UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN editorials
Unsigned editorists represent the opinion of the Kansan editorial staff. Signed columns represent the views of the editors.
MAY 8, 1979
Senate balks on issue
While the KU Student Senate has never been known for its fondness for tackling controversial issues, any student looking to the Senate for an opinion on the issue of University investments in South Africa received a severe, but not surprising, jolt last week.
TABLING THE resolutions means that they won't be considered until next fall, if then, and casts serious doubt on how interested the Senate really was in "studying" the various ramifications of the more than $7 million the Endowment Association has invested in corporations doing business in South Africa.
After burying the issue in committee for two months of "study," the Senate tabled indefinitely two resolutions concerning South Africa—one endorsing the Endowment Association's investments in that country and the other calling for the divestiture of investments in businesses operating in South Africa.
Despite the Senate's claims that there was not enough time left in their meeting to adequately discuss the issue, the actions last week made it clear that as far as the Senate was concerned, South Africa was too hot an issue for consideration.
AND WHILE South African apartheid is probably a remote issue for most student senators, it has been an
important topic of contention on campus this spring. But that was still not enough to spur the Senate into action.
The hesitancy of the Senate to take stands on issues of importance to the students of this campus only underlines the Senate's weak, service-oriented structure.
While providing a valuable funding service, the Senate has nevertheless lacked the ability or desire to take a stand on some of the more pressing, and difficult, political issues, such as South African investments.
INSTEAD WE have been banded a new lobbying organization, ASK, to plead our case in Topeka on issues that involve little disagreement among students, such as the desire for minimum wage or liberalized marijuana laws.
While those are worthy issues, the Senate should be willing to take stands on other, more controversial issues as well, particularly when its own members have called on it to do so.
By running and ducking its head in the sand about the South African issue, the Senate not only passed up a chance to join in opposition to the Endowment Association's investment policies, but also cheated those students who see their Senate as more than a training ground in evasionary tactics for aspiring politicians.
Faces, names change; Kansan spirit goes on
Administrators can rest easy for a few weeks. There will be no peeky, aspiring candidates, but the university hours of the day and night. University news releases can now be made at any hour without fear of raising the ice of either Kanada or our competitors on New Amsterdam Street.
THE NEWSROOM will be a void. Darkness and silence will reign in 112 Fint Hall
There will be no lights burning in the newsroom tonight. The staccato clacking of typewriters and wire service telexes will be gone, as will all the reporters and editors.
Today, you see, is the last issue of this academic year.
Since Jan. 17, a staff of nearly 70 reporters, columnists, photographers and editors has labored to produce 74 issues of one of the leading morning daily newspaper in the country.
If all things went according to schedule, this paper should have made it to your hands by 11 this morning. If not, I'm sorry, but at least it won't happen again this week.
But caffee, in all its might, kept the Kansan going despite many sleepless nights endured by the staff. The proof is in your hands.
process, countless gallons of coffee and Coke and far too many greasy hamburgers and flaked classes, were skipped and true to journalistic form, term papers were written on deadline-research was started only once.
On any day, except today, that's about the same time reporters begin to trickle into the newsroom to pick up assignments for the next issue. Stories are due at 6 that evening. And if we're lucky, reporters meet the deadline.
BUT THAT really doesn't tell the story of our production. The first of today's papers came spitting out of the presses about 9:30 this morning.
But copy is not due at the printing shop until 5 a.m., when typesets arrive. Between 6 p.m. and 5 a.m., reporters rewrite their stories, campus editors rewrite those same stories and, finally, copy editors take their turn—checking style and content of the stories they write. At hectic time and the newroom often buzzes with activity until after 4 a.m.
Life for Kansan staff members is filled with working days of 12 hours or more, five
AT 7 A.M., several Kansan staff members arrive at the printing shop at the intersection of 15th Street and Crestline Drive to check the paper's layout and to proread it one last time. Then it is to the presses, and on to campus for distribution.
Barry Massey
days a week. It takes stamina and a lot of power just to survive semester with a heavy load.
