4 Wednesday, September 3, 1975 University Daily Kansan SenEx unveiled The most select governing body within the University structure closes its meetings when its members or invited visitors appear foolish or incompetent. The group is SenEx, the executive committee of the University Senate, and the most recent instance of curtain pulling was Monday, when a student group studying teaching appeared to discuss its forthcoming report. The meeting should not have been closed, nor should there have been similarly veiled sessions during the past several months. (Secret meetings foster mistrust, and that can be expected. Is there any other time when people feel so threatened as when they are not told what is going on? Secret meetings deny the public information about how decisions affecting their communities affect them. governed that they be given full information about the way their representatives work. If there is arm twisting or flaunting of power, the right to know. Success shouldn't prevaire here just because it does elsewhere. Secret meetings forbid the public its right of access. If information were readily available about all SenEx actions and how they were taken, the electorate would be free to discuss the relevant issues, and queue viewpoints even the esteemed SenEx members might not have considered. Secret meetings of SenEx also could be interpreted to violate the intent of the Kansas open meetings law, but the question here is not one of penalty but of public rights. Dennis Ellsworth Edlson Death be not shroud The Federal Trade Commission issued a report last Thursday that criticized one of the most sentimental United States—the funeral industry. Among the FTC charges against funeral homes were failure to furnish itemized price lists to customers, which allowed them to choose services without a knowledge of prices; high markups on the prices of such things as caskets, flowers and cemetery plots; and requirement of costly, perhaps unnecessary extras, such as caskets for cremations. Americans have traditionally held unhealthy attitudes toward death, a vital part of the life cycle. They have attached innumerable, often ridiculous ephepismes to the phenomenon. Men who were born in America now called morticians, funeral directors and even grief therapists, and morgues have become funeral homes or parlors. Few people die in obituaries. Instead, they pass away, meet their makers, dure, pass on or are summoned. though many funeral homes are honest, many aren't, as the FTC revealed. Americans with their obvious reluctance to accept the cold, hard realities of death are the ideal targets for dishonest undertakers. People often refuse to accept the fact that once someone dies, his essence—the totality of what he was—leaves his body. All that remains on earth is the shell of that person, the physical form in which he existed. When families purchase the most expensive casket and flowers for poor families, it is better to buy flowers in bulk. Once poor, dear Harry is dead, and his friend wants to give him a little too to do something for him. The only real value of an expensive, elaborate funeral is that it is a societal ritual that helps people accept the death of someone close to them. The funeral is really a service to the living and not the dead. When I die, I sincerely hope that my family won't fall prey to some smooth, shady undertaker who plays on their emotions, suggesting that their dear departed deserves only the very best: the mahogany casket, with white satin lining and 24 karat gold handles, the deluxe cemetery plot with a marble headstone and sterling etched epitaph, 500 white gardenias, a seven tiered golden candelabrum and the Vienna Boys' Choir. The cards, however, are seemingly stacked against the family who wants to economize on a funeral. There are state regulations regarding the places bodies can be buried. Although it may seem odd that the state is keeping the wind, it's also illeral in most states. Crematory ashes must be buried in a "minimum container," a cloth-covered plywood casket, which can be purchased from your friendly neighborhood grief therapist for only $80. (This includes the funeral director's price markup of $25 to $30, according to a Kansas City undertaker). Nothing is cheap these days—not even dying. But hopefully, the FTC rules, if adopted, will make funerals less of a rip-off. Jain Penner Contributing Writer Portuguese rancor thrives By DEBBIE GUMP Associate Editor Goncalves' replacement, Vice-Admiral Pinto Pinheiro de Azevedo, is rapidly losing his early glamor as a non-partisan player. He has received ac- cepted as a leader with no particular affections, he is now The half-hearted attempt to molly the Portuguese people by moving former Premier Benoist out of office. The lightens up appearance has failed. Opposition to Goncalves has been so strong, in fact, that his political life may not last the week. Gen. Goncalves, shuffled to the powerful post of chief of staff last weekend by President Francisco d'Costa Gomes, is among those who have been Communist storm which shows no sign