Newspapers / Daily Tar Heel (Chapel … / March 10, 1989, edition 1 / Page 6
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6The Daily Tar HeelFriday, March 10, 1989 Readers9 Forum'' Sang (Mr mil 97th year of editorial freedom Sharon Kebschull, Editor WILLIAM TAGGART, Managing Editor LOUIS BlSSETTE, Editorial Page Editor MARY Jo DUNNINGTON, Editorial Page Editor JVSTlNMcGuiRE, University Editor JENNY CLONINGER, University Editor TAMMY BLACK ARD, State and National Editor CHARLES BrITTAIN, City Editor ERIK DALE FlIPPO, Business Editor DAVE GLENN, Sports Editor CARA BONNETT, Arts and Features Editor JAMES BENTON, Omnibus Editor JVLIA COON, News Editor D AVID SUROWIECKI, Photography Editor Kelly Thompson, Design Editor BSM appeal not productive In deciding Wednesday to attempt an appeal to the Student Supreme Court to get funding from Student Congress, the Black Student Move ment has committed itself to an extended, bitter controversy. Con gress' decision not to exempt the BSM from the budgetary laws is mandated by constitutional by-laws, and an appeal and possible court case are unlikely to result in anything productive. Denigrating the budgetary appeals process, BSM President Kenneth Perry has continually insinuated that his organization is not being treated fairly. After the Feb. 20 meeting and ruling by the appeals committee, Perry claimed he didn't feel the BSM's case was fully considered. At a candidates' forum and a general meeting of the BSM on March 8, Perry referred to the process as "fishy." As sensitive as this campus is toward minority concerns, Perry's statements are irresponsible. Constitutional by laws dictate that congress can waive the deadline only if there was a procedural error on its part or if the BSM could prove an inherent error in the system. After hearing the testimony of the Finance Committee chairwoman, the speaker pro tempore, and the Student Affairs Committee chairwoman, the appeals committee found that the office of the congress was open until 5:26 p.m., when the BSM formally submitted its budget. Given the testimony, the committee had no choice but to rule that the BSM violated the 5 p.m. deadline. Such a ruling, based upon established guide lines in the constitution, can hardly be considered unfair or "fishy." For the BSM to hope that the Supreme Court overturns this deci sion, assuming the case is even heard, is to extenuate an already unfortunate situation. The BSM has failed to properly submit its budget request twice in the past three years, and both times congress has been left in an awkward position. It could either deny the right to participate in the budget process to an important minority organization at a time when the University is drawing criticism for its treatment of minorities or ignore the rules which apply to everyone else. Congress, to its credit, took the more difficult path this year and in essence told the BSM to get its act together. The BSM is within its rights to appeal, but it is difficult to understand what the group hopes to accomplish. The only thing to be gained is money from a budgetary process already completed. Lost could be the reputa tion and focus of a group which is supposed to help minority students become an integral part of the Uni versity, not force the University and students to give them special consid eration. David Starnes Protesters push their luck Student leaders at Howard Univer sity took a stand against their admin istration this week and they won. These students should be lauded for their efforts on behalf of a noble cause, but they must be careful not to bite off more than they can chew. Hundreds of students at Howard staged a sit-in protest at the admin istration building after Lee Atwater, the Republican National Committee chairman who was George Bush's campaign manager, was appointed as a trustee of the predominantly black school. Atwater's highly publicized resignation Wednesday should send a message to campuses across the country: student activism, when used appropriately and sincerely, can make a difference. Howard students were incensed by the selection of Atwater, who managed what many called a racist campaign last year against Michael Dukakis. Blacks criticized the Bush campaign for "racist overtones" in its advertise ments and attacks on the heralded furlough of Willie Horton. The stu dents stood united against Atwater's position on the board, and this proved to be the decisive factor in his resignation. Although it was Atwater and not administrators who gave in to the student demands, the outcome unmis takably points to a victory for the students. University President James Cheek, who supported Atwater's nomination to the school's board, faces growing criticism from students on this and other matters. Students are calling for increased funding for the school's African-American studies department, elimination of a proposal to raise tuition and improved campus security and student housing. Buoyed by their initial victory, students have decided to prolong the sit-in in the hope that administrators will meet these demands. But these issues do not require such drastic measures of protest. As Cheek justifiably argues, the students should pursue these demands through other means, without obstructing university business. After a week of sit-ins in the administration building, Howard officials have no choice but to begin arresting students who refuse