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Friday, January 29, 1988 / University Daily Kansan
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Congress must take the lead to bring peace to Nicaragua
Peace. A simple word, yet so elusive in practice that millions of people in many countries around the world use it as a greeting.
Wishful thinking. Peace.
Mankind never has had many problems starting conflicts, nor has he had many problems in continuing them. The greater problem always has been his feeble attempts to stop fighting and live together. It doesn't take digging into a history book or much looking through a newspaper to see just how feeble these attempts have been.
Today, the U.S. people, through the Congress, are in a difficult position because of President Reagan's request for $36 million in aid to the Nicaraguan rebels. If the contra-aid package passes through Congress, it appears that the United States is against the peace plan initiated by Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez. But if Congress votes against the aid proposal, the U.S. takes the role of once again stirring up a small war, and when it becomes tiring, walking out. It would seem that either choice is unacceptable.
Opinion
Not every problem can be solved with a gun unless you simply kill everyone who disagrees with you. On the other hand, while diplomacy may not always work, people are seldom killed by sheaves of paperwork. Humanitarian aid for the contras is understandable, but at this time lethal military assistance should be stopped.
The Congress has to recognize that some countries must be forced to the negotiation table at gunpoint. But more importantly, Congress, in view of the events of the past week, must recognize that the negotiation table is now in front of it.
It is idealistic to proclaim that the U.S. is supporting the contra "freedom fighters" in order to bring about democratic reform in Nicaragua. But at the same time a blind eye is turned toward dictatorships in this hemisphere, and many regimes around the globe are placated as they repress their citizens. Let's face it, Saudi Arabia is not exactly a paragon of democracy or a hotbed of individual liberty and freedom.
And President Reagan's "Escrow Account" for the military portion of the aid package introduces a new dimension to the dilemma. But by holding on to the escrow purse strings himself, he assumes the part of a hungry wolf guarding the sheep. As a result, this administration's motives in Central America remain unclear.
So then, the rationale of our actions finally must fall to maintaining regional stability. But, we must understand the sad fact that regional stability does not necessarily equal regional democracy. Without question, having stable neighbors is in the best interests of the U.S. people. The question then becomes, are guns and grenades the only way to achieve stability.
Perhaps, this time, if the U.S. can take its finger off the trigger long enough, everyone can find a way to greet each other while working toward that elusive dream of all people — Peace.
Van jenneke for the editorial board
Editorials in this column are the opinions of the editorial board.
Other Voices
The issue of homosexuality isn't new, and it isn't going to go away. Our society should be able to face this very real issue. However, this does not appear to be the case in Lawrence or other Kansas communities.
Discrimination can't be condoned
The Lawrence City Commission voted not to amend a city ordinance that would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation on the basis of sexual orientation.
One commissioner went so far as to admit that discrimination does exist — discrimination so serious it came in the form of death threats to homosexuals. However, because no proof could be found that discrimination exists in such an area, a difficult effect, such an agreement to be passed, he said.
Kansans need to take a firm stand. When leaders fail to abolish discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations, they are in effect condoning some discrimination.
It is a poor excuse to vote against such an amendment simply because it is politically unpopular, particularly in an area such as Lawrence. Universities are places to promote new ideas and teach tolerance for opposing views. The community surrounding such an institution should reflect this.
Kansas State Collegian Kansas State University
News staff
Alison Young...Editor
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Rob Knapp...News editor
Alan Riplay...Editorial editor
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Stephen Wade...Photo editor
Richard Stewart...Graphics editor
Tom Eblem...General manager, news adviser
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"JUST GIVE ME ONE QUESTION I HAVENT ANSWERED ABOUT THIS...!"
Cartoon courtesy of Steve Pica of the Independent Florida Alligator, University of Florida
K A N S A N
MAILBOX
Add-drop is no 'high'
Barbara M. Paris' letter in the Jan. 21 Kansan inflicted me because Paris implied that students at the University of Kansas only want it their way.
I am a senior majoring in communications and was supposed to graduate in May. However, due to the University's lack of resources, I cannot get in the classes I need and consequently will graduate one year late.
The add-drop period is used by many students, including me, for the purpose of getting into a class that was previously closed. This add-drop period is preceded with the student spending the first week of class pleading with the instructor to open a spot. Paris' suggestion that students "achieve some kind of high" standing in lines all day is also ridiculous. The fact is that we are enraged that we must stand in long lines to get into a class that was already closed during the regular enrollment period.
Danny Abrams Skokie,Ill.,senior
Ignorance is appalling
I agree with Paris' suggestions about how we must cope with this situation until we obtain adequate funding to hire more teachers. Until that time, Paris should not be appalled, but rather should respond positively to "gimmes." "I want you" or "I gotta have," for that is one of the few options students have to get into a class. Maybe a little patience and understanding of the students' problems could be shown by them, so that they are less lesson in life I have learned here is that you don't always get what you want, when you want it, the way you want it.
After reading your story and looking at the adjoining picture on the front page of the Jan. 20 issue of the Kansan, I find myself appalled at ignorance that still permeates a "liberated" society. We live in a country which is supposed to embody the ideals of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I suppose we should amend this so it reads the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as long as it is all right with city commissioners Sandra Praeger, Bob Schumm and Lawrence mayor Mike Amyx. It is amazing to me how an
amendment to the human rights ordinance which would guarantee protection from discrimination by sexual orientation could not pass.
Lawrence is a good city in which to live. The people here are generally fair-minded and honest; yet that some of this city's most respected citizens have displayed their blunt prejudice on a matter of social importance disproves this. I sincerely hope this important issue is one that will appear before our generally close-minded City Commission again, even repeatedly, until it is passed.
Regarding the photograph of the two women hugging which adjoins the article, I find it a bit ironic. Should two women be allowed to hug in public in Lawrence? I am a white, heterosexual male who will not judge the sexual orientation of others until God contacts me personally to do so. I would like to thank and applaud city commissioners Dennis Constance and Mike Rundle for their courage and willingness to stand up for an ideal that this country has prided itself in for over 200 years: "That all men are created equal." I believe this to be true, regardless of race, sex, color, nationality, religion, age, ancestry, handicap OR sexual orientation.
Scott C. Reeves Olathe sophomore
BLOOM COUNTY
dv Berke Breathed