But there are times when I am convinced student journalists are masochists. Certainly, Kansan staff members are fearful. There is far too little of any of those in this profession. It can be because of words of praise either. Those too, are scarce in
MORE OFTEN than not, newsroom callers blast the paper and its staff. The Kanas, according to some, is nothing more than a 'teething ring for infant journal'采访。
Perhaps. I prefer to think we're idealists. Professional ones, at that. Kansas staff members must love their work. They must love newspapers—love the words and pictures on which so much time is spent editing and printing.
Why else? Why would a reporter or photographer rush out after midnight in the middle of winter to cover an explosion in a nearby town? Why. at 4 a.m., a wopy editor tilor over a particular rough phrase of a sentence, polishing it for readability?
Why, indeed. In part it's for the experience. That helps to get a job. But it's more because of a dedication to a way of life.
It's frustrating when we fail. A misspelled headline across the front page can almost bring tears to an editor. When our friends downtown scoop us on a story, we curse and scowl at reporters, warning them of the grave consequences if it happens again.
THE KANSAN is more than just newspaper and ink. It's 70 journalists striving to produce the best newspaper possible.
Abb . . . all of that is done for this semester. Yet I know the cycle of the Kansan will go on. The faces and names of the Kansan will be an idealistic spirit of the Kansan will remain.
If we're rewarded while doing this, fine.
Newspaper contests and their awards are
like dessert. But the main course is the
satisfaction of knowing the job was done well.
For me, a lame duck Kansan editor, this paper is it. My Task now completed, I shall clean out my desk, shuffle out of the room and take arms against the "real world."
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY
KANSAN
Postmaster: Send changes of address to the University Daily Kauan, Flint Hall, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 60445
(USPS 60-640) Published at the University of Kansas daily August through May and Monday through Thursday during June and July except Saturday, and Sunday and holiday for all grades. Mail in envelopes to: USPS, Attn: Jennifer W. Miller, $15 for six months or $2 a year in Douglas County and $18 for six months or $3 a year county. Student subscriptions are $2 a semester, paid through the student activity fee.
Editor Barry Massey
Editorial Editorial
John Whitesides
In one of the final editions of my high school newspaper there was a page reserved for seniors that was humorously labeled "Last Will and Testament." In this edition, they wrote that students from their good looks and charm to advice on life to some unlucky underclassmen.
7. Statue in front of Strong Hall. Earlier this year there was a lot of debate concerning the proposed move of the Umele Jimmy statue. But if someone is really intent on moving something they ought to see about moving the pterodactyl, that was so much easier than moving it of Strong. I think it would look pretty good in front of the new law building.
FIRST THERE were the long lines outside Allen that never seemed to end, and then there were more of these lines inside. You could see where they were because somewhere at the front of the line was a table with class cards, which could determine whether you got to use the perfect schedule you worked out the night before. If you were going with going to class at some ungodly hour.
Not wanting to reveal the source of my good looks and charm (or the lack of them) and knowing that any advice I would give would be a waste of time, I've decided to leave a condensed version of my KU pet whoever might be interested. For example:
Managing Editor Direk Steimel
Business Manager
Karen Wenderott
Senior's 'will' bequeaths pet peeves
6. The people who catch the bus in front of the Union and ask to be let off in front of Old Green. Even when it wasn't raining, it was still very busy. Buses were buses were buses were standing room only capacity, and you begin wondering if your deodorant is working because you can't help but notice that someone else isn't, the old law school building.
DEEP FROM THE阻于 the bus, in between a line of "excuse me's" and a few expletives, would emerge not a sweet old lady, but the guy who was waiting with you in front of the Union to catch the bus. Talk about lazy.
with their sprinklers would create an obstacle course that would rival any the military had ever seen. The sidewalks and alleys of grass were watered, and I got wet a lot.
5. Watering the grass. Keeping the grass green around KU seemed to be a favorite pastime of the buildings and ground crews. It was sunny, and on not so sunny days it was drowned.
1. The long lines during enrollment.
Before coming to KU my only experience with field houses was attending sporting events. But here I was to learn that besides activities, Allen Field House was used to teach a course called Waiting and Hope 101.