to leave, and Cheek has threatened to do so. Congratulations to the student body of Howard University for standing up for what they believe in and making a difference. They have set a fine example for students at other schools to follow. But the Howard students must be realistic in their demands and the avenues through which they pursue them. Otherwise they will lose their ability to win similar battles with administrators in the future. Louis Bissette The Daily Tar Heel Editorial Writers: Kimberly Edens, Chris Landgraff and David Stamcs. Assistant Editors: Jessica Lanning, city; Myma Miller, features; Staci Cox, managing; Anne Isenhower and Steve Wilson, news; Andrew Podolsky, Jay Reed and Jamie Rosenberg, sports; Karen Dunn, state and national; James Burroughs and Amy Wajda, university. News: Craig Allen, Crandall Anderson, John Bakht, Kari Barlow, Maria Batista, Crystal Bernstein, Heather Bowers, Sarah Cagle, Brenda Campbell, James Coblin, Staci Cox, LD. Curie, Blake Dickinson, Jeff Eckard, Karen Entriken, Deirdre Fallon, Lynn Goswick, Susan Holdsclaw, Jennifer Johnston, Tracy Lawson, Rheta Logan, Dana Clinton Lumsdcn, Helle Nielsen, Glenn O'Neal, Simone Pam, Tom Parks, Elizabeth Sherrod, Nicolle Skalski, Will Spears, Larry Stone, Laura Taylor, Kelly Thompson, Kathryne Tovo, Stephanie von Isenburg, Sandy Wall, Leslie Wilson, Jennifer Wing, Katie Wolfe and Nancy Wykle. Sports: Mike Berardino, senior writer. Neil Amato, Mark Anderson, John Bland, Christina Frohock, Scott Gold, Doug Hoogervorst, David Kupstas, Bethany Litton, Brendan Matthews, Bobby McCruskey, Natalie Sckicky, Chris Spencer, Dave Surowiccki and Eric Wagnon. Arts and Features: Leigh Ann McDonald and Kelly Rhodes, senior writers. Cheryl Allen, Randy Basinger, Clark Benbow, Adam Bcrtolett, Roderick Cameron, Ashley Campbell, Pam Emerson, Diana Florence, Laura Francis, Jacki Greenberg, Andrew Lawler, Julie Olson, Lynn Phillips, Leigh Pressley, Anna Tumage and Jessica Yates. Photography: Steven Exum and David Minton. Copy Editors: Karen Bell, B Buckbcrry, Michelle Casale, Yvette Cook, Joy Golden, Bert Hackney, Kathleen Hand, Angela Hill, Susan Holdsclaw, Karen Jackson, Janet McGirt, Angelia Poteat and Clare Weickert. Editorial Assistants: Mark Chilton and Anne Isenhower. Amy Dickinson, letter typist. Design Assistants: Kim Avetta, Melanie Black, Del Lancaster, Nicole Luter, Bill Phillips and Susan Wallace. Cartoonists: Jeff Christian, Adam Cohen, Pete Corson, Bryan Donnell, Trey Entwistle, David Estoye, Greg Humphreys and Mike Sutton. Business and Advertising: Kevin Schwartz, director; Patricia Glance, advertising director; Joan Worth, classified manager; Stephanie Chesson, assistant classified manager; Chrissy Mennitt, advertising manager; Sabrina Goodson, business manager; Dawn Dunning, Beth Harding, Sarah Hoskins, Amy McGuirt, Maureen Mclntyre, Denise Neely, Tina Perry, Pam Strickland, Amanda Tilley and Joye Wiley, display advertising representatives; Leisa Hawley, creative director; Dan Raasch, marketing director; Genevieve Halkett, Camille Philyaw, Tammy Sheldon and Angela Spivey, classified advertising representatives; Jeff Carlson, office manager and Allison Ashworth, secretary. Subscriptions: Ken Murphy, manager. Distribution: David Econopouly, manager; Newton Carpenter, assistant. Production: Bill Leslie and Stacy Wynn, managers; Tammy Sheldon, assistant manager; Anita Bentley, Stephanie Iocklcar and Leslie Sapp, assistants. Printing: The Village Companies. Seniors have right to special concert seats To the editor: In regard to the editorial by Chris Osborn on the R.E.M. concert seating for seniors, I understand that he was upset. However, this in no way excuses him for the lack of research regarding the issue. I must write in order to clarify some misrepresentations in his writing. First and foremost, the senior class of 1 989 has never sought to represent itself as the bicentennial class of the University of North Carolina. We graduate in the 200th anni versary of the University's Charter, hence we are the class to celebrate this historic 200th year. We know that this is true because our class president and vice-president, Steve Tepper and David Adams, researched the issue carefully, even discussing it with the director of the University's Bicentennial Observance. It was decided that the class of 1989 was to be a symbol of this historic year. Did you wonder why the class brought home the original University Charter on University Day? Secondly, let me assure you that the University had nothing to do with the block seating; no rich alumni pulled strings, and Chancellor Hardin did not call the Smith Center to arrange the deal for us. We called and made arrangements for the block ourselves, between the senior class of 1989 and the promoter. The University had absolutely nothing to do with the block seating; indeed, our only formal connection with the University is the fact that we are a University-recognized organization and thereby are entitled to the use of University buildings, etc. Any other group could have done the same thing if they had only tried. As a matter of fact, other groups do pull tickets out before they go on sale to the general public. Where do you think that radio stations and newspapers get the tickets they use? The promoters and the concert halls can usually be counted on to reserve a few tickets as well, and while no one else has done so on