Newspapers / Daily Tar Heel (Chapel … / Feb. 26, 1987, edition 1 / Page 8
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8The Daily Tar Heel Thursday, February 26, 1987 latltj 95 th year of editorial freedom Jill Gerber. Editor Amy Hamilton, Managing Editor SALLY PEARSALL, Neus Editor JEAN LUTES, University Editor DONNA LEINWAND, State and National Editor JEANN1E FAR1S. City Editor JAMES SUROWIECKI, Sports Editor FELISA NEUR1NGER, Business Editor Julie Braswell, Feat ures Editor Elizabeth Ellen, Arts Editor Charlotte Cannon. Photography Editor KATHY PETERS, Omnibus Editor Headers Foracrn) Editorials Anti-gay letter is pretzel logic board opinion On Feb. 23, eight UNC stu dents submitted a letter to Chancel lor Christopher Fordham, requesting their student fees be refunded. This request was made on the grounds that these students, as Christians morally opposed to homo sexuality, could not justify part of their fees funding the CGLA. The arguments raised in the letter are Hawed. First, the CGLA does not "advocate and promote homosexual ity." as the letter claims, any more than the Black Student Movement advo cates and promotes being black. The purpose of the CGLA is to educate the student body about issues dealing with homosexuality, to protect the rights of homosexuals and to provide a support group for the gays and lesbians on campus. The CGLA is not trying to convert people to homosex uality, only to raise awareness about the topic. Therefore, the money raised by student fees is not enabling gays and lesbians on campus to have the homosexual relations the letter writers find offensive. They need no money to have sex. The money funds the programs the CGLA sponsors for educational purposes, such as a panel discussion on AIDS and a film on the subject. Secondly, the letter's likening of CGLA funding to "forcing blacks to fund the Ku Klux Klan or a Jewish person to fund a Nazi organization" is hypocrisy. The Klan and the Nazis are groups formed with the specific purpose of persecuting the blacks and Jews. The CGLA has certainly not made any attempt to persecute the UNC Christian community. In fact, it is rather the opposite it is this small Christian faction which is harrassing the CGLA. Finally, the money students pay as fees does not go directly to the CGLA. Student fees are paid to Student Congress, which is responsible for allocating the money to organizations that request funding. Only five organ izations are constitutionally guaran teed funds The Daily Tar Heel, the Graduate and Professional Student Federation, the Carolina Union, WXYC, and Student Legal Services. Other organizations receive funding through the democratic vote of the congress, which the student body has elected to govern these matters. The letter writers see this issue as a "fundamental test of the University's willingness to recognize the rights of the individual and his or her religious beliefs." They do have a right to believe as Christians that homosexuality is sinful, but the CGLA is certainly not trying to infringe on their right by imposing its views on them. Rather, it is the letter writers who are trying to impose their views not only on the CGLA, but also the students of this University. Politicians whistle Dixie Against the backdrop of Howard Beach, Forsyth County and the Tampa riots, several battles are being fought in South and North Carolina. They illustrate the fear of many whites that blacks are gaining a more pow erful place in American society. In Columbia, S.C., the South Carolina Human Affairs Committee requested the removal of the confed erate flag that hangs over the state house and a prohibition on the playing of "Dixie" at state functions. The committee says that "blacks see it as a symbol of racism." The request provoked angry responses from some .South Carolina conservatives, with state Sen. Glenn McConnell, R :Charleston, saying that blacks are .being "oversensitive" and that this "oversensitivity is driving a wedge in South Carolina that should not be hhere." In North Carolina last week, state Rep Raymond Warren, R Mecklenburg, received severe criticism non sequitur from fellow N.C. Republicans when he supported a bill to make Martin Luther King Jrs birthday a paid holiday for state employees. At a private Republican caucus one member asked Warren, "Do you always sing 'We Shall Overcome'?" As the immense problems of black white relations go unattended," the communities are becoming more stratified and less willing to comprom ise. Many conservatives are placing the blame on blacks, claiming they are unwilling to buy into American society, or perhaps pre-Civil War society. Frightened both by the poten tial for violence and a growing black middle class, they seek only to restore the status quo. It is time to work for constructive solutions. However, if left to the stodgy politicians who wish to herald the good old days when the confed erate flag could wave uninhibited by criticism and restriction, the times, they may a-change for the worse. M.K. 