6 The Daily Tar HmI Thursday, September Oreo Porter Editor Ben Cornelius, Managing Editor Er Rankin, Associate Editor Lou Biuonis, Associate Editor Laura Scism, University Editor Elliott Potter. City Editor Chuck Alston, State and National Editor Sara Bi'Uard, Features Editor Chip Ensslin. Arts Editor' Gene UPCHl'RrH. Snow Editor Allen Iernigan, Photography Editor. Rise in per capita income sign of New South's growth For many years, the New South was a hollow promise. Talk abounded, but figures could not be found to back up the rhetoric. Then the Sun Belt theory came and the proof followed closely behind. The South was indeed growing, and looked to a future as a major driving force in the nation's political, social and economic life. A set of figures released last week by the U.S. Department of Commerce headed, incidentally, by Southerner Juanita Kreps further substantiates the New South's claim. While the Southeast is still at the bottom of the list of per capita income on a state basis, it is catching up. North Carolina, in particular, exhibited growth which exceeded the national average. In 1975. this state was ranked 4lst out of 50, with a per capita income defined as total personal income in the state divided by the state's total population of $4,925. Last year, personal income, on the average, rose by $528, placing us 38th nationally with a per capita income of $5453. The economic growth in this region has been evident as a trend throughout the last five to ten years, with a large part of the boom attributed to the move by the nation's manufacturing interests from the Great Lakes and Northeast regions to the West and South. With this redistribution of industry comes a redistribution of wealth and that is what the New South is all about. Jimmy Carter isn't the only phenomenon suggesting the rise of an energetic, vibrant New South. The transformation is a long-standing affair which has yet to peak. Its signs are everywhere, exhibited in every walk of life. Britain mourns Giraffe stole the show The Guardian bemoaned his loss in a sympathetic editorial. The Daily Mail ran a lengthy piece on the habits of giraffes. And even .the staid Financial Times got into the act by exploiting the myth that giraffes sleep standing up. During a five-day period Victor the giraffe garnered national attention in Britain that rivaled the media treatment given Queen Elizabeth during her Jubilee week in June. People in Britain are mourning the passing of Victor, who took a nasty spill last Thursday while attempting to mate with one of his three female companions. Despite the efforts of zoo-keepers and veterinarians to lift him back onto his feet, Victor died Tuesday. Sailmakers from the Portsmouth naval dockyard had made a special canvas support but Victor, who weighed one ton, died as he was being lifted into in by a winch. He apparently died of shock. Giraffes are prone to shock, vets said. Thousands wrote letters to the zoo with sympathy and advice. And when the beast died, the story was one of the top three, along with trouble in Lebanon and a coal miner's dispute, on the British Broadcasting Corp. radio. For the U.S., media attention to the deaths of animals isn't all that unusual, but it's normally reserved for famous or symbolic beasts. Smokey the Bear, for example, was the subject of considerable attention when he died at a ripe old age last year. The filly Ruffian stirred naitonal interest when she broke down in the backstretch in a heralded match race against Foolish Pleasure in 1975. The press followed her progress and the nation's reaction when she had to be shot. Victor, however, was just your everyday giraffe in the prime of life. But the British are generally great animal lovers and the Fleet Street press gave the public what it wanted to read. The rest of the animals in the Hampshire zoo, we're sure, weren't the least bit jealous. 'Vendetta' by Media Board forced WXYC to consider leaving To the editor: In order to clarify some statements in the Tuesday Daily Tar Heel ("CGC vote keeps WXYC on the air." Sept. 2 1 ). I am forced to write this letter. First of all. our decision to leave the air was not a threat but a final option that we were forced to consider as a result of the petty politicking, foot dragging and downright ignorance of student interests a result of a personal vendetta conducted by some of the politico! on the Media Board. It should be noted that the management staff of WXYC was forced to try to resolve a conflict arising out of locating a federal document that stated an independent board called Student Educational Broadcasting (SEB) was the final legal authority for WXYC. with provisions for funding by Student Government - but no control over programming. In no federal document in our public file is the UNC Media Board mentioned. As such, our staff members, rather than risking their licenses for operation in violation of certain provisions of the station license, demanded the immediate attention of the Media Board. Unfortunately there are some people on this board who are not aware of the fact that the federal