UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN editorials
Unsigned editors represent the opinion of the Kansan editorial staff. Signed columns represent the views of
APRIL 24,1979
Pray ye not in school
The U.S. House of Representatives should forget about going along with the Senate's approval of the proposal by Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., to force Congress to "override" the U.S. Supreme Court and authorize prayer in public schools.
They should do so not because there is anything wrong with praying, but because as President Carter, a devout Baptist, duly noted, "... the government ought to stay out of the prayer business and let it be between a person and God."
Efforts to return formal group prayer to classrooms have been made repeatedly since 1962 when the Supreme Court held that "each separate government in this country should stay out of the business of writing or sanctioning official prayers and leave that purely religious function to the people themselves and to those the people choose to look to for religious guidance."
PROPONENTS of measures like the one sponsored by Helms almost always ignore the fact that every child has the right to pray in his or her own way at any time. What is constitutionally unacceptable is a public body promoting prayer or any form of religion.
Thus the major question which the Senate should address on this issue is whether today's public schools are the proper place to impose religious worship.
During the early days of this country, and even not so far in the past.
communities shared certain norms,
standards and values.
FORMAL prayer in the schools was one of those values, and it was commonplace that a few minutes be reserved for morning prayer at the start of each school day.
Today, however, our society has grown increasingly complex, and those once-sanded norms, standards and values have all but vanished.
In such a setting, prayer mandated by school authorities could have adverse effects. Children are extremely vulnerable to peer pressure, and may feel compelled to participate in the prayer against their beliefs or incinations. And the children who choose not to join in prayer are likely to be harassed or ostracized.
THE HELMS proposal also raises some serious constitutional questions. By overturning a long-standing Supreme Court ruling, it would virtually usup the highest court's power, making it difficult for the court to overturn any state laws or rulings.
Religion and prayer are very personal matters and ought to be left to the choice of each individual as he or she sees fit. Children should not be forced into a daily recitation of a generalized prayer to a generalized God.
Helms expects his proposal to be scrapped in the House, and that is exactly what should be done. There are enough problems here on earth with which Congress can occupy itself without having to look to the heavens for more.
Let it first be said that thanks and gratitude are due to those of you who have given generously to the University, thereby enhancing the quality of education at KU.
Your gifts and contributions to the KU Endowment Association provide needed scholarships, loans, funds for special occasions, construction and aid to various campus groups.
For this and more, most of the students and faculty are thankful.
Dear Alumni:
But there is a controversial issue that confronts the Endowment Association. Divestiture of stocks in corporations that have operations in South Africa.
But not all agree that divestiture of stocks from these companies, or eventual withdrawal of corporations from South Africa, is the means to best end apartheid.
WITHOUT A doubt, the primary goal of the association is to make the best use of funds for the benefit of the University. This, in turn, increases their businesses that maximize profits where they can.
Most individuals who are aware of the outright disregard for human rights inherent in the racist government of South Africa, that the system of apartheid must cease.
And for years, the average return on investments in South Africa has been as high as 20 percent, about twice the world average and among the highest anywhere. The average rate of growth during the post-World War II era was surpassed only by Japan's.
But this economic prosperity in South Africa seems to be decreasing.
Currently, more than 1 million people out
a work force of 5 million are unemployed.
of a workforce of 6 million are unemployed. A recent survey by the University of Delaware listed South Africa in the "moderate risk" category of nations with attractive investments. Only Indonesia was ranked ahead of South Africa. Furthermore, the survey noted, within three years South Africa had the lowest risk of "risk," and in seven years, South Africa should be the "highest prohibitive risk of all countries."
One indication of these dire predictions coming true is the fact that in 1976, total U.S. investment grew only 5.5 percent, a decline of almost 20 percent from the 24 percent average growth rate in the previous three years.
ASK representation worth expense
Alumni must support divestiture plan
To the editor:
I'm not necessarily a radical supporter of ASK. However I do feel that, in response to Thursday's editorial, the other side of the case should be presented.
You stated, "Indeed, it seems odd that KU students suddenly required representation of a so-called professional lobbying organization after years of successful work by University administrators and by the University Board of Education. Students for Higher Education." While I'm sure the administration has done a terrific amount over the years, CSHE has only been around a little over two, and if they've done anything of importance, I'm unaware of it. In fact, a poll recently revealed that a majority of KU faculty legislature had never even heard of CSHE.
