Monday, April 24, 1989 / University Daily Kansan
Opinion
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
There can be no question that dismantling 86 U.S.-based military installations, and either scaling down or changing the mission of another 59 bases, will cripple many communities that depend on them for economic livelihood.
But when the House of Representatives approved such a package Tuesday, it did the rest of the country a favor. Many more painful cuts will be necessary to soothe the country's financial ills. But one thing is clear: The U.S. military should not exist to prop up local economies.
U.S. House serves nation by approving military cuts
It is likely that proponents of big military spending backed the recommendations out of fear that, with Reagan now out of office, the Golden Age of Military Expenditure was on the wane. If the military volunteered some of its weakest members for slaughter and appeared willing to tighten its own budget, Congress might be more generous.
In December, the Commission on Base Realignment and Closure finished its examination of about 3,800 domestic military installations. Many bases made the panel's list because they could no longer fulfill their designated purposes. For example, in San Francisco, one air base was inaccessible to airplanes because of the city's surrounding high-rises.
How much we will be saving, though, is not exactly clear. The original claim of trimming $694 million the first year and $5.6 billion during 5 years is widely regarded with skepticism. Over time, the savings certainly will be more. However, a lack of return on the closings, if anything, should be an argument to look further for cuts.
One might wonder why domestic bases were cut while doubledly flabby military installations overseas went untouched. The United States would be foolish if it did not examine and cut all of the fat out of its military.
Frank Carlucci, then defense secretary, and Ronald Reagan, his boss, both approved the plan.
Opposition to the plan, as might be expected, came from the representatives with affected bases in their districts. You can't blame them; the proposal will cause their constituents genuine hardship. But we have to start somewhere.
Conservatives have been worried for some time that overseas bases vital to U.S. interests might be next on the chopping block. But clearly the nation's interests, either strategic or fiscal, should be the primary focus of any such examination. U.S. interests aren't served by maintaining a hollow, costly military force.
James Farquhar for the editorial board
Ignoring protest could lead to violent unrest in China
China and the Soviet Union don't often agree, but the countries have faced similar problems in recent weeks.
countries have faced similar problems in recent weeks. Hundreds protested in the Soviet republic of Georgia earlier this month, the latest in a string of movements for autonomy in that country.
And during the weekend, university students in China have demonstrated against the government, demanding many freedoms that aren't normally a part of societies controlled by Communist governments - free press, free speech and freedom to march
The students are dedicated to their cause, and for good reason. They are willing to speak out against the party's hold on power and the current leaders, or "emperors," who live in comparative luxury.
The Chinese government's response has been mild compared to the actions of the Soviet government. The Soviet military broke up the protests in Georgia, killing at least 19 Soviet citizens. Reports of arrests and injuries have come out of China, but there have been no casualties — yet.
The protests were inspired by the death of Hu Yaobang, the former party chief who was ousted in 1887 for not stopping pro-democracy protests by students. The unrest probably will continue at least through May 4, the 70th anniversary of China's first student uprising, which also called for democracy.
The students have worthy goals, but the party's hard-line stance makes reform appear unlikely. Unless the Chinese government at least considers the students' demands, violence similar to that in Georgia is inevitable. If the Chinese government is serious about reforms, it would be in its long-term interests to make the transition as painless as possible.
Jeff Euston for the editorial board
Julie Adam               Editor
Karen Boring            Managing editor
Jill Jess              News editor
Dan Sliver             Planning editor
James Fuarghar         Editorial editor
Elaine Sung            Campus editor
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faculty or staff passport
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KJHK is losing educational battle
"I was given recommendations about who not to hire." Michael Ulin said in the March 3 Kansas. "I was not about to hire anyone who would
cause internal strife at the station, and I was told Tiu would."
Ulin is the student station manager at KJHK. He was given recommendations by certain KJHK board members on hiring policies. Tiiu McGure, Golden, Colo., junior and former KJHK worker, is hard out of luck. Both the KU umbudman and the Affirmative Action Board have declared her problem to be beyond their jurisdiction. The position has been resisted because a matter has limited itself to a consideration of the proportion of Senate funding to the KJHK board's student representation.
Jude Pate Guest columnist
student representation.
Tiu's crime was not that she caused internal strife at the station; it was that she thought and spoke with an independent mind.
Mike Kautsch, dean of journalism, in the March 3 Kanast defended the board's right to deny jobs to people who caused trouble. In a March 8 letter to the editor, Carrie L. Richardson, Lincoln, Neb., sophomore, supported Kautsch's position with a beautiful bit of unintended irony. "One learns at JKH by doing, not by being spooned," she said.
