4
Friday, December 5, 1986 / University Daily Kansan
Opinions
Keeping a clean program
A revolutionary idea surfaced at Southern Methodist University in Dallas last week. More than 200 faculty members, angered by years of corruption in the athletic department, signed a petition demanding the "immediate, unconditional and permanent abolition of quasi-professional athletics" at SMU.
The statement was extreme, but not unwarranted. If current charges are proved, SMU's long history of NCAA rules violations may culminate in the "death penalty," a two-year shutdown of the school's football program.
At Wichita State University, where the athletic department is the most penalized in the nation, capital punishment for the football program was self-imposed. Perennially inept despite frequent recruiting violations, the Shocker football program, which accumulated a $700,000 deficit this year, was abolished Tuesday.
The KU football program
hasn't been successful recently according to the usual standards by which such things are judged. However, Coach Bob Valesente deserves commendation for running an honest program that keeps education and athletics in proper perspective. His rule that if a player skips a class, he must also skip a game, exemplifies this.
This differs from the situation under Valesente's predecessor, Mike Gottfried. Numerous football players somehow weren't able to maintain academic eligibility during those years. Similar problems have followed Gottfried to his new coaching job at Pittsburgh.
Attaining absolute purity in college athletics would require offering no athletic scholarships, as it is in the Ivy League. That would never happen in the Big Eight, but the KU football program is setting a good example about where priorities belong.
A safer place to be
A recently released Associated Press article gave KU police a deserved pat on the back.
The article showed that KU ranked only sixth in the Big Eight in the number of reported crimes on campus. That's quite impressive considering KU has the second highest student population.
According to the AP article, KU had reported 786 Class 1 crimes during 1985. Class 1 crimes are murder, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, theft and auto theft.
So students at KU can rest easier than those at Colorado, with 1.009 reported Class 1 crimes; Iowa State, 951; Nebraska, 925; Missouri, 826; and Oklahoma, 821.
KU police were pleased with the ranking, especially considering they have fewer fulltime uniformed officers than the Big Eight leader in crime Colorado
The only universities with fewer Class 1 crimes are Kansas State, with 566, and Oklahoma State.483.
The director of KU police, Jim Denney, said the low ranking was because of police efforts to curb serious crime problems and because of students' attitudes toward criminal behavior.
KU students are "more aware of crime in the community and, as a result, more people are locking their doors." Denney said.
KU police are doing a good job of keeping crime down on campus. But they can't do it without responsible action on the part of students. So keep doors locked, and try for the No. 8 spot next year.
Sorely lacking skills
Not only can Johnny not read. he can't write, either.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, an education review group, surveyed 55,000 students in the fourth, eighth and 11th grades, and found that most could not write adequately.
The NAEP wasn't looking for future Hemingways; the survey was designed to check for basic writing skills required for academics, business or professional work. Worse, the results indicated deficiencies in thinking skills, not just lack of literary style.
This doesn't seem to bother the students much. Only 39 percent of the 11th graders said they liked to write, compared with 57 percent of the fourth graders.
Somewhere along the line, writing became an unpleasant chore for these students, and they stopped trying. Maybe it was the dull topics, or the frustration of spending hours writing or typing a paper only to have it handed back,
bleeding red ink. Maybe it was the lack of helpful feedback. Comments made in angry red ink can never inspire good writing the way one-on-one conferences and discussions can.
What the students don't realize is that writing skills are vital to survival in a communication-dominated society. Some schools and universities have set up writing centers, where students can walk in and work one-on-one with a specially trained student tutor who teaches them to find their own mistakes — instead of acting as a proof-reader.
The problem goes far beyond any one group. Teachers will take the brunt of the abuse.
More teachers need to take a tougher stand on grading written work, and assign more papers per semester.
Jobs are scarce, and only those who can express themselves convincingly in written form will win them.
News staff
News staff
Lauretta McMillen ... Editor
Kady McMaster... Managing editor
Tad Clarke ... News editor
David Silverman ... Editorial editor
John Hanna ... Campus editor
Frank Hanseel ... Sports editor
Jacki Kelly ... Photo editor
Tom Eblen ... General manager, news adviser
Business staff
David Nixon ... Business manager
Gregory Kaul ... Retail sales manager
Denise Stephens ... Campus sales manager
Sally Depew ... Classified manager
Lisa Weems ... Production manager
Dulcan Gallhoun ... National sales leader
Beverly Kastens ... Traffic manager
Jeanne Hines ... Sales and marketing adviser
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
The Kansan reserves the right reject or edit letters and guest shots. They can be mailed or brought to the Kansan newsroom, 111 Staffer-Flint Hall.