of abating. The president's decision to remove Gen. Gonzales did little to placate military leaders or almost 90 per cent of the ground forces. Gen. Gonzales would have total control over the armed forces, although his authority was immediately challenged by the generals who began the four-hour battle and the drift to Communist control. suspected of having a minor affair with communism. So Portugal, a country wracked by failing decolonization efforts in Angola and Timo, and a less-than-thriving economy, is in for more bloody rancor. On one side of the political fence are Maria Soares, whose growing Socialist party took 38 per cent of the vote in last April's elections, compared to the Communist's 12 per cent; and Martin Schoenberg, a man Revolutionary Council; much of the military; and seven million citizens, out of a total population of eight million. On the other side is the Communist party, which stubbornly maintains that it deserves the political reigns of the ruling party and undermines its bitterness toward and distaste for communism, obvious. Through the government, the Communists have tightened their stranglehold on the trade unions, radio, television and the press. What little free press has done to resist it is a be thing of the past as a result of the proposed Communist Press Law. The citizenry isn't taking such developments easily, but the Communists, in the face of open Craze becomes racket Love of tennis possesses nation Tennis. anvone? Bv WARD HARKAVY Like a brush fire in a forest, the game of tennis is sweeping the nation. Of course, people have been playing tennis for years; the sport has a rich tradition. But there's no question we are in the midst of a tennis boom in this country. One person caught up in the craze is a friend of mine, whom I will call Nerdlinger. Nerdlinger is a paunchy, short student, not particularly outstanding in any sport but a lover of many sports. one thought these days. He dreams of only one thing... a strong right wrist. Nerdlinger is consumed by 1 met Nerdlinger the other day for a beer and, as usual, he dominated the conversation. And, as always, he talked about tennis. Ward Harkavy Contributing Writer "Harkavy," he said, "I've just about perfected it!" My first thought was that he was again beginning a conference, and the fourth paragraph of his thoughts. I always seemed to be behind in our conversation even before we began to talk. "we woke up," she said. "My top story job—what else? You should have seen me yesterday. I was hitting the baseline every damn time—right on the line. It was beautiful!" plications for new passports are being reviewed every week. Without asking him, I knew he had just been practicing. But I went ahead and asked him as a matter of form. "Perfected what?" I said. "NAW, I WASN'T playing anyone," he replied. "But wait I was watching Borg. That was when I realized what had been doing wrong. Another weapon in my army . . . I can." Published at the University of Kansas weekdays internationally. Second-class postage paid at Law- erness or $1 a year in Douglas County and $3 a subscription or $3 a semester. Subscriptions are paid through the university's $3 a semester paid through Nerdlinger had exuded such confidence before, and it was wholly unjustified. But his excitement was genuine. THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN The vast majority, however, are staying to fight for the freedom to choose a government themselves. As advocates so willingly put it, "The central problem is power." Will wield that power will be decided shortly. If the Communists, perhaps a bit rusty at recognizing active participation Portugal will be plunged into a civil war from which it might never recover. Business Manager Cindy Long Abbasid Business Manager Advertising Manager Assistant Advertising Manager Linda Beckham Abbasid Advertising Manager Linda Beckham Classified Advertising Manager Gary Burhill Advertising Manager D宝业 Service Manager National Advertising Manager Mary Donnelly Business Manager Advertising Photographer Debbie Watts Many, knowing that life may not get better, have sought to leave. More than 1,500 ap- Editor Dennis Eilworth Associate Campus Editor Debbie Gunge Debbie Gunge Associate Campus Editor Debbie Gunge Associate Campus Editor David Smith Chief Photographer Staff Photographers George Milleren II, Sports Editor Yael Aboukhokhon Sports Editor Dennis Eilworth to emulate other trade union elections, such as those among journalists, pharmaceutical workers and bank clerks, have gone to the anti-Communists. Such clashes are becoming commonplace. Hot tempers led not only to the burning of books but also to a wave of forest fires thought to be the work of angry rebels. News Advisor Publisher Business Advisor Susan Shaw David Dary Mel Adam "I still need to polish my serve," he said. "But I think I'm about ready to master it, too." Instead of taking defeat gracefully, the Communists barricked themselves in the union's headquarters, refusing "THEY STAND AT THE baseline and flock those writers and pull off incredible shots. Especially