'Monster Tot' loose in parking lot Al the tender age of eight months, a diapered Herman Reid Jr. almost lilted himself to his feet when he grabbed a hold of the sink. At 18, the "Monster Tot," as the spanking-new Sports Illustrated issue lagged him, lifts cars with his bare hands. This is not an entry submission for The Star. This is hard-core journalism on the up-and-up. the inside scoop, if you will: It was 12:45 Tuesday. Feb. 3, student election night. A non sequiturian was sitting in his car parked behind a church, listening to I'phat Mujurat and the Tribal Tones. Suddenly, he spotted J.R. Reid and two Iriends in his review mirror. Vigilant, he put down his Long Star longneck to record the lollowing events on a pocketed Spanky's napkin: I he first thing the non sequiturian noticed about Mr. Reid was that he was a ver large IS-year-old. Mr. Reid was walking with two associates to their car, which was parked two cars in front of the non scquiturian's. Mr. Reid had a very polished appearance, sporting suspenders over a white pleated shirt. His pants were also pleated and cuffed at his ankles. He was clad for the Kill. The parking lot was crowded with cars this night. As the entourage passed, the non sequiturian realized that through their actions and conversation the car in front of his was blocking in Mr. Reid and associates. Suddenly in the cold night air, Mr. Reid released these words in colloquial Olde English tongue: "My gallante friends," he addressed his associates. "It appears that we are in a predicament. This automobile is blocking our exit. Does anyone have a suggestion?" The trio blew steam in the cold night air. pondering their situation. One associate lifted his head and addressed Mr. Reid. "Why don't we move it, your basketbal Iness?" the associate asked. "Good idea, oh mate," Mr. Reid said. "How perceptive of you." Mr. Reid hoisted one corner of the back end of the four-door Mazda 6.26 off the ground. "Would you be so kind as to raise the other side, my particeps crimini?" Mr. Reid asked the two associates. The two associates strained their necks but carried out Mr. Reid's order. Soon the entire back end of this car was complctely.off the ground. The non sequiturian was bewildered at what had transpired, and he sat down al his desk that night and arrived at the following conclusion: "Herman is the pet-name lor a frog or a spring salamander, not for a 240-pound semi-god who roams the court as freely as an unyoked oxen in a field of rice. And moves cars with his bare hands." Make SAC available for handicapped To the editor: One year has passed since the fabulous grand opening of the Dean Dome. No one can deny the pride everyone takes in our new temple oi basketball. Manv of us are even more excited about the concert prospects that the SAC offers, especially after the incredible Genesis concerts. With all of its great success, however, a serious problem exists with handicapped parking. Granted, this problem affects a small percentage of the people who have enioved games and shows there, but after an entire year, a year which began amid widespread criticism of the handicapped facilities, the people of the Dean Dome still havenl a clue as to the inconvenience of the present nanaicapped parking situation. Sunday night was cold and rainy. Slush on the ground made walking difficult for those of us who could walk and breathe easily. For me, the Genesis concert was worth bearing Mother Nature's abuse, 'but I wonder if I would have had enough guts to take those hills and ramps from the handicapped parking lot in front of the Smith Center if I had to push myself in a wheelchair. Have you ever tried to get around independently in a wheelchair? Believe me, it's not easy. How about climbing icy stairs with crutches and a 5 pound cast on your leg? What if you couldn't breathe very well, for any number of reasons? So many people with handicaps brave and overcome obstacles like icy hills. It's not right that the closest parking lot at the Smith Center, the one behind the natatorium originally intended for the handicapped, is denied to those friends of ours who really need it. My suggestion is that CD. Spangler, Dean Smith, or at least Steve Camp (Smith Center director) try out these hills and ramps in a wheelchair, by themselves and prefer ably on a cold, windy, rainy, and icy evening. I bet they would change that handicapped parking lot as fast as vou can say. "Tar Heels are No. I!" CINDY NEVILLE Senior Biology Spearman will be missed To the editor: Walter Spearman was the obvious choice. Last spring when The Dailv Tar Heel needed a 3-year faculty adviser, Walter Spearman was clearlv the person. His response was surprising. He said he was honored by the offer, but he didn't have the time. He just didn't have the time. His words were lively as always, but his response hinted that there were days