
Nobody lay on the tracks. There were no signs or banners and not a single cry of protest.
Silent running
Nothing.
Noitting
On Sept. 2, a trainload of radioactive fuel and waste from the crippled Three Mile Island nuclear power plant crossed Kansas and even passed through Lawrence.
But apparently nobody cared.
The four-car train carried its deadly payload from the power plant in Harrisburg, Pa., to an idaho test site. Officials said the train made its trip without a hint of protest or problems.
What a strong statement on human apathy.
Opinions
The first train passed through this area in late July.
and it was besieged with protesters. They were letting people know how they felt about nuclear power in general and how upset they were about having their lives put in danger by the train's presence.
Granted, the trips are very secretive and covered with the shadows of government bureaucracy. But the trains can't be allowed to silently slip across the country with their dangerous cargo.
Other trains will come, more than 30 of them in the next two years, and they all should be met with an appropriate public outcry.
We can't stop caring or stop letting people know we care. The next train's trip should not be such a quiet one.
What have we gained?
Ground controllers cheered at Cape Canaval as the rocket soared flawlessly into the Florida sky Friday.
The space program was no longer grounded.
For the first time since the space shuttle Challenger exploded in flight in January, the National and Aeronautics and Space Administration successfully launched a rocket. To NASA officials, it did not matter that the rocket was a Delta, one that would not have attracted much attention last year.
Yet, it was a time for anger and sadness because of the expensive charade tied to the launch.
The Delta rocket contained a payload designed for the Strategic Defense Initiative, or Star Wars. That's President Reagan's program — the one most reputable scientists agree won't work — designed to save the United States from nuclear war by putting a protective shield of anti-missile weapons in space.
The launch also was a signal
of a disturbing trend toward the militarization of the space program. With the shuttle program grounded and President Reagan's announcement that it would never again carry a commercial payload, the military now has exclusive use of NASA technology.
In the end, the U.S. public loses. The billions of tax dollars that were bet on the shuttle to become a big money maker have been lost. The only benefactor has been the military, which will use the technology to further the Star Wars fallacy.
But the military is, for the most part, grounded as well. When the shuttle became operational, the military stopped looking for reliable and inexpensive alternative means of getting its satellites into space. It now has to rely on the older and less-sure Delta for its launches.
Yes, the U.S. space program is back on track. However, the rejoicing should come when it is back on the correct track.
Texas losing its macho image
I am taking it upon myself to declare the macho image of Texas as being stone-cold dead.
Let Billy Bob and Bubba keep wearing their snakeskin boots and Stetson hats, cooking whole steers on spits, bellingow for blood at football games, singing about Willie and Waylon and the boys, and remembering the Alamo.
But it's all over. I have conclusive evidence before me of the wimping of Texas.
It's a breathless announcement about a new wine called - get this, pardners — "Texas First Blush."
The wine is a product of a Texas vineyard called St. Genevieve.
The announcement, out of Fort Stockton, Texas, says, "It's refreshing, crisp and just a little bit effervescent. That describes Texas First Blush, an exciting and delicious new white wine with a mere touch of blush; from St. Genevieve Vineards.
"A special tasting by celebrities of the first bottles of Texas First Blush will be held at events in Austin, Houston and Dallas the second week of September.
"We wanted Texans to have a
refreshing early wine.” Henri Bernabе, a partner in St. Genevieve Vineyards said, “especially during the warm months of late summer when it would be appreciated the most.
"As the French have their nouveau wines, we felt that Texans should have a nouveau of their own.
Mike Royko Chicago Tribune
"St. Genevieve is helping establish a new Texas tradition: a thirst-quenching wine made in Texas for thirsty Texans.
"Texas First Blush is the very blossom of youthful wine for delicious and multi-purpose drinking. It's light and easy-going, capable of being appreciated and understood through enjoyment."
Oh. I can see it happening now, down around the Pacos territory.
"Let's git us a drink, Bubba."
