4 Friday, February 27, 1987 / University Daily Kansan Opinions Preparation for success The Board of Regents might finally be realizing that college is higher education, and that college-bound students need to be prepared properly. According to a transcript study done by the office of student records, only about 12 percent of the University of Kansas' in-state freshmen in the fall of 1985 met the Regents recommendations for high school course work, which some legislators and administrators say should be required for admittance to the University. As a result, the Regents have recommended that students who plan to attend a state university in Kansas should have completed four years of English, three years of social studies, three years of natural science, three years of math and two years of a foreign language by graduation. The requirement also would end the Regents policy of automatically admitting any in- state student into a state university who graduated from an accredited Kansas high school. This is a logical, and by no means unreasonable, request. If students are serious about continuing their education, then they need to have these courses to prepare them for the challenges that come with college curriculum. Even if a student does not further his education after high school, taking these basic courses can't hurt. After all, being able to add and subtract, read and communicate, both verbally and on paper, are skills that are utilized in everyday life. At the very least, having a basic knowledge in these subjects will enable a person to carry on a halfway intelligent conversation. Requiring students to take these subjects will be a smart move for the Regents in more ways than one. A lot of credit Anyone who parks on campus knows that decent parking spaces are like four-leaf clovers — they're rare, and you are lucky if you can find one pus knows that decent parking spaces are like four-leaf clovers — they're rare, and you are lucky if you can find one. But that may be changing soon with the planned construction of a $5 million, multi-level parking structure that would add from 600 to 800 new parking spaces on campus. The Kansas Board of Regents gave the University permission Monday to ask the state Legislature for permission to issue revenue bonds to finance the project. If permission is granted, construction of the structure would begin in March 1988. With the construction of two new buildings on campus and an increased enrollment, these plans could not have come at a better time. The University showed foresight in taking action before the situation got out of hand. deteriorating. A study of the University's parking in December 1986 showed that nearly all of the parking spaces would be filled by 1988 and that the number of cars would outnumber available spaces by 3 percent. The parking shortage is painfully clear at this time, and the situation is steadily It only can be hoped that planners continue to show this kind of cool, rational thought when trying to pay for the project through parking fees and other KU parking service funds. The race goes on The Soviets last week indicated that they would end their moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. The resumption of testing is yet another example of the failure of the Reagan administration to capitalize on opportunities to end the arms race. The Kremlin declared the moratorium in 1985 on the 40th anniversary of the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima, a subtle reminder of the ravaging potential of the nuclear arms race. The Reagan administration refused to enter the United States into the moratorium, expressing concern about whether the Soviets actually would abstain from testing. A private defense council set up a monitoring unit manned by U.S. scientists near Soviet testing regions to quell the concerns. Washington, however, still wasn't interested in the moratorium. The Soviet Union, the administration said, was ahead of the U.S. in its testing program and thus had an advantage. Reagan again pledged his commitment to escalating the arms race. His quest for military superiority continues to permeate his foreign and domestic policies. Last fall, Reagan brought the Soviets to the bargaining table at Reykjavik. But, unwilling to compromise on the Strategic Defense Initiative, he walked away empty-handed. Mikhail Gorbachev said in January that the Soviet Union would continue to refrain from testing if the United States would do the same. After a U.S. test Feb. 2, Gorbachev said the Soviet Union was no longer bound by the moratorium. Within the next few weeks, Soviet nuclear testing will resume. Reagan has lost another opportunity to slow the costly and frightening growth of the world's nuclear arsenal. So, the race is on, as fast and intense as ever. News staff Frank Hansel Editor, Tommer Benjamin Managing editor Juli Warren News editor Brian Kaberline Editorial editor Sandra Engelland Campus editor Sports Sutbert Sports editor Diane Doulmeier Photo editor Bill Skeet Graphics editor Tom Eblen General manager, news adviser **Business staff** Lisa Weems Business manager Bonnie Hardy Address manager Denise Stephens Retail sales manager Kelly Scherer Campus sales manager Duncan Calhoun Marketing manager Lori Coppel Classified manager Jennifer Lumianski Production manager National sales manager Jeanne Hines Sales and marketing adviser The Kansan reserves the right reject or edit letters and guest shots. They can be mailed or brought to the Kansan newsroom, 111 Staffer-Fint Hall The University Daily Kansan (USPS 650-640) is published at the University of Kansas, 118 Stauffer Fint-Hall Law, Kanon. Kanon. 