of sadness to come. You see, Walter Spearman made time for ever ything and everyone. The DTH. Chi Psi fraternity. Phi Beta Kappa, the School of Journalism, and Paul Green Theater were just a few of his activities. At 79 years of age. Walter Spearman had more energy and enthusiasm than any seven- or nine-year-old. Above all else, Walter Spear man always made time for us. the students. He found friends wherever he went. In an unfa miliar crowd he soon had many new ones. Walter Spearman was a jewel to this campus and an ornament to our state. He will be missed. But his memory and his ideals will be carried for ward by everyone he touched. In our hearts there will always a treasured spot for Walter Spearman. JIM SLAUGHTER Graduate Law A nickel for your troubles Editor's note: the author is a Student Congress representa tive from District 18. To the editor: I am addressing this letter to the eight UNC students who wrote a letter to Chancellor Christopher Fordham stating that they wanted their student fees returned to them unless the CGLA was defunded. I havr a I ITJi A KIT Of IMS IN CHAFElHlll, ) ' proposition for them. Rather than going through all that sticky red tape of refusing to pay student fees, please allow me to reimburse you for the share of your student fees that went to the CGLA last year. Using last year's Student Congress appro priation, each of you contrib uted 4.5 cents to the CGLA. But IH be extra-generous. Ill write each of you a personal check for five whole pennies. All you have to do is give me a call. Therf is one catch though. I liv . Durham, so it will be a long-distance call. I'm afraid you'll spend more money making the call than you'll get in reimbursement from me. But hey, this is a serious moral, ethical and religious issue, right? I'm sure it will be worth the monetary sacrifice on your part. Once you get your check, you could buy some gum or some hard candy, or even contribute it to the organiza tion of your choice. But may I make a suggestion? Why don't you take your check to a bank and cash it in for a nice, shiny new nickel? Then go find a wishing well, close your eyes, throw the nickel in and wish real hard that everybody in the world thought and believed just like you do. Who knows, it just might work. But if I were you, I wouldn't hold my breath. I'm afraid you'll be in for a very long wait. PHILLIP PARKERSON RIPLEY Senior Psychology Duke spirit vs. Carolina pride To the editor: Which school's students would write the name of their university on Dick Vitale's bald head? Where would a fan yell, "You suck." to our beloved J.R. Reid as he walked from the court to the locker room after the game? Where in North Carolina would you hear cheers that would embarrass Clint Eastw ood? Only one institution can come to the mind of any avid ACC fan: Duke. University. At Duke the fans are loud and obnoxious. With their blue hair and blue faces, these smurf replicas wildly scream obscen ities at visiting teams and ridicule players. They taunted N.C. State University with chants of "losing season" and "not even the NIT," threw Oodles of Noodles at Craig Neal, called Tom Sheehee a walking spitoon, and jeered the singer of the National Anthem at the Duke UNC game and her fluorescent dress. One Dookie even went sO far as to hurl a tennis ball at a referee for a "bad call" during the Carolina game. The press loves them and encourages this degenerate behavior by calling it "school spirit." This Thursday we at Carol ina have an opportunity to show what school spirit is all about cheeringbr our team rather than against the oppo nents. Let's make the most of it. Tar Heels. Get on your feet and give the team the support it deserves. We may not have the best seats in the ACC, but we can show that we have the most spirit and the most class. SHERRY LAURITZEN Senior Biology Democratic ideals begin at home Oi Friday Feb. 27. UNC's Board of (Trustees will meet in a regular session. The issue of South African divestment may or may not be on its official agenda, although the presence of activists from the UNC Anti-Apartheid Support (iroup will make sure that this matter will be brought to their and the public's attention. Because reactionary politicians and writers have conducted a campaign of disinformation, some confusion still exists in some people's minds about divestment. Yet the issue is really quite simple, for it boils down to the issue of democracy. Democracy is not simply the rule of the majority expressed through occasional elections. The word democracy has Greek origins, and it literally means the "rule of the people," and the rule of the people means the empowerment of the people. The issue at stake in South Africa today revolves around the empowerment of the people, around democracy. South Africa is without question the most undemocratic, even anti-democratic, society in the world today. If you are worried about terrorism in the world today, the first place