the same scale as we have, other than past senior classes, it is essentially the same thing which goes on at every concert. As to our motives for so doing, we had no wish to offend or enrage anyone. We knew that many non-seniors would be mad, but one of our main functions as senior class marshals is to provide special opportunities to members of the senior class. We arrange a cruise every year, which undoubtedly keeps some vacationers from doing what they want, when they want to. We have rented space for parties, such as the party for the Phon-a-thon callers which might have otherwise been used by patrons of the establishmentBy the way, this was the only "reward" for people who helped to raise money for the endowed professorship; we are confident that those who gave money or time did so out of a genuine love of the University of North Carolina and a wish to contribute something special and unique to it. In this case we were motivated by a desire to do something special for the seniors during Senior Week, which runs from April 17-22. As the concert fell in the week we had previously set for our efforts, it seemed appropriate to attempt to arrange a block. The fact that the senior class of 1989 has a superior organization with good officers and devoted marshals who are willing to go the extra mile to benefit their class should be seen as a positive thing rather than a negative. Moreover, our ability to secure the block is indicative of the fact that, in the real world, it is those who are aggressive and organized who most often get what they want. Most people at this school will eventually call themselves seniors; then they will have similar opportunities if their class so 'desires!-' That's an extremely good reason for everyone out there to consider being a marshal when they become seniors; of course, it would take a lot of work but someone could take it upon themselves to attempt to organize the junior, sophomore and freshman classes. All it would take is a little hard work and then these classes would have an advocate for their needs and wishes as well. CHARLES MOORE Senior English chemistry Understanding animal rights To the editor: Recently, the DTH and other news media have been host to several articles, letters and programs concerning the animal rights movement. Some clarification is needed for those persons who are unfamiliar with the issues, as well as for those who are "at odds" with the animal rights activists. There are some people who are under the impression that animal rights activists believe that animals are "miniature humans." This is totally inaccurate; we (animal rights activists) assert that animals do have rights, but in no way do we believe that animals have the same rights as humans. Fur thermore, we recognize and respect the inherent differences between all animals, human and non-human. To say that we are not concerned with the welfare of animals borders on blasphemy in the animal rights movement. We are not only concerned with the welfare of all animals whether they be the family dog, a pig in a factory farm, a mouse in a laboratory, or a raccoon caught in a leghold trap but we strive to educate the public and lobby for laws preventing animal exploitation; our goal is universal understanding and respect for the sanctity of life of all living beings. A great deal of research endeavors are not leading-edge many of them are repeti tious, unnecessary, and not beneficial to humans; they are often performed only so that a candidate may receive hisher masters or doctoral degree, or so that a researcher will get a larger grant (to do more research). Furthermore, there is a publish-or-perish mentality which demands that members of the scientific research uni versity communities publish research data or face ostracism from peers. Overlooked in all of this is the very simple fact that . animals do suffer immensely. We refuse to accept smug behind-closed-doors reassurances that all is well; recent history has proven that similar reassurances at such prestigious institutions as the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University and Har vard University have proven to be appalling deceptions. Far from wanting "power over the choices" other people make in their lives, we want people to understand the jyflp 7"" impact and the reverberations of the decisions they make, and to make their educated deci sions after reviewing all the facts. NATALIE SHEPPARD Junior English political science Pesticide harms children To the editor: We are being contaminated by a pesticide known as damin ozine, which causes cancer when processed. This product is used on apples to make them more appealing in size, shape and color and is not easily washed off. Our main point of concern however should come from what happens to this pesticide once it is processed to make apple juice. It becomes a cancer causing agent known for short as UMDH. That means that the accepted level of cancer in children has increased 250 percent, and they make up the majority of the population who drink apple juice. Don't be alarmed, how ever, since that only reflects on one in 4,000 of the young population. Normal levels would be one in a million. Well, the real controversy is not only that the level has increased but that the EPA cannot do anything about it. In truth there are two laws that the pesticide falls under, one being that it cannot be put on the market