60045, daily during the regular school year, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays and finals periods, and on Wednesday during the summer session. Second-class postage paid in Lawrence, Kanon. 66044. Subscriptions by mail are $40 per year in Douglas County and on the county. Student subscriptions are $3 and are paid through the student activity fee. **Letters** should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 200 words and should include the writer's name, address and telephone number. If the writer is affiliated with the University, include class and hometown, or faculty or staff position. **Guest shots** should be typed, double-spaced and fewer than 700 words. The POSTMASTER. Send address changes to the University Daily Kansan, 118 Stauffer-Fint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 66045 Fighting terrorism requires new tactics With sensors probing the electronic murk, fighter planes patrolling the strife-torn skies and weapons bristling in the Mediterranean sun, U.S. aircraft carriers and attendant vessels are quite impressive sights, which mistakenly convey a sense of U.S. power off the coast of Lebanon. Paul Campbell Since it is illegal to send a dozen well-trained assassins to kill the decision-makers, the only option available to the president is to apply our conventional military against the only unconventional terrorist threat. Columnist Historically, states have utilized large, impressive warships to project a naval presence by which other states can gauge the relative importance placed on a region. The United States, for example, places great importance on Lebanon — as well as other countries in the region. The size of the US States does add there. It demonstrates its interest by continually keeping one or two carrier groups in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Lebanese countryside. The general assumption appears to be that, if we turn buildings into kindling, the terrorists — usually referred to as unwashed heatheen by the ethnocentrically-inclined — will let the hostages free because of the impressive might of the United States. Not outit In the sheer frustration of inability to secure release of the hostages, less-than-calm heads want to call for indiscriminate pummelling of the Even precise shelling does nothing to instill fear and only creates more terrorists out of once, peaceful people. No matter how carefully the plan, an incoming shell can not differentiate between a terrorist and an innocent civilian. One of the highjackers of Trans World Airlines flight 847 was a simple villager before the shells of an U.S. battleship destroyed his house and killed his family. A problem arises because assassinations are construed as dirty warfare and uncivilized. The concern has manifested itself recently with the revelation that the United States' intent in the bombing of Libya was to kill Moammar Gadhafi. In the shelling of Lebanese villages and the bombing of Libyan civilians, however, the taking of innocent lives only has strengthened the terrorists' resolve, a truly uncivilized end in itself. In response to terrorist threats, the U.S. approach is to talk tough — five years in the case of the Reagan Administration — while being bullied. When we do retaliate, force is used precisely in the manner that allows the terrorist cause to rally support. Witnessing the results of an U.S. strike provides the U.S. psyche with a quick dose of "feel good." This, however, does not achieve the goal of reducing terrorism. Our approach may even be described as impersonal. A bombing raid is referred to as a "surgical strike," as if there is something clean and precise to the resultant carriage. Responsibility for the act is abrogated by not seeing those who are unfortunate enough to be in the way. Of course, this shouldn't infer support for assassination as a standard option of statecraft in all situations. The unconventionality of terrorism, after necessitates that the United States alter its attitudes about warfare. Instead of random attacks, it would be much better to send in a few well-trained marksmans to kill the leaders who make the decisions. However, section 21.1 of Executive Order 12333, "President Reagan on Dec. 4, 1981," specified prohibits complicity of U.S. government personnel in any assassination plot. This is not to say terrorists should not be punished, but the United States