to look for it is in the state terrorism practiced by the apartheid regime in South Africa. A small white minority there monopolizes political power and wealth by starving, torturing and killing the black majority. That black majority for years has been resisting their virtual enslavement, and in recent years that struggle has entered into a new phase. One aspect ol this new phase is the divestment movement. Contrary to what right-wing demagogues have been saying, this divestment movement did not originate on college campuses in the United States. It originated with black South African activists, who asked simply that countries like the United States stop investing in apartheid, stop propping it up financially. Now, there arc many who say that divestment will hurt South African blacks more than it will help them. In the first place, this argument is extremely condescending, . making it knows what is good for South African blacks better than thev do themselves. Matthew S. Bewig Guest Writer The issue in South Africa is democracy, and blacks there understand only too well that great sacrifices will have to be made in attaining it. Great sacrifices have already been made. The AASG is asking this University to share in a very small part of these sacrifices, and its students, faculty and administrators have responded favorably. Only the Board of Trustees and the Endowment Board have lacked the courage to take this step. Yet perhaps even their stubborness can be of value. The fight against apartheid in South Africa is by definition a battle to be fought and won by black South Africans. Our efforts here form only a small trickle in a lesser tributary of the river of South African struggle. Yet the intransigence ought to lead us to question the nature of our own University community, our state and our society. How democratic is a university in which the stubborness of a few rich old white men can thwart the will of the majority? When the civil rights movement came to this campus two decades ago. it was met by racism and hatred. A strike of the cafeteria workers here on campus ensued, and it was the University which crushed the organizing attempts of the overwhelmingly black and female staff. Racism is by no means dead on this campus. Fraternities are essentially segre gated. This University lacks the will or the real desire to meet its minority recruitment goals. The Boards of Trustees and Endow ment refuse to divest, and they trot out the same tired arguments used by their racist predecessors to justify segregation. How democratic is the town of Chapel Hill, a supposed bastion of progressivism, when its black children score consistently lower on standardized tests than its white children, and lower than the state average? Chapel Hill and Carrboro are clearly rcsidentiallv segregated communities. White people who work as professors and admin istrators at the University or as technocrats at the Research Triangle Park live in certain parts of the town. Black people, who work as janitors in the schools and office buildings, as maids in the dorms and fraternity houses, as groundskeepers for the Physical Plant department and as food workers in Lenoir and Chase, live in other parts of town. The two parts of town are separate, and they. are not equal. How democratic, finally, is a nation in which only rich men serve in high offices; in which the leading officials regularly conduct secret intrigues around the world, and then concoct campaigns of disinforma tion to hide the truth from the citizens they are supposed to serve; in which the average white family owns approximately 12 times the wealth of the average black family? Political corruption, racism and gross inequalities of wealth continue to tear at the fabric of American democracy, rendering it a tattered and torn banner behind which few can stand and to which few can genuinely rally. The issue of the moment is democracy. The AASG is committed to fighting racism here and abroad, at pointing out that the institutionalized racism that exists in, this society and this University is the real foundation for the refusal of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Endowment to endorse divestment. Beginning today at 10 a.m.. the AASG will sponsor a program of activities under the title, "Racism Here and Abroad: 24 Hours of Protest and Education." There will be a continuous vigil at Morehead Planet arium, where the BOT will meet Friday, and numerous teach-ins at various sites around campUs. Come out and educate yourself about racism here and in South Africa, protest with us at the Pit at noon and at the Planetarium at 9 a.m. Friday. The issue is democracy, and the time is now. Matthew S. Bewig is the chairperson of the AASG Education Committee.
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
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Feb. 26, 1987, edition 1
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