Wednesday, June 14, 1989 / University Daily Kansan
Elks lodges to push for civil rights
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - For more than a century, the Elks club has chosen members to stand for the American ideals of equality, charity and brotherhood. Almost all of them have been white men.
But that may be changing because of recent challenges to the membership practices of the 12) year-old prevalent and Protective Order of Eiks.
Several California lodges have threatened to go to court if they are unsuccessful in persuading the national organization at its convention next month in Atlanta to change policies to include more black members
Earlier this year, two black men were denied membership to a lodge in Lampac, Calif. 140 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
In late March, Deputy Attorney General Louis Verdugo Jr. in Los Angeles confirmed that the state was investigating the lodge for possible violations of California's civil rights law, the same law the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in ordering the Rotary club to admit women.
The two men have been told that fewer than a dozen lock members call "no" votes by placing black marbles into the voting box. Even though nearly 140 members supported them, Elks voting rules require only three black marbles to reject, or blackball, an applicant.
Under community pressure, the Lampco lodge and others in Santa Barbara County passed a resolution to urge the national Grand Lodge to change voting procedures to a two-person organization, organization balks, the California lodges plan to go to court with the NAACP
Butch Simas, Elks Western Central Coast District leader, said he was concerned about opposing the Grand Lodge, but the lodges were ready to go against it.
Slattery attends Scottish Rite picnic
Congressman lauds protests says the U.S. sets example
by Gary Patton Kansan staff writer
With a backdrop of 13 U.S. flags, a smoking charcoal grill and a tub of orange soda pop. Rep. Jim Slattery said that the United States was a beacon of hope for freedom-loving people around the world.
"Chinese students protesting in Tiananmen Square didn't build a statue of a hammer and sickle." Shattery said Sunday in Lawrence. "They built a statue of liberty. They quoted Abraham Lincoln with the words 'of the people, by the people and for the people.'
"We must ensure we are worthy of that emulation. The quality of life in America must be second to none in the world."
Slattery, 2nd District Democrat in his third term as congressman, spoke at the Lawrence Scottish Conference's second annual "picnic of patriotism."
The Scottish Rite, 1005 Massachusetts Sl., is a 108-year-old Masonic organization that supports the U.S. Constitution and stands for a belief in a supreme being.
Slattery urged his audience to pause and think about the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
"Many people in China gave their lives for some basic things that we all take for granted: to speak freely, to associate freely with others and to worship the God their consciences demand." Slater said. "They wanted the freedom to protest and change their government by ballots rather than by bullets.
"These are the same freedoms gained and defended by the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors."
Slattery's speech marked the end of the rain-shortened festivities for the 215 Masons, family members and friends gathered at Broken Arrow Park, 31st and Louisiana.
Except for horseshoes, most of the games planned for the afternoon were cancelled. However, the
Ever since I attended a House Agriculture Committee meeting in Great Bend about a month ago, it has rained during every one of my trips to Kansas. I feel like the rainmaker.'
'E
Rep. Jim Slattery D-Kansas
pickernets remained drab under a shelter for their grilled steak dinner. flag demonstration a pledge against forgiveness and Slattery's speech.
Slattery took the blame for the inclement weather.
"Ever since I attended a House Agriculture Committee meeting in Great Bend about a month ago, it has rained during every one of my trips to Kansas. I feel like the rainmaker," Slattery said.
After a drawing with prizes ranging from a 50-pound bag of fertilizer to a $10 duck, master of ceremonies Larry Wengerarthorprises the battery with the day's final prize "a package of men's bikini briefs."
"I'll have to report this on my ethics committee report." Slattery yelled over a roaring crowd. "This is a set-up."
In a more serious tone, Slatter said after his speech that he would return to Washington. D.C., on Monday, for the work in Congress on Tuesday.
"The first items on the agenda are the savings and loan mess and clean air legislation." said Statman. "The goal is energy, and Commerce Committee.
Referring to presidential proposals on both issues, Slattery said, "It's good that President Bush has put his plans on the table. Reagan never did. It's good the president is holding some leadership in these areas."
Patrick G. Brungardt/KANSAN
Rep, Jim Slattery, D-Kan., accepts a box of underwear as a gag gift
WE'VE MOVED!
Now at
819 Massachusetts
(Next to Marks Jewelers)
FRAME WOODS
Custom Framing - Prints
Posters & More
842-4900
2-5111 Location, Lifestyle 1301 W 24th The Best Value In Town!
Offer expires 6/30/89
any regular priced non-prescription sunglasses. Other issues 6/30-B9
the regular price of prescription glasses or sunglasses.
Offer expires 6/30/89
CHOOSE FROM A WIDE SELECTION OF BRANDS & STYLES:
• Avante Guard • Swank • Bolle • Carrera
• Vaurnet • Bausch & Lomb • Seringeti • Liz
Claiborne • Georgio • Much more!
At Brady Optical we are equipped to provide a full line of optical services
Ask about invisible bi-focuss.
Brady Optical has been established in Emporia, Ks. for 15 years. We are proud to now offer our quality services to the Lawrence area. We look forward to serving you.
BRADY OPTICAL
925 Iowa • 842-0880
---