When it was cold outside the air conditioning was usually on and when it was hot outside, the heat, rather than the air conditioning, could be found blowing. This probably was another energy saving idea of which haven’t quite been worked out.
2. Watson Library. Libraries used to be one of my favorite places. They generally provided a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, but sometimes I could be found in them. But this was before I
Advertising Adviser Chuck Chowins
NOW DON'T get me wrong, I don't have anything against green grass. In fact, the more the better. But it never seemed to fail that on those days when I would leave my jeans and tennis shoes at home in favor of dress slacks and shoes, the grounds crew
But enough. I've been complaining about one thing or another all year and it hasn't changed a change. Besides all this will soon become pass and in 10 years or so I'll look back and think of all the time I grinned and took it.
4. The heating and cooling systems in many of the buildings on campus always seemed to be in sync with the weather not with the feelings of the people inside.
AND FINALLY there was Wesley's lack of windows. The excuse they give is that, by having only a few windows, energy is saved. But I don't buy that argument and rather think that the building was designed that way to keep students from jumping out of them when certain professors lost the ability to hold their audiences.
3. WESCOE HALL. For the building that houses the Humanities department, Wescoe gets my vote as one of the most inhumane and cold places on campus. The building is an architectural eyesore that looks as if it were somebody's final project that just did not quite make it. I hope whoever it was decided to go into architecture for a living.
General Manage Rick Musser
Somebody should post a "Slippery when wet" sign in front of the steps because on rainy days you either slip or slide your way to class. Once inside, other hazards await. If you needed to use the four floor doors, you would need two-way doors could provide a rather painful awakening. Invariably, just as I was about to go in, someone else was about to
ran into Watson. To find a book there, I sometimes had to hire a guide to lead me through the maze of stacks and shelves, and I often had to help me was often very humilating.
"Oh, so what else is new. You probably could and your way out of a brown paper bag."
come out. Smack. There goes another pair of glasses. A stop light in front of the restroom entrances would solve this problem.
"Excuse me, but I can't see to find this book."
MARCINY
the DAILY KNIGHT
FUDPUCKER INCORPORATED
NAME ___ AGE ___
$\textcircled{1}$ IS YOUR LAST NAME FUDPUCKER? YES NO
IF YES BE IN YOUR NEW OFFICE AT
8:30 MONDAY, IF NO, CONTINUE FORM
$ \textcircled{2} $ HOW MUCH IS YOUR FATHER WORTH? IS HE WILLING TO BUY FUDPUCKER STOCKS?
GOFER, $ \textcircled{3} $ ASST.
APPRENTICE
$ \textcircled{3} $ POSITION SOUGHT- $ \textcircled{A} $ GOFER $ \textcircled{B} $ ASST. GOFER C JANITORS APPREN'TICE
$ \textcircled{4} $ ARE YOU WILLING TO RELOCATE ? YES NO IF YOU ARE , CHOOSE DESIRED OFFICE -
□ IRAN OFFICE □ MINSK OFFICE
IF NO, PLEASE GIVE BACK PENCIL AND TAKE A WALK.
$ \textcircled{5} $ HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO SACRIFIC
TO ATTAIN JOB- $ \textcircled{A} $ MY DIGNITY
$ \textcircled{B} $ MY SELF RESPECT $ \textcircled{C} $ MY LIFE
DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE? YES IF YES, AND ARE LYING, DO YOU PROMI TO FEEL GOILTY REST OF LIFE? PENCIL
Trust of readers demands accuracy
To the editor:
In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling in regard to the courts' rights to question the motives and mental soundness of journalistic reporters, it is apparent that the courts have not taken our constitutional rights. However, pointing the finger toward Washington has become increasingly more popular, obstructing our view of the issues. I believe that the courts should be careful, but the bulk of the responsibility must be placed those who chose to shoulder it: the press.
No one is more aware of reader response than those who do the writing. An even greater realization is that the majority of readers believe what they read. Trust, blindness, and a lack of responsibility on reporters to print facts so as to inform the public. Today, confusion reigns over many issues; the facts have been distorted, either intentionally or by poor journalism. I choose to believe the "The Way," by staff reporter Bill Riggs.