Borg. He always runs around his backhand and takes his forehand instead. What a match. . . everything topsi!" At this point, I began to feel uneasy. Was Nerdlinger carrying his thing about wrists too far? It seemed unhealthy to me and it smacked of fetishism. But Nerdlinger continued. "I CAN FEEL IT. Next time I "get out on the court, I will have it conquered. All I have to do is remember to bend my back and toss the ball consistently. Then I will use the... thwack. service air!" I reflected on Nerdinger and his obsession. I could tell when he was playing tennis by the flacks of foam appearing on the corners of his mouth. At times, he was impossible to talk to. This was one of the worst things. "What makes you think so?" I was beginning to get weary of Nerdlinger's exclamation points and ellipses. "I was watching Borg and Vilas last weekend. Those guys have the best wrists I have ever seen." revolt, have dug in deeper. They seem to have forgotten their original intent to live or die by the ballot box. The Portuguese women were locked last weekend during a union election when only 30 per cent of the vote went Communist. The other 70 per cent was carried by a coalition of communists and anti-Communist leftists. "Oh boy, is it ever worth it!" he exclaimed. "All it takes is to pass someone with a sizzling backhand down the line. That makes it worth it." When you're getting it all done! "Listen, Nerdlinger," I said. "Don't you think there's more to life than tennis?" You've been ignoring your studies, your love life and your dire financial situation. Is it worth it?" OH NO! Now Nerdlinger was beginning to sound like Buddy Blattner. He had fallen so far? "Did you see John Alexander, last weekend?" Nerdlinger yelled, and it impressed by the continuity of his physical presence!" This was all I could take— jumped up from the chair, ran around the table to Nerdlinger and began to shake him mirror in 15 minutes. Today is backhand volley day." I released Nerdlinger from my grip. He straightened his wristbands, adjusted his arm down to the back of Connors shirt and Frew McMullan hat, pulled up his Court Casuals short and, left moving his right arm in a backhand grip, dropped it. I felt tired and depressed. "Hey, Harkavy, what're you doing? Leggo my arm. I've got a tennis date with my Have you ever been down 0-6, 0-6, love-40 in the sixth game of the third set, trailing 8, 14, unsealed! That's the way I felt. Readers Respond So New York City is in big financial trouble and Mayor Abe Beame is pleasing with the rest of the nation to bail one of its oldest and biggest cities out of trouble. How could New York, of all cities get into such a mess? To the Editor: New Yorkers are basically liberal and generous. Generous welfare, health and education programs cost money, and they arrange arrangements, city administrators have been borrowing from Peter to pay Paul for years. So who is to blame? Is it the people who wrote the state government that turned a死 ear to New York City's special legal status, the city politicians who gave the people what they wanted, or the people who up a huge debt? The real culprit is the suburban commuter. The affluent American has preferred to live on the edge of the city, enjoying all of its attractions and embarking on porting none of its functions. The City of New York is small compared to the huge metropolitan area the automobile industry surrounds urban and suburban mass moves in New City's business, cultural YO Suburbia saves citu resources and educational resources but pays for none of the overhead. The only fundamental solution to New York's problems is education of taxation and services at the metropolitan area. This is hardly something that will happen very soon. Three states (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) and numerous cities, all trying to protect their own interests, are involved. But New York city must be, will be saved. Some superficial remedy to bail out the most important political, financial, cultural resources in Western hemisphere will be found. But what about many of our other large cities that don't enjoy New York's international importance? If they fail on hard time, help will be much harder than in the United States. We are criss-crossed with archaic municipal, school district, sewage district, water district and who knows what else is at stake. We need to lead to duplication and unequal distribution of services and taxes. Consolidation across county boundaries, and state boundaries if necessary, is the answer. We also need suburbanities to re-examine their responsibility to the larger metropolitan area they enjoy. Lawrence graduate student letters policy The Daily Kansas welcomes letters to the editor, but asks that letters be typewritten, double-spaced and no longer than 300 words. All letters are subject to the school's judging according to space limitations and the editor's judgment, and must be signed. KU students must provide their name, year in school and hometown; faculty must provide their name and position; others must provide their name and address.