the people say...
U.S. doesn't understand Africa
In the United States not much attention is paid to anything African unless it is either "a threat to democracy," or lurid. This is not only stupid but it is irrational. That Nkrumah was overthrown on his way to Peking is enough justification here to sensationalize his overthrow and to speculate unknowingly on matters of Africa. One submits that this preoccupation leads to misunderstandings on what the falls of Balewa, Nkrumah and others are all about. All these developments can be understood only in the quest for a better life. Simplistic? Let me explain.
It is fair to argue that most Africans are primarily interested in improving their economic lives. They want to do this in their own way and not in terms of East and West. They are therefore against foreign domination in either politics or economics, be it American, Chinese or Russian among others. They are interested in dignity of the people because the most important experience in Africa's collective history has been the rape of their country, culture and a denial of their self, particularly by the West and others in degree. This denial still pervades every group in this country—in different degrees of course.
IN THIS context then we can understand recent African history. Balewa was overthrown because of his tendencies to ignore political matters of real African interest and support of a feudal, selfish and corrupt political order—which did not give the African image the honor and dignity it deserves in the world.
Nkrumah was overthrown because in his zeal he forgot that the political kingdom starts at home with a meaningful economic base. The people of Ghana needed and deserved a solid economic base before they could spearhead the unification of Africa.
Perhaps one should point out another major factor evaluating African political developments. This is the problem of institutionalizing persons rather than institutions. The older generation who spearheaded the independence movements at times feel that they have a claim of the leadership of governments. They are right in a way. But the younger people who put a primacy on development for economic and social welfare at times feel impatient when leaders drag their feet on matters of general welfare.
THE YOUNGER people see no reason why states should become fiefs for some leaders. Their view of the state is organic and therefore leadership should be based on competence and qualification and not primarily on past activities. The young want to strengthen dignity and honor in Africa—in the achievements of our governments now and in the future.
The young stress this because if they fail to better the conditions of the African people, the denial of Africa will tend to be confirmed. Confirmed in the sense that many outside Africa still argue that Africa cannot govern itself. That Africa can govern itself and improve the people's livelihood, the young will prove. The army takeovers then are not just military takeovers but they are the application of another form of organized power bringing change. It is one's hope that the armies will fulfill this modernizing duty when necessary.
Finally, one is aware that to speak of Africa in general has limitations. Sometimes, though it is better to paint bold stripes than not to paint at all. This one feels is such a time.
-M. Makau
(African student)
—Drawing by John Boyer
To the Editor:
Have we become, in our maturity, so blasé that God ranks only second page coverage and fine print in The University Daily Kansan? With times as they are, headlines speak out in bigger and better type, but "The Death of God" surely should outshine all other headlines!
My main concern is, however, in the affect this may have on us directly. Are we sure he's dead? Did we ask him? A chain reaction may occur from this situation which would make the stock market crash of 1929 look like kids' stuff. Imagine the numbers of unemployed persons unleashed on our economy by priests, rabbis, ministers, etc., etc., out of work; the economy would be threatened!! These few salient points must be considered.
So think twice—how dead is God? Do we want him dead? What do we think as students? If he is dead, certainly it seems that he does not deserve only a second place obituary. Lastly consider, after the death and the removal of churches—what will become of the church mouse???
Jean Miller Hiawatha junior
2 Daily Kansan editorial page Thursday, March 10, 1966
They object to editorial on McNally
Justin Beck, an editorialist for the Kansan, seems perturbed over what he labels the "intemperate and inaccurate views" of ASC Chairman Mike McNally in regard to the current student rights controversy.
"Not so impressive!" trolls the idealist Beck as he holds his nose at the stench of "Western Kansas tone."
WHAT REALLY seems to bug Beck is that a student politician suggested that non-students, such as Laird Wilcox, editor of the KFP, and national SDS'ers, like Don Olson, are involved in the civil liberties of KU students.
An impressive charge at that. The fallacies in it are, however, not so impressive. If Mr. Beck had read Chairman McNally's statement in an earlier edition of the Kansan (March 1), he might have been surprised to see that, among other things, McNally mentioned the need for a "realistic student code" and expressed desire for clarification of the issues. The Stuco leader also cautions the student body about "the movement's" dependence on outside organizations for "manpower and ideas."
SUCH A CAUTION is valid. And because McNally questions ideas and ideals taken from carefully calculated fly-sheets originating from Port Huron, Mich., instead of this campus, does not, as Beck would have us believe, make Mike McNally opposed to progress.
Certainly, the problems of in loco parentis are many. And it will take intelligent, cool, heads like those of McNally, Garling-house, Masters, et al., to solve them. It is simply a question of tedious compromise.