I first met Riggs shortly after his visit to the Way College of Emporia. During our TWO cup "marathon" coffee drinking event, he asked me why the Way he mentioned in his article. However, he is continually erroneous. This may be due to the fact that he never took notes as so to not let me think I was being let down. Let me correct some of these points.
The Way is not a charismatic organization but a biblical research and teaching ministry with its headquarters in New Knoxville, Ohio. The research of manuscripts is done in the languages of the Middle East, Africa, and Samaritan (which was also misspelled). The class on Power for Abundant Living is 15 and not 13 sessions where students are
encouraged to discuss the course with others. His remark as to the class being advertised as an answer to 95 percent of all the questions you have concerning the Bible is completely unfounded, since the class is not advertised.
The last correction I would like to make concerns speaking in tongues. We do not consider it a gift of God. We are, to my knowledge, the only ministry that does not. It is a manifestation of what it is: a manifestation of the spirit you receive from God when you are born again.
As to Keefer's allegations concerning the ministry of the Way, I choose not to comment. I have learned from experience that I throw mud you only get your hands dirty.
To some, these errors may seem trivial, but I believe it is my right as a reader to receive the facts and the reporter's stories. The fact that the word word has had a dramatic effect on history.
When the Communist Chinese marched victoriously through the streets of Peking on August 1, 1940, the parade was a printing press. The banner above boldly proclaimed, "With this we conquer!" A tribute to their successful campaign. In return, they paved the people to their opinion.
Here in the United States we are privileged to live under a Constitution that guarantees freedom of the press. But along with privilege comes responsibility. We the people have the right to trust in those who have accepted the responsibility. The fate of nations has been
hammered on typewriters before. A misinformed public leads to mass confusion and anarchy. I believe we can learn from history. Our future depends on it.
Jay Lehive Branch leader The Way International
C ii
reflect editorializing To the editor:
'Way' story errors reflect editorializing
Bill Riggins' article about "The Way leads to staunch fault, criticism" is sprinkled with macracauses and reflects the cynical attitude toward "The Way."
I'd like to illuminate some of the "editorializing" and to refute some of the quoted charges toward followers of "The Myth." I'll just give you a class on "Power For Abundant Living."
And they are living together for one of the reasons many other Kansas University students live together off-campus—for a nonsupervised student housing in Lawrence.
To begin, people do not become "members" of The Way International. No membership dues are required. (People may call themselves followers of The Way—Jesus Christ, as the Bible refers to Christian believers in the Book of Acts). But people do freely avail themselves to the activities of The Way International.
Also, "the four member Way contingent in Lawrence," is not a contagion. They are not all members of the Way Corps—a sub-division of the Army within the Way International's ministry.
Concerning the class on Power For
Abundant Living, the phrase "sailing
into the sun" can be used.
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The claims of the class are used in persuasion, but they are not used for "selling." To register for the class there is a required donation; the knowledge contained in the teaching is not sold. (nor can it be priced or sold).
The freedom of choice of the Power For Abundant Living student is never violated. So, the sentence, "students are allowed neither to ask questions until the last session, nor to discuss the course with anyone outside the course," is untrue.
The charges made by Yvonne Keeter, director of the Baptist Student Union in Lawrence, are mishandled. Did her four students take the class and "join" the Way Corps, or did they just become more active in The Way ministry than in her group?
Another question raised, but left unanswered was, what were the results of the three cases of students who had strong psychological needs? Were they helped or harmed?
The people I know who have completed the class and have tested and applied what they have learned have been helped. A benefit of their application of that knowledge is the "staunch" belief mentioned in the headline.
Of all the courses offered at KU that I know of, none of them benefit the individual student more than the Power For Living class benefits the individual.
"Brainwashing" set aside, I know from experience that the class teaches people how to be responsible citizens of our country, responsible parents and individuals. And it is based upon the timesteaded Bibleical teachings. It teaches accuracy and integrity which needs to be applied to some of the Kanans's journalism.
David Moore
David Moore Lawrence senior