if it fails health tests. The other states that once on the market, no product is subject to current tests otherwise the manufacturer can sue, and the EPA would like to avoid that. The. only real solution is time, which the EPA states would cover about five years in order to phase out the product, which adds up to thousands more children with cancer. Would you like to know if your apple juice has UMDH? Don't bother reading it on the label. Consumer reports did a study of 32 different brands which manufacturers stated did not involve daminozine processed apples. Only nine of these really did not have the cancer causing agent. Now here's a thought . . . don't count on the government to deal with the abortion issue effectively when it can't even ensure the health of our child ren once they are born. There's a judgment call here: which is the more wrong, abortion of an unwanted pregnancy by choice of the mother, or the birth of a child by choice of a society that can't ensure that the child will even have a childhood or live a full life? SUSAN LEE Senior Latin American Studies Put students back in SAC To the editor: Quick, what does "SAC" stand for? Many, no doubt, remember that before the "Dean Dome" was formally dedicated the building was widely known as the Student Activity Center. We were led to believe that we would have a special place in the finest arena in the ACC. But slowly students have beeri , removed from the SAC. : We found we had fewer first quality seats than we expected. Instead, we received seats spread around the upper rim of the arena and behind non-students who objected to our standing and raising our voices in support of our teams. Students are now made to enter a rear door of the SAC regardless of where their seats are located, while non-students enter directly into the SAC. As a student, I feel that we were misled about how we would be treated during the planning of the arena. But whoever runs the SAC has done one thing with remarkable honesty. They have removed all mention of "stu dent" from the SAC. "Student" isn't" above the main entrance, it's not on any of the signs, it's not on the ushers' jackets, it's not on the tickets, it does not appear on the electronic score board, and it was not contained in the graphic shown to tele vision audiences before the Clemson game. Everything now says the "Dean E. Smith Center." I write this letter simply to remind all students that the building was once called the Student Activity Center and that there were certain expec tations that went with the name. I graduate in May, but I urge you to continue your struggle to put "students" back in the SAC. WILLIAM HYATT Senior Business administration Yackety Yack fails as college chronicler To the editor: All year long I have debated with myself whether or not to buy a Yackety Yack as a souvenir of this, my senior year. I therefore read with interest the DTH Board Opinion of March 7, "Congress constricts Yack," in which the Board stated that "no one has come to the editors of the Yackety Yack to complain or make suggestions . . . Those students who are supposedly underrepres ented also seem unconcerned." Well, DTH Board, here are some com plaints and suggestions: I am a senior, and I have never bought a Yackety Yack. If that isnt a symbol of some sort of dissatisfaction, what is? Perhaps I'm a bit unsophisticated, but I expect a yearbook to be a unique chronicle of the year's events on campus. If I want glossy photographic essays of Chapel Hill, 111 go buy something at the Intimate or Bull's Head. A decade from now, 111 want a record of my classmates' faces and activities, which I can only get from a yearbook. Although I have been very involved in campus activities since my freshman year, none of my organizations have ever been pictured in a Yack. Why? We could never afford the $85 group portrait fee. Again, perhaps I'm being naive, but I wouldn't mind at all if my yearbook contained advertisements. My parents' college yearbooks do, and I enjoy looking through them. Twenty, thirty years from now, ads from He's Not Here and Johnny T-Shirt will probably be just as meaningful to me as the senior . portrait section. If advertising will allow for more student groups to be pictured in the Yack, then I'm all for it. Yack staffers state that it is difficult to sell ad space because the yearbook is only an annual publication. If this is so, why was my high school yearbook able to sell so many ads? The Yackety Yack, states the DTH Board, "provides a necessary service to students. It should be funded based on that service, not on whether that service is performed in a way congress deems appropriate." I beg to differ. Since I have been here, the Yackety Yack has not been a worthwhile chronicler of the UNC college experience. Most students obviously do not feel it has adequately performed its service to them, or they would have bought the book. Congress, as the representative of the, students, Has a perfect right to express student dissatisfaction. I, as a consumer, have a right to complain about products that do not satisfy me, and also to not purchase them at all. The Yackety Yack is no exception. JENNIFER MANNING Senior Political science international studies
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
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March 10, 1989, edition 1
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