Commenting on its achievements during this legislative session, you said ASK was successful "only in its efforts to boost a bounce in minimum wages for students and increase their income." In my opinion, these two accomplishments are of major importance.
This brings me to my last point. True, ASK must concentrate on issues of general interest to all member schools. However, KU has the biggest voice in these matters. Besides, has anyone said that CSHE would have to be eliminated? Why can't it work with KU? It's my opinion that CSHE can be made more effective by membership in ASK.
I'm sure most students who work or are on scholarships would agree that paying 50 cents for a $500 scholarship or a greatly increased wage is hardly "squandering" one's student activity money. You also need to understand that KXI was responsible for creating a higher-end loan program in Kansas of $2.6 million, $3.9 million going directly to K.U.
Indeed, it does cost $9,000. But I wouldn't have voted for it if I didn't think it would be worth it.
Don M. Wampler Glasse sophomore
Bhutto's execution savage and brutal
The inhumane and barbarous execution of the former prime minister of Pakistan, Zulfikar Al Allhuto, has brought much attention to the rest and the rest of the international community.
The hanging of one of the most prominent leaders of the Third World, twice elected by the masses to the highest political office of India, has led to a down on the future of democracy in Pakistan.
Though there is much doubt that Ali Bhutto was guilty of murder; he was not a common street criminal. Long after the murder for which Ali Bhutto was to be blamed, he was popularly elected for the second time. Under the above extenuating
It is a shame that in this era of freedom, human rights and democracy, that there are still some regimes who disgrace not only the political system but also race by using primitive and brutal ways to get rid of their political opponents. The abuse of criminal law and other judiciary to eliminate Al Bhutto from the political scene has resulted in savagey in modern political history.
To the editor:
circumstances, he could be called a public culprit but not a common criminal, as General Zia Ui-Ha Tiong to make of him. Under the Islamic law and code of ethics, the president is a representative is executed by the popularly elected government and in front of the people. But in no way does Islam permit the president to be the most popular leader of a country. Was Ali Bhutto to be executed by a government that came by topping a popularly elected regime, or by a government which is illegal by the popularly elected national assembly?
Not at all! If Bhutto were to be executed it should have been done under a popularly elected government and not by the military junta, which has no power or confidence by the people. One cannot become representative of the people by virtue of a coup.
If we look in the background of Bhutto's political history, it could be easily deducted that the military and a year-old conspiracy. The military is called opposition军队 (in which people have shown a lack of confidence) and the government has always way to get rid of Bhutto, extenuate to him勾。
While the rest of the world solves its political conflicts by compromise through political institutions, in Pakistan brutal gangings were used, especially by this military juntia.
The hanging of Blutto and the refusal of General Zia to grant him clemency, despite the popular demand of the Pakistani people and the rest of the world, is indicative of the institutionalized political gangsterism, of the feudal lords and the military junta.
Such military dictatorships, which have no respect for human rights, which degrade political institutions and the judiciary, are not worthy of being recognized by the international democracy-loving countries, and should be gotten rid of.
We salute you, Ali Bhutto, and will always cherish your memory.
Aftab Ahmed
Pakistan senior
Amner Latif
Pakistan grad students
Teachers neglected court ruling on TM
A letter to the editor April 9 contained a rebuff from two Transcendental Meditation instructors to a previous letter. The TM instructors, in essence, stated that TM wasn't a religion. They neglected to mention the fact that evidence of all that was laid against their claim—U.S. courts have declared TM to be religious.
To the editor:
U. S. District Court Judge H. Curtis Meanor ruled on Oct. 19, 1977, that the SCI/TM court was religious in nature and should not be subject to the establishment clause of the First
I don't mind people with new belief systems trying to promote their beliefs, even if I disagree with them. But I do object to them doing it deceitfully. I would like to ask you to give any TM instructor at KU to explain how The Laws of nature when U.S. courts have ruled that
Amendment. His decision was upheld by a U.S. Court of Appeals on Dec. 11, 1978. One of the appeal judges stated in his opinion, "Supporters of new belief systems may not 'choose' to be non-religious, particularly in the establishment clause context."
