The Lance February le, |
Page 2 — -«J
Editor’s
Desk
Michael Roberts
For many years now, women have had the
Constitutionally protected right to have an
abortion. And for years women have been
receiving abortions on demand. The issue I
wish to raise is not whether abortion is legal or
illegal, moral or immoral. The question 1
would like to address is the that of men's rights
in abortion.
For far too many years, women have had the
power to unilaterally decide whether to seek
an abortion or see a pregnancy to term. Al
though the father in a given situation is in
every way implicated (morally, financially,
and legally), his wishes may neither be sought
nor his rights protected.
In cases where a female may decide to see a
pregnancy to term, the father in that case can
be forced, by law, to assume fiixancial respon
sibility. Even if the father had wished for the
female to seek an abortion, the courts will not
recognize his wishes, although he is the father.
But as the father, financial obligations can be
placed upon him by the court. The nnale in this
case has no choice, and is at the total mercy of
the female.
Let's look at another side of the issue. If a
female wishes to have an abortion, although it
may conflict with the father's wishes, she has a
protected right to do so. Although the father is
also a parent, he has no legal rights to prevent
the female parent from getting an abortion.
Again, the male is at the mercy of the female.
The female in these situations can control
and direct the life of her male counterpart or
companion. I do not accept the argument of
"greater investment" on the part of the female
because she is simply the vehicle in which the
unborn child will either arrive into this world
or be vacuumed out. Any liason mutually
entered into should give both parents equal
input into the future of any pregnancy. I can
think of no logical way in which a system
which protects only the rights of one parent
can be valid or justified.
We have been hearing arguments forwhat is
best for the baby, and what is in the best
interest of the mother, while the interest,
rights, and investments of the father have gone
fully ignored. Women have long fought for
equality, but in the case of abortion have said
nothing of their gift of sovereignty. They rec
ognize the power that has been given to them,
will refuse to relinquish it, and therefore are as
reprehensible the the most stringent of male
chauvinists. Intercourse is an encounter, risk,
or agreement into which both parties enter.
With this in mind, all things being equal, let's
give a little thought to the rights of men,
whether "pro-choice" or "pro-life."
Letters to the Editor
Meek Responds
to Hosstyle
We, as members of Meck
lenburg Dormitory, would
like to address the comments
made by one Pat Hoss in the
last issue of The Lance. It
seems that Mr. Hoss has
made some extremely seri
ous accusations towards the
Mecklenburg community.
Apparently, Mr. Hoss feels
that Mecklenburg is the
party dorm where all of the
academically inept students
reside. Obviously, he feels
that we are at college, and
not in college. His remarks
regarding the cleanliness of
our dorm, and the grade
point averages of the resi
dents are totally uncalled for
and unfounded. Therefore,
we would like to take the
priviledge of allowing the
truth to be recorded in The
Lance.
We feel that our record
speaks for itself. We are the
only dorm on campus that
has taken the initiative to be
active in the community with
our joining of the North
Carolina Adopt-a-Highway
program. We have spon
sored a full day of activities
for the underpriviledged
youth in Laurinburg. We
have also facilitated in the
operation of a carnival for the
dedicated employees of Scot
land Memorial Hospital. In
response to his accusation
about the "cleanliness" of our
dorm, we have, at various
times, taken the initiative to
clean the grounds surround
ing Mecklenburg Hall, as
well as personally construct
ing a multi-purpose grill. We
have also planted rye grass
around the dormitory to
beautify the grounds during
the Winter months.
Nevertheless, perhaps the
most serious accusation that
Mr. Hoss has made is the
unfounded personal attacks
regarding the academic con
sciousness of our residents.
He has no right or proof to
openly attack our academic
status. We take our dasj
work very seriously and
have continually had a nut
ber of students on tit
Dean's List. IfMr.Hosscoj
siders this to be a humtli
C.P.A, then maybe he shoi
contemplate a move to Har
vard or Princeton.
In closing, we suggest that
Mr. Hoss do further researcl
before making any in-
founded statements. Wt
have accomplished man;
great things this academ
year both on and off the Si
Andrews campus. Itisre*
a shame that someone like
Mr. Hoss chose to make suck
false and erroneous accusa
tions, especially in the
which he attacked. We, as
members of Mecklenburg!
dormitory, do not in ant j
manner agree with Mr. Hoss,
and we request that in thf
future that Mr. Hoss is the
one who should do more
homework.
Sincerely,
Mecklenburg Dorm Counci
Jon Holloway, President
From the World Culture Society
It gives me sheer pleasure
to bring to your attention
that the World Culture Soci
ety has been more active than
ever, and is striving to "bust
out" of its limits of exjjecta-
tion.
The goal of the society is to
( familiarize St. Andrews with
different cultural values and
beliefs. The society repre
sents our community. Let's
all cooperate and dedicate
ourselves to uplifting its
image, and broadening its
scope. We realize that every
one is fjeculiar, and we
would like you
to share wilk
and
us your peculiarity
ideas. We need your sup
port, so please enroll ^
self as a member, and ®
what the society is all aW
Ashwani Nagpal
President, WCS