government's and the state of N.C.'s laws and regulations concerning radio stations and non-profit organizations take precedence over the by-laws of the Media Board. As a matter of fact, it appears thet the Media Board is acting unconstitutionally since the Student Body Constitution gives the Media Board control over publications not radio station WXYC. This radio station is much too important, as well as subject to state and federal law. to allow certain people to try and jump on the bandwagon of a successful and professional organization. Since WXYC went on the air last March, many far-reaching and important decisions and changes have taken place in the station. Those of us who work for the station are proud of our achievements despite many adversities. Therefore we "threatening" to leave the air is rubbish. We would have left the air. rather than possibly violate our license provisions further. Wc were willing to risk possible violation lor a short time alter discovery ot the I act. in order 22. 1977 She Smhj (Ear HM 85th year of editorial freedom to keep the students who enjoy 24 hours of fine progressive music satisfied. Unfortunately some of the members of the Media Board though that it was more important to chastise the Yack for not getting the holy permission to order some extra yearbooks, rather than discussing intelligently and democratically the problems of WXYC. So be it. Incidentally if you wish to see proof of the three-ring-circus atmosphere of the Media Board, attend the next meeting on Oct. 4. You can see why federal regulations prohibit amateur Richard Nixons from meddling with public communications for their own ends. We need the continued support of the students in order to continue as the best college station in N.C. - even though some of the politicians are out to destroy or at least cripple us. David G. Speigner Music Director, WXYC Towing troubles To the editor: I recently had my car towed while it was parked at one of the dorms. When 1 went to get my car. both doors were unlocked. 1 asked the officer if the police had unlocked my doors and he said that the police would not unlock the doors on a car to tow it. I asked the wrecker service it he had permission by the police to unlock my car. He said that he had not. hut that it was common practice to unlock a car so they would not have to dolly it. There is an extra charge for being towed this way. I feel that the man who unlocked my car was violating my personal rights. If a police officer is not allowed to unlock my car. 1 do not think that he should stand by and watch someone illegally unlock my car. My car was also left unlocked at the place it was impounded. After talking with a legal aide. .1 was informed that it any illegal drugs had been found I would have been arrested I his. I feel, is in violation ot my personal rights and constitutes illegal searching ol an automobile Mountains produce special breed of student 'By MICHAEL HAWKINS It was Thomas Wolfe, an Asheville native, who said. "You can't go home again," probably during a long weekend here at Carolina. The poor devil came here during the 'teens, when the most exciting thing to do on weekends was go over to the Old Well and draw water. Along about November he longed for the night life of cosmopolitan Sri ' it KjIS Check buyingclub savings Editor's Sate: This advice was prepared by the Student legal Services which maintains an off ice in Suite C of the Carolina Union. UNC students have prepaid for this service and may obtain advice at no additional charge. Student consumers are frequently solicited at their apartments to buy a membership in a "Buying Club." For a "membership fee" one purchases the right to buy items, like stereos and televisions through the group's plan at low factory prices. If the student intends to purchase a large quantity of durable goods, the club may perform a useful service. However, the average student frequently is trapped by promises of big cash savings (10 to 20 per cent is average) which he fails to realize because he lacks the money to purchase enough goods to realize the savings. The Federal Trade Commission is currently investigating these types of purchasing plans. Before joining a buying service or club, students should compare their prices for real savings value. An honest club may aid the student's buying power but you should investigate before you sign on the dotted line. ADVICE FOR THE DAY: I) Avoid clubs that offer only long-term membership or once-in-a-lifetime low rates. 2) Understand yourcontractural obligation and the legal consequences if you should decide to cancel your "membership." 