"Best danged offer I've had all day."
"How-do. Billy Bob."
day."
"Door, come service here."
"Barkeep, some service here.
What'll it be, gents?" Three fingers of
hand or Or. Some bourbon with
branch water? Or maybe just a tall,
cold beer?"
"None, I think I'll have me some Texas First Blush. It's refreshing, crisp and just a little bit effervescent. How about you, Bubba?"
"Sounds good to me, Billy Bob. I find it an exciting and delicious new white wine, with its mere touch of blush."
"That's a right fine choice, gents. It's about time us Texans had a nouveau of our own."
"How true. Why, when I was just a little tykie, my dady, Bubba Sr., used to ride in from the range and say to the hands in the bunkhouse. 'What we Texans need is a refreshing early wine, especially during the warm months of late summer when it would be appreciated the most.' I just wish daddy could be here to enjoy it with us, Billy Bob."
"What I like about it, Bubba, is that after a hard day on the dusty trail, I find it to be the very blossom of
youthful wine for delicious and multi-purpose drinkin.' "'
"Right. And it's so light and easy-going, capable of being appreciated and understood through enjoyment."
"And we have Henri Bernabe, of St. Genevieve Vineyards, to thank for it, Bubba. That Henri Bernabe is a great Texan."
"I agree, Billy Bob. We owe of' Henri our thanks for helping establish a new Texas tradition — a thirst-quenching wine made in Texas for thirsty Texans."
"Couldn't have said it better myself, Bubba. Now, how about if we get a little grub to go with our Texas First Blush."
"Comin' right up, gents. What'll you have, some three-alarm chili? Or maybe a charred steak and some fries?"
"No, with my Texas First Blush. I think I'll have a few little quiches. And you, Bubba?"
"I'll have sushi."
"And throw a quarter in the juke box."
"Somethin' by Willie and Wavlon?"
Nab, Punch on "Swan Lake."
Columnist's life is tough at times
News Flash: September is "Be Kind to Editors and Writers" month. Since most students are unfamiliar with this event, allow me to explain.
Cards, flowers and gifts aren't necessary but are appreciated. (For those who really want to know, I like the chocolate candies with the jelly in the middle.)
This event merely means that editors will try to get along with columnists and vice versa. It also means that readers should not write nasty letters but instead save their written criticisms until Oct. 1, then flood the editor's office.
However, on Monday, the Kansan's editor broke this hallowed event by not being kind to me in her column. Therefore, I hereby serve notice that I refuse to give to her favorable charity — the "Gloria Steinem for President" committee.
But then again, that's the life of a columnist. Receiving criticism is the name of the game. When William F Buckley Jr. wrote for the Yale newspaper, he ran into the same problems. He infuriated professors with his conservative wit. Well, I'm just doing the same.
I just want her to know that the check was all written out and ready to be sent.
Being a conservative columnist is a lot of fun. I don't think that there's anything better than answering a question from an irate reader at 3:00 in the morning.
When they call, the first thing they ask is if they woke me up. I answer, "Nah, I had to answer the phone anyway."
And the letters. Oh, the letters! My editors just love getting responses about my columns.
Occasionally, one or two letters will agree with my columns. Immediately, suspicious eyes fall upon me.
I ask you, the reader — is it really unethical to write a fan letter to oneself? Hey, not that I've done it, but the thought has crossed my mind.
If any of you do feel like writing a letter to the editor about one of my columns, please, give me a call first. There are a couple of things I'd like you to put in it.
It is my hope that "Be Kind to Editors and Writers" month will become a yearly tradition, kind of
So if you see me walking on campus, say 'hi,' even shake my hand. But please, no joy buzzers.
like homecoming, but a little longer.
In fact, this month might be a good time to suggest a column idea. At parties, bars and class, I'm constantly bombarded with column ideas.
Victor Goodpasture
Columnist
At one party, a group of people asked me to do one on the greeks.