Doug Lamborn
1336 Kentucky St.
To the editor:
Decadence embodied in 'Rocky Horror'
"Enjoyed your last letter about 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show.' I sure don't know what college is, at times, except an artificially structured extended childhood show. It doesn't seem to saturate a reverence of a university with such polluting mind-rot."
U.S. COMPANIES used to reinvest 60%
about 35 percent of their profit
I sent my older brother a copy of the recent Weekday feature that pictured the dressed up for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." His reply speaks for me:
Aside from "Rocky Horror" itself, and the scene that accompanies it, it is remarkable that so few are offended by the message. It is an open embracement of decadence as a
Bill Wisner Hays senior
Furthermore, black African nations have talked about economic consequences for those countries investing in South Africa. The United States' crude petroleum comes from Africa.
I am glad I attended it, since otherwise I would not have seen how far the culture has progressed.
After the March 30 Rally against Aparthied, a photographer took pictures of five organizers of the rally who walked into the administration office in Strong Hall. This photographer told me that he was photographing a news event, whereas, in view, a person standing in the administration office is of questionable news value.
While awkwardly displaying his student identification card twice, the photographer nervously stated that he was working as a freelance photographer for the Kansan and checked this photograph has not sold to him, these newspapers. Besides several questionable actions and statements, one item in particular made it seem likely that the photographer was working for law enforcement and not for the Kansan or the Journal World.
South Africa does supply, by far, most of the chromium and platinum we use.
Rally photographer's actions questionable
The videotaping of the rally was ethically questionable. But it is certainly improper that a student was hired to conduct surveillance on fellow students. I would hope that the administration will ask the police to discontinue these activities.
Blacks are being located in homeslands called Bantustans. These homelands compose 15 percent of the land area in South Africa and inhabit one square mile. This compares with 34 persons a square mile living in the other areas of the country's land area, which is inhabited by whites.
Mark Cline
Medicine Lodge junior
But these are the economic considerations for divestiture. It seems violations of human rights against South Africa's 19 million blacks—who compose 71 percent of the population—by the 4.5 million whites are themselves cause for divestiture.
Two-thirds of those who live in the homelands have no livelihood.
THESE BANTUSTANS do not have any cities, industry, trade or tradearm to speak of. The most developed homeland can produce enough food for only half of its population and must import 150,000 tons of corn a year.
Those blacks who do have a livelihood find it in the white industrial area, where they must carry passbooks substantiating their right to work there. Workers often can work
Currently, whites earn from three to eight times more in wages than their black counterparts. A foreign banker in Johannesburg has said that if all miners, black industry workers, equally, the mining industry would crumble because it would no longer be profitable.
for only one employer for 10 years; they are forbidden to establish unions or exercise
PERHAPS THE most tragic consequences of the establishment of the homeland is the separation of a child after she was offered refuge and care from their wives and children for months at a time. Black existence in South Africa is being reduced, if it hasn't already, to pure and savage conditions.
It must be said that more than 100 American companies doing business in South Africa have indicated their intention to implement the Sullivan Principles—to encourage more working and living conditions for blocks and whites, and training employment programs.
But these principles do not carry the force of law, they do not break down the power basis of apartheid, and they affect only one half of one percent of the black labor force.
Still, one may legitimately ask what effect would the Endowment Association's investment in the estimated $7 million connected with Africa have on the system of apartheid.
Alone, the association's disinvestment would have little or no effect at all.
BUT THIS investment is part of a total U.S. investment in South Africa of $1.7 billion. U.S. investment in South Africa has tripled in the past 12 years and by 1980, it is estimated the U.S. will have the largest U.S. investment in South Africa by any one country.
Moreover, of the more than $2 billion in
trade in 1977 by the South African government, $1.35 billion came from imports from the United States. That makes us the largest supplier of import goods to South Africa.
Thus, it is evident that divestiture and eventual withdrawal could have an impact on the stability of the South African economy. This is why we make changes for the betterment of all blacks.
Some suggest that a change in the status quo of South African government might bring about a pro-Soviet regime. That in fact might happen if the polarization of whites continues and most of the economic wealth is concentrated within the small minority.
But the bottom line seems to be whether we all can ask ourselves to place human ethics ahead of interests in materialism and profits. It seems a challenge for the Enlightened individual, who themselves to act in the interest of human life instead of institutionalized behavior.