3) Seek legal advice when in doubt. Since my rights have been violated. I am asking that Carolina Exxon be removed from the list of tow trucks University Police uses. I also ask that any other tow service that does this in the future be eliminated from the list. Any other students aho feel the same way I do may write the University Police as I intend to do. Barry Hicks The evil eye To the editor: Concerning the letter by Joseph Cantrell letters to ("Cops smoked weed?" Letter. Sept. 21) Mr. Righteous. I have two suggestions for you to preserve our moral fiber from the evil way s of marijuana: 1) Quit watching the "High Nooncrs" smoke dope, and 2) Become a policeman yourself. Please make sure that y our life stays lily pure and perfect as you criticie because now someone will be watching you. John Stewart 112 Justice St. Obscure logic To the editor: I he obscure logic of your editorial ("Condie harrasses students, blames marshall for blunder" Sept. 19) escapes me. Please tell me the omnipotent source that allows you to discern the true motives of another indiv idual. Surely . this being cannot possess a finite mortal mind such as yours or mine. If the point of my statements escape you, I am referring to your comments concerning Dr. C'ondie's supposed "feigned concern lor student safety ."One ol the prune coiiicrns ol the Housing Department Asheville., Alas, his only means of transportation was the family horse and he had an eight o'clock Monday class, so he hardly had time to go rambling across the state each weekend. (By the way, Wolfe's horse was named Angel, and at the end of each semester he mounted up and exclaimed, "Look homeward. Angel!" Believe it or not.) But I disagree. The point is, Thomas Wolfe helped set a precedent that has endured to this day: UNC students from the mountains invariably have fond memories of tBSSi Goto in philosophy (a philosophy for which Dr. Condie is largely responsible) is that of student safety. Great care is taken to insure that measures designed to secure the safety of the student do not interfere with the student's various needs. Additionally, you imply that the committee which is to set guidelines for the construction of lofts in residence hall rooms will ultimately act as Dr. Condie wishes out of fear "for loft of job." To suggest that any of the members of the committee would prostitute their integrity so as to appease Dr. Condie has no factual basis. the editor If the purpose of sound editorial comment includes the attempts to present intelligent disagreement with some occurrence or condition and to stimulate public awareness, your editorial experiences only partial success. Intelligenceescapes that experience. Sylvester Taylor 532 James Russian Roulette To the editor: Congratulations! I have been in Chapel H ill one month and already it is evident that the mayor, the chief of police and the president ol U NC. have more hindsight than the national average for administrative officials. There is a deadly problem on the streets that has been ignored for too long. 1 am speaking of the bicycle versus the automobile driver. W e all realize that the bicycle rider is not emitting pollutants, helping the economy and easing Chapel Hill's parking problem. (Don't we?) So. why does the city and the University force them to risk their lives each lime tliev rule" What will it take for these their homes and, while in Chapel Hill, think about and miss the mountains. Obviously all students "miss" their homes in one way or another, but I think mountain students are unique in this respect. For example, have you ever heard any of your friends say, "I sure miss the Catawba River." Or, "I'll bet the Dismal Swamp sure is pretty this time of year." Of course not. (At least I hope not.) But it's nothing to hear people talk that way about the mountains; it has become so common, in fact, that I don't even think about it anymore. You want examples? Sure. Have you ever seen someone become so emotional that he becomes glassy-eyed and can't speak? I've seen my friend Jeff that way twice, and one of those times was when he was talking about you guessed it the mountains. Two of my closest friends on campus, Cindy and Ameran, are the same way. Cindy once told me, "I like Chapel Hill, but it's so . . . so . . . flat" She shuddered, as if she'd just seen a ghost. "How can people live here?" Another time I was in Ameran's room, (incidentally, one of the early editions of the Daily Tar Heel reported "Rumor has it that a freshman girl in Morrison put her bed together with railway ties brought from home." Those weren't rumors. You should see it) when out of the blue she looked at me and said, "Gee, I miss the mountains." Gee, I miss the mountains. Gee, I wish I had a nickle for every time I've heard someone say that to me. It was Cindy who told me that Chapel Hill would be perfect if only "it was where Boone is." I agreed with her until I realized that if we were up there, all those crazies from Appalachian would be going to school here. Somehow the implications of such a switch are too much for me to imagine. Are all these people nuts? 1 mean, how can people feel so strongly about inanimate objects like the mountains? I've heard some very involved (and boring) sociological theories trying to explain iLbut I doubt that the reason is so complex. The mountains around my hometown have provided me with an almost constant source of amusement, pleasure and challenge. When I'm out camping, skiing or rock climbing, there is really nothing else in the world I would rather be doing. It's that