The University Daily Kansan (USPS 650-640) is published at the University of Kansas, Kansan 181 Staffer-Fitts Hall, Lawna. Kanen, 6045, daily during the regular school year, excluding Saturday, Sunday, holidays and finals periods, and on Wednesday during the summer session. Second-class postage paid at Lawrence, Kanen 6044. Subscriptions by mail is 15 for six months or $27年 student subscriptions and $39 for eight months. Student subscriptions are $3 and are paid through the student activity library.
POSTMASTER Send address changes to the University Daily Kansan, 118
Stauffer-Flint Hall, Lawrence, Kan. 66045
A yuletide scene at the White House
The White House will be the scene of happy social occasions over the next few weeks. The Executive Managers have pressed up in its finest valetie glitter.
The lights on the giant tree in the Blue Room will sparkle, and President and Nancy Reagan will entertain almost nightly.
Helen Thomas
UPI Notes from
Washin'
Washington
But in the West Wing, where the official business is carried on, the atmosphere is not one of celebration. Nor is it gloom and doom, but rather a mood of sadness and some bewilderment and hunkering down.
All of this was brought on by revelations of secret deattacks to sell arms to Iran and use the money in defiance of a congressional ban.
The administration rocked along for six years with luck. Events that would have shattered other administrations left the Reagan White House unscathed.
The president's popularity rose to a record 67 percent in his second term. By that time, presidents who have won a second term, and not many have in recent times, found themselves on the downslide.
Reagan has moved quickly to cut his losses, to put the scandal behind him and to ride out the storm.
In his first outburst he attacked the media — every president does in times of trouble — and then he settled down to making the moves necessary to show that he wants to get to the bottom of the scandal as soon as possible.
Everybody dealing with White House deputy press secretary Larry Speaks noticed how relaxed he was acting, even in the midst of the Iran arms scandal. The reason hinted at became clearly sudden on Thursday when Speakes announced he was taking a high-paying job as vice president for corporate communications with Merrill Lynch on Wall Street.
before the scandal broke that he was looking for another job, and when a reporter noted that FBI Director William Webster had said he might postpone his own departure so as not to reflect on the administration's problems. Speakes tartly replied, "I don't guess the head of the FBI had an offer from Merrill Lvch."
Speakes had told his superiors long
Whoever succeeds Speakers will have to be fast on his feet and demand access to the president on a need-to-know basis without any barriers from the palace guard, particularly during congressional hearings on the scandal.
Speakes said he hoped a successor would be named well before he left Feb. 1, so that there could be a smooth transition.
The president is a fighter. Republican congressional leaders who have been meeting with him lately say that he is in no mood to acknowledge a mistake.
Mea culpa is not Reagan's style. Besides, he does not think he did err in shipping weapons to Iran to open up a more friendly channel to a vital
region of the world, and to be prepared to do business when Ayatollah Khomeini passes from the scene.
The president is reported to have consulted with former President Richard Nixon during his current crisis, possibly to seek advice.
Vice President George Bush has acknowledged that given 20-20 hindsight, it could be called a mistaken tactic to ship arms to Iran
North, 43, is the daring Marine officer and national security deputy, who was Reagan's "can do" man carrying out missions with Rambo vigor.
Although not confirmed, the president is reported to have told Lt. Col Oliver North, who was fired in the onslaught from the covert operations, that his life would make a good movie.
After sacking him, Reagan called him a national hero, which has led some wags to wonder why a national hero would be fired.
Mailbox
Quiet and happv
I am writing in response to a letter printed in the Mailbox, written by Joe Heikes and Jeff Lilly. I am a Christian that doesn't view Christopher Cunnyngham's column, "Campus religion: You can believe it?" as an attack on Christianity. I do not feel that Cunnyngham, in any way, attempted to "blast" Christians. He simply wants them off his back.
I am in the same boat. I cannot think of anything more personal than a person's relationship with Christ. I find it very irritating when other people may have good intentions, try to force their views of Christ upon me.
Crafty religion doesn't just manifest itself at Duke University. In just one semester at KU, I have been invited to a party by one group and invited to dinner by another group. Both times it seemed like I was the only one there that didn't know before I had ended up being Bible studies. In my naive way, I thought they just wanted to have dinner with me.
Not all Christians are like this, though. There is a Bible study in my residence hall every week. I have gone a few times, knowing that it was a Bible study, and enjoyed it. I was not deceived or anything.
To Mr. Heikes and Mr. Lilly. If it meant to be that Christ will find his way into someone's life, don't worry, it will happen. Are you two so arrogant to think that Christ needs your help in finding His way into a person's heart? In Mr. Cunnyngham's words, "keep it (your religion) to yourself and be happy."