must ensure that it is only the terrorists who are retaliated against. Unfortunately, our laws prevent the United States from doing so. Military personnel are taught to complete their missions with a minimum of force. Indeed, indiscriminate force is grounds for court martial Should it not be logical then, to accomplish the goal of reducing the terrorist threat with a minimum of force? If the United States is unable to do so, the migratory carriers will only remain as signs of visible impotency in the war against terrorism. Mailbox Opinion gone wild John Benner tells us in his latest column, "Greek university life anything but dull," that he has been to Greece. I applaud him. He must be a very worldly and intelligent man. He must also be proud that he, apparently a non-greek, could come up with enough money to travel to Greece and hire his buddy George as a guide. Come on John. While you and your hired help supposedly were canvassing the streets of Greece in search of publishable stereotypes, I was at a table with my friend and unaware that I would soon be the object of an unexplainable assault. Sure, Benner is entitled to his opinion. But he has made a mistake. He accuses the greeks of being elitists in a tone that is so overwrought with arrogance that he defeats his already questionable purpose. Like Benner, I believe there are two kinds of people at this University. He seems to believe that these are the greeks, who believe that they are better than the non-greeks; and the non-greeks, who believe they are better than the greks. My belief is that the people at KU share one essential characteristic — they have had to make a choice concerning the way in which they want to live. The only difference is evident in the way they think about choice. Some have made that choice and are comfortable with it as individuals. They do not pretend their way of life, because it is different from someone else's, is any better or worse than another's. Sadly, the Kansas has again allowed itself to damage its reputation as a creditable publication. It has allowed John Benner to turn journalism into teaching I and the people of this University have had more than enough of Craig Colling Overland Park junior Front page material? I applaud columnist John Benner's article, "Greek University life anything but dull," as a contemporary journalistic masterpiece! I fail, however, to see any humor in the behavior of these fraternal hooligans! We must know more. How long has this been going on? Are these people happy? Do they really raise money on their own or are they working on our community as a whole? Do you mean to tell me that these people are actually living the way they want to and, no one is doing anything about it? Imagine, groups of young men living together, throwing parties, driving nice cars and, God forbid, dating girls of similar backgrounds. I think it is the Kansan's responsibility to break this thing wide open, free. Once again, Benner has gone where none before hath dared. He has boosted the integrity of his column to new heights. I salute him both as a writer and as a U.S. citizen. It is this kind of deeply intellectual, thoroughly stimulating writing that has made the Kansas what it is today. Who cares about Larry Brown or Danny Manning leaving. I just pray KU can keep John Benner out of national syndication for just a little while longer. Mark Feiden wrence resident Take responsibility What is the role of a staff columnist with a university newspaper? Your column which ran Feb. 24, entitled "Greek university life anything but dull," has forced me to question the wisdom of your independent-biased column mocking both the male and female members of greek life. What were your intentions behind running the column? I'm not doubting your creativity because the story began with a fairly creative angle. As a fellow writer, I think you must be responsible for any work that you sign. When I called you on the phone and politely requested to speak with you concerning your "evidence" used in the article, you thought you had no responsibility to answer my question. I am sure I speak for a great majority of the greek system when I say that few of us — or other independents I questioned, either — paid any attention to your column. All it did was further damage relations between the living groups and help to increase general consensus concerning our campus newspaper's anti-greek bias. Neither the newspaper nor the campus needs any such additional tension. I invite you to browse through this year's Legacy: The Greek Annual, a publication by greeks centering on Greek activities. I can guarantee there is not one word that attempts to defame independents in any manner. I also invite you to attend Rock Chalk Dance, a fundraiser for the money "to send underprivileged debentates to cheerleading camp." I will eat my diploma. Manhattan special student Mark S. Weis Nidening the gap I seriously question your judgment in publishing John Benner's column of Feb. 24, in which he satiscries Greek life at the