HISTORY SHOWS violent revolutions occur when a nation has reached the brink of a foundering economy. A movement for a change in government will seek support where it can get it, if the United States does not help, where then will black leaders turn?
It is realized that the Endowment Association has legal responsibilities to make the best use of your gifts and skills. These corporations have fiduciary duties as well.
Can we break from our designated roles as members of financial and educational systems and place concern for the well-being of all of South Africa's blacks ahead of any concern for keeping in line with the status quo?
It is hoped that we can. Thank you for your time and interest.
Philip Garcia
THE PUBLIC SHOULD KNOW THE STATE OF MIND OF PEOPLE WHEN THEY MAKE THEIR SILLY DECISIONS.
Anger festering against fall guy role
RvGREGG A. PAYNE
N. Y. Times Feature
By GREGG A. PAYNE N.Y. Times Feature
CAJON, Calif.—They sing few peaes these days to the American way of life.
With changed names and changed faces, they are the same people everywhere. All ages, all colors, both sexes, increasing numbers.
A labor relations lawyer, a middle-aged couple struggling with a faltering small business in some one-horse town, a middle-management engineer, the union griever, the plumber, the electrician, the mechanic, the boss, the unemployed.
The guy on the next bar stool stolar moodily into his beer, wearing mud-caked boots and a yellow baseball cap with the team's equipment manufacturer printed on the front.
They've got a deep-down, brooding anger for which there isn't any antidote. It's a dangerous anger. It just lies there and festers.
THEY ARE gut-weary. Weary of broken promises and unredeemable guarantees, of official ineptitude and bureaucratic idleness and industry and of the being fall rap for all of them.
Pay your dime, and take your choice
Work hard, study hard.
Better yet, do both hard. Success guaranteed. Everyone's a winner.
Platitudes.
They can't find jobs and if they could, the job was pay less every day. Inflation is up.
And Ungemployment begat Welfare who began stamping who begat Humiliation,
A third of the tax bill for education, and Johnny can't read. There isn't, they are told acculturally, enough parental support. A teacher has to be rigorous and obnoxious search for educational mediocority.
Fear.
Conserve energy, they're told, and they do. And next week the rates go up. Conserve water, they're told, and dutifully they do. And next week the rates go up. Cynical machinations.
WE CAN'T get them all, the cop says, and the courts, he says, don't help much. No response, just stole acceptance. They can't remember when they didn't double bolt their doors. Feeble, wistful protection for a young predator, and the rest of the marauding predators.
Gasoline a buck a gallon. They haven't seen it yet but they're confident they will. A back a gallon. It's said with dismay, but not that much. A Buck a gallon. Extortion, they're thinking.
Baby needs shoes. It's a crap shoot and the parents come up. Change鞋, they still come up.
They started out feeling only a sad resignation. But now the resignation's gone.
They haven't started huddling in whispering groups yet, plotting at darkened tables in the back corners of sleazy saloons; furtive, disfruitful, discontented, disenchanted, disfranchised, malcontented incircants of riots. There is none of that.
This is, they assure themselves, still America. There is still room for rational daisies.
THE PROMISES are null and void. The machine's stopped working and there's no place to redeem the warranty. There is resentment.
At least not yet.
Mail openings, illegal wireset, covert entry. The fear goes with the anger and the humiliation and a growing sense of futility. Compounding it.
And unbidden, parading in measured procession across the back of the mind, come images of headlines and their half-remembered stories.
I SIT at a bus stop. The old man is already there. Just resting. He's a very old man but he forward, hands cupped on the top of the chest that is held between his knees. His eyes are focused somewhere in the middle distance, seeing in the gathering darkness something special.
He wants to talk, and in a little time covers a lot of ground.
Two wars and a police action, '29, inti-
tation, retirement kids, a dead win more
than 10 years.'
This time, you see the headlines. Maybe, you think, this is one of those people the stories tell about. Pet food devotees. Heat it. It tastes like hash.
By the time the bus comes, he's back to inflation again and his eyes have come back from where they were. He's smiling, but there's not much humor in it, more a mirthesis kind of grin. You get up to board the bus and he nods goodnight.
Come the revolution, he says.
Gregg A. Payne is an administrator in the San Diego city school system.
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