Doing? Do you mean doing what you are told to do? Or perhaps a little doing without reflection or do?
*I'll just tell you what I thought.*
thought?
Michael Merschel, Lakewood, Colo., senior,
wrote for the Kansan editorial board last semester
concerning the problems at JKHK. "Finally comes the problem of faculty interference," he
adds. "Students are encouraged to protest across campus. Faculty members should advise students, not dictate to them."
Five students have said they have heard either station manager Ulin or an administrative board member explicitly mention a list of recommendations of students who were not to work at the station. Tiu McGuire, her roommate and Michael Mader, Great Bend graduate student, have said that Ulin admitted to the existence of such a directive from a certain board member.
Protests, anyone?
Two students now working at the station said they heard an administrative board member discussing such a list. These two anonymous students helped protect their identity. Once labeled a trouble-maker at KJHK, more than likely you will find yourself out of a job the next semester.
Why has there been such a fuss over music and hiring at KJHK? Why, for the last year and a half, have the journalism school and a small group of students been locked in a pitched battle?
It is more than some stubborn students' musical preference clashing with a power grab by board members. It is a struggle for the freedom of education: the freedom of students to decide how students should be educated. Only when you are free to learn can you truly learn.
KJHK board members Kautsch; John Katch, assistant professor of journalism; Max Utsler, associate professor of journalism; I hold you responsible for depriving me and other students of our fullest educational benefits. You have intentionally denied us the right to work at student radio station KJHK without regard for our qualifications and in spite of Senate regulations that mandate that KJHK be open to all students. The hypocrisy you promote within the education of your profession would astound me if I were not already so well acquainted with the level of your intellectual and ethical standards. But I must thank you for providing me an educational experience and self-empowerment. I will always remember what it has been real.
Jude Pate is a Lawrence senior majoring in journalism.
Sensationalist motives
As an attendant of the recent forum on Paganism, I was startled by your reporter's coverage. At best, he took liberal license and at worst, had some damaging and danger-
The last quote left out several crucial words. The correct quote was, "Anytime an entire Christian congregation prays for the death of a Supreme Court Justice who is pro-choice." But when the reporter looked at this important distinction is most troubling of all. To the casual
Specifically, Sue Westwind was reported on incorrectly when responding to a question concerning Pagans' view on abortion. Her reply was that Pagans have no unified opinion on the issue. Stephen Farran did not respond with a jalful reply to a question concerning sexual responsibility. He never stated that we practice group sex. Most of the forum centered on current persecution of local Pagans for their faith, feminism and ecological concerns. Why were these issues different from other the reporter the editor thought sensationalist elements were more newsworthy.
reader, the quote printed could be miscon- asured to in趣 Pazars did such a thing.
In the future, I hope that the Kansan provides its reporters with tape devices — perhaps then such a travesty of misinformation will not befall others.
Bruce Blanc Lawrence resident
Misdirected money
In response to John Thompson's and Matthew Hanna's letter of April 10, I cannot believe raucquetball enthusiasts have the nerve to complain about the time being taken to reconstruct raucquetball courts at Robinson Center. What is really absurd is that the University of Kansas chooses recreation facilities over educational facilities are deteriorating. I am referring to the condition of the pianos in Murphy Hall, both in the practice area and in the recital hall.
Contrary to popular belief, the study of music is a highly disciplined and legitimate academic pursuit. The condition of the facilities at Murphy deserves the attention and action of the University administration in order to improve this utter state of disrepair. Simply purchasing new instruments is not the complete answer, however. Competent maintenance personnel are requisite for keeping complex musical instruments in functioning order. The School of Fine Arts is currently depleted in both high-quality instruments and
high quality repair and maintenance technicians. The Lied Performing Arts Center, which is planned to open in Fall 1992, will be a great asset to the University. Unfortunately, practice and rectal space for students still will be located in Murphy Hall; the Lied Center will be used for guest artists and large ensembles only.
one priorities of the University are totally out of line when its recreational facilities take precedence over providing adequate practicing performing conditions for its fine arts' students.
Shannon Wettstein Pittsburg senior
Thank your doctor
For those of you who have felt privileged to be treated by either Dr. Schaffer or Dr. Richitark, now is the time to say, "Thanks for the care." Time is short, as they will be leaving when classes are finished. I know it would mean a lot to them to be told that you are glad they took care of you. You can stop by Watkins Memorial Health Center and leave a note, send a card or call and leave a message.
Meredith Uttley Lawrence graduate student
BLOOM COUNTY
by Berke Breathed