"Just really destroy them," one of them, said.
them said.
They took over the Student
Senior, another remarked.
"Besides, the women only date other frats. Bummer, huh?" said a third.
They went on to explain several run-ins they had had with greeks.
After finishing their sob stories, I replied that based on their experiences, they should be the ones to
write a column.
At a bar, a slightly intoxicated female wanted me to do a column on her.
She wanted students to write in and suggest a major for her. Well, if any of you readers have any suggestions, send them to the Kansan and we'll see what we can do.
And if this works out, maybe it could even become a regular feature of this newspaper. Every week we'd feature a different person looking for a major. We'd call it — In Search Of
Alas, when a column idea finally has been developed, it still must get through my editor.
The battle continues in the classroom as my professor casually remarks about a silly column he has read today. I smile. At least he read the thing.
Finally, the battle ends as I try to remove the ink from my hands.
Last week at Wescoe Beach, someone came up to me and said that he cut out all of my columns and put them in the bottom of his bird's cage.
But can his bird really read?
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
David Nixon ... Business manager
Gregory Kaul ... Retail sales manager
Denise Stephens ... Campus sales manager
Sally Depew ... Classified manager
Laura Wainman ... Production manager
Duncan Calhoun ... National sales manager
Beverly Kastens ... Traffic manager
Business staff
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Justifying the action
Student Senate has many responsibilities, but perhaps one of the most important is dealing with revenue code. The groups' deemed revenue code reaches nearly every student on this campus in one way or another. Clearly the funding of these groups is something to be taken very seriously. I can assure you that the Student Senate Executive Committee's deliberation on this matter was not lighthearted. I believe I can speak for the entire committee when I say this was a matter we all considered diligently.
StudEx also considers acting during the summer break in place of Senate a very serious matter. There was no question as to whether or not this situation had to be dealt with, within the week, after Tim Henderson, finance committee chair, (as well as the person in charge of revenue code hearings during the previous funding), presented the
situation. A fair number of revenue code groups, much like the Senate, have limited operations during the summer. A few are completely dormant during these months. For this reason, many of them could not prepare budgets and would have had trouble getting a budget prepared to go before the finance committee and StudEx before Sept. 15, let alone have one heard, debated, decided, sent to Senate, heard, debated, and decided before the Sept. 15 deadline. When this was considered, there was no question that StudEx would have to reach some decision as to what was to be done. Otherwise, the committee would have been negligent in voluntarily allowing the rules to be broken without trying to reach a solution.
In the Senate code, rules and regulations article V section 14 clearly gives StudEx the ability to act in place of the Senate during the summer. "During those periods when school is not in a regular fall or spring session (summer, spring
break, or Christmas break) the Student Executive Committee may act in place of the Student Senate . . .
It has been written that StudEx "violated the good faith agreement outlined in Student Senate Rules and Regulations, Article V Section 1.4.2.3."
I gather that the problem that has been written about was whether or not StudExH had the ability to decide this matter. I hope I have helped to clarify this. If anyone disagrees with the decision reached by StudEx, I would encourage them to speak individually with all the members because I cannot claim to be representative of all their opinions. I
I have always interpreted this section to mean that the Senate shall accept the decisions that StudEx makes during the summer. My basis for this is an excerpt from this section: "The Student Senate shall recognize the good judgement of the Student Executive Committee and shall allow such decisions . . ."
as the chair, am allowed to vote only to make or break a tie. It is for this reason I did not participate in the vote.
Stephanie Quincy Student Executive Committee Chair
Here's to clear thought
The futility of simply more violence as a response to terrorism throughout Europe and the Middle East in Daniel Fiorentino's "guest shot" on Sept. 10 is a refreshing and farsighted perspective.
Especially crucial is his conviction that the way out of the "killing craze" is a peaceful settlement of the ongoing Palestinian crisis.
Thank you for a compassionate and clearheaded view!
JACK
Pastor
Ecumenical Christian Ministries