I have got a way to "make disciples of all nations" without annoying everyone. Just act as the responsible and moral individuals that you claim to be. Maybe if enough of us do, everyone else will follow our lead. Leave the rest to the able hands of Christ.
To Mr. Cunningham, I also think God is a Marx Brothers fan.
Tim Lamer Olathe freshman
Misplaced raise
As an architectural engineering student, I anticipate difficulty in acquiring a degree at KU. But difficult classes and long hours in the studio have taken a back seat to more pressing worries. Due to recent spending cuts at KU, there is the prospect of an entire summer session and the possibility of leaving an empty faculty position in the school empty.
The prospect of having to extend
my college career because of such hindrances and the fear of losing a valuable faculty member due to these changes instills in me a certain measure of anguish.
But it is very comforting to know that while the rest of the University suffers, the football coaches will get raises next year.
These are the very same coaches who put together an astounding 3-8 record overall, an 0-7 record in the Big 8 and a tight 199-13 point spread over the last four games of the season. I realize that winning isn't everything, but it's most important how you play the game.
It's very comforting to know that while facing a difficult major, and now the prospect of my emphasis losing its accreditation because of dwindling funds, our football coaches will be able to buy those BMWs they've been wanting.
Darrin Ferris Mulvane senior
Defining religion
To Chris Cunnyngham's opinion on campus religion that appeared in Monday's Kansan;
Being an English major, and I gathered from the article, a self-proclaimed realist, I find it hard to believe that you belong to the
"Church of the Higher Ennui" (discontented boredom). At the same time you say that you are a "pretty cheerful guy."
How could you be bored and cheerful at the same time? You may be easy to please, but most of the people I know would find your company very depressing in this case.
Another thing you said about religions was that "they all look the same." Was it Shakespeare who said: "The more things change, the more they stay the same"? Maybe you're not looking hard enough.
A religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature and purpose of the universe. In other words, a philosophy followed by a group of believers would world boring, it is probably because you aren't part of a group of people.
But hey, maybe you feel part of the group of people that you say "made up their minds a long time ago" not to belong to a group. It sounds logical. Maybe that's what you want.
Although I have never seen any of my friends pass out pamphlets anywhere, I don't think you have the right to tell anyone to shut up and be happy. Lack of clear communication is the main cause of most problems in society. Maybe you should have said: "Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
Jaime Prieto Jr.
Overland Park iunior
Capitol Hill aides tell what they think
While they are far less visible than their elected bosses, congressional staff members wield considerable influence on Capitol Hill. Recognizing that fact, some Washington public relations firms make it a point to find out what top staffers think about various issues and individuals.
In two recent surveys, Hill staffers said the continuing effort to reduce the federal budget deficit and legislation to curb foreign imports will be the most important issues facing Congress next year.
On the foreign policy front, a survey by Fleishman-Hillard Inc. found that top House and Senate aides foresee a deterioration of relations between the United States and both South Africa and Nicaragua and an improving outlook for ties with the Phillipines.
It may turn out that trade gets the most attention next year, since the
Democratic leaders of both the House and Senate have said that dealing with the trade problem is their top priority. Also, trade legisla-
Robert Shepard
UPI Commentary
gress would have to raise taxes or create new taxes.
tion offers more political satisfaction and less pain than the budget-cutting that will be necessary for Congress to meet the Gramm-Rudman deficit reduction targets.
A tax increase probably will be necessary to meet the Gramm-Rudman targets, the survey suggests. Almost one-half (46 percent) of the aides said it was likely that Con-
An additional 32 percent said a tax increase was "somewhat likely" while 19 percent said it was unlikely to occur.
The aides were questioned on political matters and asked to rate the top dozen congressional leaders.
Not surprisingly, aides to Democratic senators or representatives were "significantly more likely" than Republican aides to say a tax increase is necessary. Fleishman-Hillard reported.
Rep. Dan Rostenkowski, D-III, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and one of the chief architects of the tax reform bill, was rated the most effective congressional leader. Rostenkowski, who also was top-rated in the previous
survey, was voted the most effective leader by 76 percent of the staff aides, while Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole came in second with a 71 percent score.
Asked about presidential politics, 65 percent of the aides predicted that Vice President George Bush would win the GOP presidential nomination in 1988. Another 12 percent said Dole would take the prize.
The aides were less certain about the Democratic race, with 35 percent saying they did not know who would win the 1988 primary elections. About one-fourth said Sen. Gary Hart, D-Colo., would win the Democratic nomination, and 18 percent said New York Gov. Mario Cuomo would be the nominee. In the previous survey, Hart was the choice of 32 percent and Cuomo received 17 percent of the vote.