a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
OP-ED
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAM
---
Wednesday, October 13, 1993
5
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Lesbian mother case reveals new bigotry
In last Friday's Kansan was a small news brief announcing the fact that the state has stolen another woman's child.
An Oklahoma appeals court ruled that a woman's child could be taken away from her because it "might encounter future prejudice by a disapprovoking society."
It seems that we have a rather selective definition of bigotry these days. It's no longer socially acceptable to persecute individuals because of things they can't help, like skin color or sex. Instead, we encourage people who "can't help what they are" to join groups and to "reaffirm their diversity."
I may have misstated the case. It wasn't some woman's child that was taken, it was some lesbian's. There are any number of other children out there who face prejudice because of their parent's profession, religion or even skin color. Yet none of these groups are having their children taken away.
As this polarization has become more pronounced, we have come to define individuals by physical characteristics and not by personal choices.
In such a society, where one's place is defined by one's physical
characteristics or birth, individuals who make choices are at a disadvantage. Whether or not being gay is a choice is beside the point. Society sees gays as choosing an alternative lifestyle. They are a diverse group not defined by something they "can't help," like skin color or sex, but instead by something they "can help"—their sexual preference.
Legal protections only seem to apply if your membership in a group is "not your fault." Those who choose to be different aren't entitled to equal protection under the law. Yes, it's a backwards sort of bigotry, but it's bitvot nonetheless.
Robert Keaton
Chicago graduate student
Abortion right granted; funds not guaranteed
The issue: Thousands of American women are denied the right to an abortion because they cannot afford the procedure. The background... We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;... The opinion: If we are endowed these rights, I have the freedom to do as I please. In pursuit of my happiness, I choose to smoke (have an abortion), but I can't afford
the price of cigarettes (the procedure). Do I ask the government to enact a law to help me pay for my happiness?
"No,"you say.
"Because you choose to smoke," you say.
"Why?" Isay.
"Don't most people choose to engage in sex?" I ask.
Medicare funding is not necessary to make the right a reality. If you cannot afford the cigarettes, you don't smoke. If you cannot afford the abortion, find a preventative solution before you have sex.
We have been given at the start of our lives the liberty to do as we please and to pursue our own happiness. Not everyone can indulge their liberties. Not everyone can afford to pursue their happiness. Not everyone can afford cigarettes. Not everyone can afford an abortion. That's life.
The 1973 Supreme Court decision has been fulfilled. American women do have the right to an abortion.
As Kirk Redmond wrote, correspondence with your legislators could be influential at this important juncture. Either way, please do so.
Postscript: Funding might ensure equal access, but make condoms obsolete.
Mike Cooper
Kansas City senior
Dogs, canes serve as tools of independence
I was the subject of a story that appeared in *K-You* by April Gonzales. I was very impressed with April's concern about getting the story right, but unfortunately, a grave mistake has been made.
I believe I was misquoted in the story when it read, "We can't be totally dependent on Seeing Eye dogs and canes if we can help it." I would never in a million years have said this. I had told April that often blind people are seen as dependents of their dogs whereas actually dogs are tools for the blind person. Often people address the dog before they address the person, or in stories, the service dog is portrayed as the primary point of focus and not the person.
As far as the cane, I tried to explain that a cane is a tool with which to achieve independence. I have worked very hard myself to learn to effectively use one. I firmly believe that many people who could benefit from the use of a cane do not currently use one because they believe that they would be seen as dependent and not independent.
Heather Kirkwood Wichita sophomore
53 Primetime Meet ( ) Healing Oalby
Senior Citizen Animation Imprered Stereo
SPEND A YEAR IN JAPAN!
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program
If you have an excellent knowledge of English, hold a bachelor's degree (or will receive one by June 30,1994), and are a U.S.citizen the J.E.T. Program needs you! Opportunities are available in Japanese schools and government offices.
Applications are now available for program beginning August, 1993. For more information, please contact The Consultant General of Hawaii, 2519 Commerce Tower, 911 Main Street, Kansas City MO 64105-2076, Phone (816) 471-0111 or 471-0113.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 15, 1993.
841-7421
806 Massachusetts
featuring I.a.Eyeworks
A PHILANTHROPIC EVENT FOR COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES (CASA)
October 17,1993 Run to gain hope...
Entry; Entry Fees: $10 students, $12 non-students.
Entry fees must accompany entry forms and are nonrefundable.
Deadline for the early entry forms is October 15th at 5:00 p.m.
Late registration and packet pickup will be held from 7:00-8:00 a.m. on race day at the Space Technology Building on West Campus. Entry fees for late registration will remain the same but a T-shirt is not guaranteed.
Please make checks payable to Kappa Alpha Theta.
SEND TO: Kappa Alpha Theta/1433 Tennessee/Lawrencer, KS 660-4/4/(913) 843-3120
Schedule:
Race begins at 8:00 a.m.
Packet pickup and late registration from
7:00-8:00 a.m. on race day, October 17, 1993.
Race will be held rain or shine.
Awards will be presented after the race.
ENTRY FORM
Telephone ___ Age Category ___ 5K___10K___ Male ___Female___
Name ___ Living Organization .
(For official use only - Race number assigned
Student ___ Non-student ___
Date
Age Divisions:
17 & under 18-29 30-39 40-49 50 & over
Age Divisional:
In consideration of the foregoing, I for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive and release any and all rights and claims for damages I have against the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, and any and all claims for damages, demands, actions whatever in any manner, as a result of my participation in said race. Latest and verify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for the completion of this event and my physical conditioning has been verified by a licensed medical doctor.
Signature
WEEKEND FILMS
WB
UNFORGIVEN
WINNER OF FOUR
ACADEMY
AWARDS
INCLUDING BEST
PICTURE AND
BEST DIRECTOR
FRIDAY & SATURDAY,OCT.15-16 7:00 & 9:30 pm SUNDAY,OCT.17 2:00 pm $2.50 864-SHOW
A smart, easy way to meet people in a sophisticated, safe and confidential manner.
To place an ad:
Here's how it works...
To place an ad:
1. Call or come by the Kansan
at 119 Stauffer-Flint Hall, 864-4358.
Classifications available
1-Men Seeking Women
2-Women Seeking Men
3-Men Seeking Men
4-Women Seeking Women
3. After your ad runs in the Kansan, you call a free 800-number to listen to the messages you receive.
2. You'll place an ad in the Jaytaik Meeting Network section of the Kansan and call a free 800-number to record a voice message for people to listen to your ad.
4. You choose the people you want to meet and set up a time and place.
5-Friends Seeking Friends
6-Seeking Sports Interest
7-Mutual Hobbies
8-Shared Religion.
To check out an ad:
1. Read the ads in the Jaytalk Meeting Network on the back page of the Kansan.
2. Call 1-900-285-4560 (you need a touch-tone phone) and listen to the message.
The charge is $1.95 per minute.
3. If you like what you hear, leave a message of your own so the two of you can set up a meeting.
6 LINES for 6 DAYS ABSOLUTELY FREE!
CALL 864-4358 TODAY TO PLACE AN AD
Fridays With Red
Simon & Schuster $21.00
Is the new book by National Public Radio's Morning Edition host, Bob Edwards.
The book details Edwards' remarkable twelve-year friendship with sports broadcasting legend Red Barber, with whom he talked about sports, camelias, and the nature of man every Friday on Morning Edition
At the Mt. Oread Bookshop Now!
My 12 Years with Red Barber on National Public Radio's Morning Edition
KU Bookstores Kansas Union, Level Two University of Kansas 864-4431