Dan Austin Salina sophomore
For 76 Years, KU's Official Student Newspaper
KANSAN TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Newsroom—UN 4-3646 Business Office—UN 4-3198
The Daily Kansan, student newspaper at The University of Kansas, is represented by National Advertising Service, 18 East 50 St. New York, N.Y. 10022. Students are encouraged to post a resume and postage paid at Lawrence, Kan., every afternoon during the University year except Saturdays and Sundays. University holidays and examination periods. Accommodations, goods, services and employment advertised in the University are offered to all students without regard to color, creed or national origin.
The opinions expressed in the editorial column are those of the students whose names are signed to them. Guest editorial views are not necessarily the editor's. Any opinions expressed in the Daily Kansan are not necessarily those of The University of Kansas Administration or the State Board of Regents.
Managing Editor ... Fred Frailey
Business Manager ... Dale Reinecker
Editorial Editors ... Jacke Thaver. Justin Beck
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Assistant Managing Editors E. C. Balwag, Rosalie Jenkins,
Karen Lambert, Nancy Scott and Robert Stevens
City Editor ... Tom Rosenbaum  Advertising Manager ... John Hons
Feature Editor ... Barbara Phillips  Classified Manager ... Bruce Browning
a mistake?
To the Editor:
Mr. Beck, whoever you are, in your "editorial" (or was it a classroom assignment?) of March 3 entitled "McNally in Wonderland" you made reference to a "Human Relations Commission"; there is no such thing and there never has been. Perhaps you meant the Human Rights Committee? If so, it is indeed a surprising mistake in light of your self-professed omniscience of student government and its officers.
Ron Peden Danville senior ASC Engineering Representative
Whazzit?
What we can soon expect is the utilization of the protest methods in academic hassles. On a typical afternoon in 1970, a visitor to KU probably will see the following:
—Half of the philosophy department having a sit-in for free will;
—Psychology profs marching in front of Strong Hall with signs proclaiming "Freud Couldn't Get Tenure Here";
—An overflow crowd in Hoch watching an international debate between Harvard and Oxford students. Topic: "Did the U.S. Really Win the War of 1832?"
—DIEHARDS FROM the Sociology department lying in front of cars on Jayhawk to support the Weber Thesis;
And, finally, the UDK running ads featuring long lists of faculty members who would have supported Athens in the Peloppponesian War.
- SDS distributing petitions objecting to U.S. involvement in the Spanish-American War;
—with apologies to The Washington Daily
To the editor:
Having become increasingly aware of the over-all negative and excessively critical tone of the editorial page, I must finally express my irritation at the editorial "McNally in wonderland."
AS ONE WHO has worked with ASC Chairman Mike McNally for over a year I can sincerely endorse his fine work on the council. Chairman McNally has been exceptionally conscientious, efficient, and strong in his efforts to lead the council this year. The fact that the editorial praised some actions of the ASC while excluding that organization's leader from praise only serves to point out how misinformed and out-of-touch Mr. Beck was in his comments.
Instead of lambasting McNally because his "contacts with students here interested in student rights has been limited," next time, Mr. Beck, may I suggest that it would be more appropriate if you devote an editorial to the outstanding job McNally has done in keeping up with both students and administration views. He has a difficult and little-appreciated task, one which he does well.
— Kay Orth
El Dorado junior
ASC representative
May the Greeks bear gifts
To the editor:
Ho, ho, ho, Chi Omega and AKL, Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, and may the Greeks bear gifts to you! What you rendered before the Saturday audience was good; a typical Rock Chalk skit that was an evidence of hard work, timely criticism of administration, and a talented female lead in Miss Bates. However, as entertainment goes, you were bested in a number of areas. Your last scene change was clever, but overall design couldn't compare to the Gamma Phis and Betas. Make-up and costuming deserved to go to the Gamma Phis and Betas, as I'm certain you'll agree. How about staging technique? Well, I'll be! The fallen helmet, the tricycle donkey meeting the Honda in center stage, the cast positioning of the Gamma Phis and Betas were superb. Right? How about humor? If a Vu meter had been used, the Kappas and Sigma Chis could have taken laurels for laughs. The most vibrant individual number would have been a toss-up between the Kappa-Sigma Chi "Judy, Judy," and the Gamma Phi-Betas "Debauchery Tonight." To sum it up, you were third. (We won't mention fourth, for the last skit should not have been entered.)
If the audience is an indication, and in the outside world ticket sales and Schwerin ratings govern approval, the Kappas and Sigma Chis have a good slapstick show worthy of TV approval, and the Gamma Phis and Betas were the most professional, befitting live stage consideration. You were a good Rock Chalk skit.
Robert Bettcher Lawrence sophomore