University of Kansas. I don't know if Benner has a personal vendetta against fraternity men in general, or if he merely is attempting to be funny. Nevertheless, by promulgating his viewpoints on the supposedly ridiculous and idiosyncratic life greeks live, the Kansan is defaulting in its responsibility to provide quality journalism I believe by publicizing attitudes that widen the already distant gap that exists between the diametrically opposed factions of "frat rats" and "GDIs", you are tearing down what little desire there is for a cooperative and cohesive environment for both groups to live in. Although this response will be construed as the inability to "take a joke," I feel that publication of his column is unjustified on two grounds. First, it is quite apparent that the editors of your heralded paper would be quite unwilling to print a column with an error. Second, as Benner's column did to greeks. Therefore, your actions are discriminatory. Secondly, the Kansan has shown itself to be negligent in its duty to provide "the complete picture." Any newspaper that aspires to be a publication of high standards and quality will always attempt to bring all aspects of any argument to light. In the point I'm referring to the omission is the positive characteristics that greek life entails. Andy Pfahl Leawood junior Accentuate positive I am writing to express my interest and concern about the topic of equal coverage for all factions and demographic segments of the student populace, as well as the Kansan's tendency to address more negative things when more positive and constructive things are going unnoticed. It is unfortunate that events and organized functions that are often the product of one or more student's hard work and motivation quite frequently are overlooked. When an individual or organization does something athletic, it can be disheartening when the division between the student body and the individual or organization shows little or no interest. Alcohol Education forums, philanthropic campaigns, important student meetings and big student group trips go, for the most part, unheard of. I believe that no matter how small an event, as long as there are some students interested, it should be covered. AURH, Black Student Union, University of Hawaii International Club and every single other student group deserves the privilege of public exposure for their efforts and endeavors. Charles F. Wheeler president, Interfraternity Council Charles F. Wheeler Last Tuesday, Feb. 17, the University community was treated to a performance of "Rickshaw Boy" by students from Nankai University, our sister institution in China. It was a moving story, well performed and a good example of reaching out across costs in cross-cultural exchange. The performance was followed by a short speech by the vice chancellor of Nankai University, who presented the University of Kansas with a painting. Another of our visitors from Nankai acted as an interpreter for the vice chancellor. And so we were able to understand his gracious and personalized remarks about their being in Lawrence. Then it was our turn, and here the reciprocity broke down. Our vice chancellor had no interpreter, so his interpart had no inking of what he said. After his remarks, the recipient of a beautiful painting gave each of the student actors a Jayhawk key ring and the Chinese vice chancellor and his assistant KU neckties. Nankai University received a book on KU's history. To top it off, the paltry token to his hand included some items them, in the Kansas Union Bookstore bag, which they had to pass from hand to hand. At the end of their performance, the Nankai actors applauded us, the audience. Some of us think we lost face. Karin Hill Pam Evers Stan Moore Liz Grieco Sueb-Sak Sirijaraa Barbara Michael Anthropology graduate students Jumping the gun An editorial in the Feb. 18 Kansan attacked the ABC mini-series "Amerika" as being "anti-Soviet paradigm" and whose only purpose was to incite hate against the Soviet Union. Considering the fact that this editorial was printed after only three episodes had aired, how could the writer make this claim? If he had watched all seven episodes, he might have realized that the series was not intended to make the United states hate the Soviet Union, but to help our country appreciate the rights that we enjoy and not take them for granted. While it is unfortunate that the Soviet Union was cited as the agent of United States downfall, the writers of "Amerika" really had no choice. Considering the bipolar political nature of the world today, if the United States ever was to be conquered, the conquerers probably would be from the Soviet Union. However, if ABC wanted to stir up animosity toward the Soviet Union, they would have created the main characters as evil, deplorable men. Instead, these characters were depicted as sympathetic, understanding and friendly. In fact, the most despicable characters were U.S. citizens. Gerald K. Davis Bakersfield, Calif. junior BLOOM COUNTY by Berke Breathed