simple. Chapel Hill has its advantages a lot of advantages but the mountains will always be special to me. Michael Hawkins, a junior, is aRTVMP major from Brevard, N.C. officials to get up off their brains and act? Do we have to organize a gigantic rally just to hear the mayor say that the vity is giving the problem a serious look? Mr. Jones, it won't be the mayor's kid that gets killed, it will be yours. Mrs. Smith, have you helped your son through bouts of flu and scrimped to send him to college just to have him killed while riding a bicycle? Chapel Hill has had an unusually large number of bicycle riders on the streets for many years. Each year the number grows even larger. The mayor has neglected his duties to act in the best interests of the citizens. The chief of police has neglected his duties towards the protection Vnd safety of the citizens. Evidently, the president of the University must live in the Planetarium because he can not be aware of the number of his students who come to class on bicycles. If he would only come out and look around he would offer some overdue friendly and forceful persuasion to the city. Surely he hasn't forgotten his responsibility to the safety and well-being of his students. Bike paths are the obvious solution and we will eventually get around to building some. However, each passing day is a dangerous gamble. A colossal game of Russian roulette is taking place right now. Everyday, each of us puts the gun to our head. If the bullet is in the wrong chamber, it means death, serious injury or a charge of manslaughter. "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." Get on the ball City Hall and get those bike paths built. Until they are completed we must come up with a temporary solution. I would like to offer a suggestion, only because I believe that something should be done tomorrow. If not, the consequences will be more tragic than any inconvenience to the motorist. Since we can't make bikes as big as cars, why not make them as big in the eyes of the motorist? In the downtown-university area, put bikes in the traffic flow instead of dodging it. Advertise so that everyone will know, on those streets marked in Chapel Hill Fall television: same old time, same old tune By MARC FINLAYSON Here we are once again in mid September. The days have become brisk, leaves are beginning to change color, little boys pull footballs out of closets and the T.V.-viewing public is once again made a fool of. One can't turn on a television set after July 4 without being besieged by the "New This Fair's or "The Brightest Stars." In reality, what the audience gets is the "Recycled This Fall" and the "Same Old Stars." This fall, CBS and NBC have been trying particularly hard to find a winning show since ABC routed them in last year's ratings. Unfortunately for those two networks, and especially for the viewers, their programmers have no more imagination this year than last. For instance, N BC is try ing to get the viewing public to turn on every week to watch two California motorcycle cops cavort up and down the highway solving crime and making clever remarks to female drivers. CBS provides us with yet another Mary, Tyler Moore adaptation as Betty White becomes the fourth offshoot of that originally excellent show. She follows Rhoda and Phyllis and, also this year, Ed Asner in his new series. The most well known figure on television, it seems, wiHe the kitten that purrs at the end of every MTM production. One can't change the channel to avoid the networks' insipid promos either. Undoubtedly, there's one being aired on every station simultaneously. Viewers can't help but grimace as Rod Taylor tells his son how much the Indians frighten him on The Oregon Trail. It's too bad the show isn't called "Donner Pass," because surely it will be gobbled up by the competition when winter comes.. NBC and CBS do not have exclusive rights to forgettable new shows for the upcoming season. ABC's twelve-hour extravaganza about Washington in and around Watergate was a $7.5-million waste of talent for some fine actors and actresses. Two other fine talents which could be wasted this new season are Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor. Pryor's special of last spring was funny but he's already threatened to quit his new show if NBC keeps censoring his material. Foxx is another nightclub comedian whose risque jokes may not make it across the desks of ABC bigwigs. And as if the new shows aren't ridiculous enough, the networks have brought back some of our favorites from last year. What does the viewing public have to do to get away from Donny and Marie and Charlie's Angels? The answer is at our fingertips. Get up and press the off button. Marc Finlayson, a junior, is a journalism major from Charlotte, N.C. the air (signs or special road paint), bicycles should be treated just like an automobile. Warn out of town motorists with billboards that bicycles will be in the lanes of traffic just as you would expect an automobile to. Bike riders should be aware of the added responsibility and remember that they will be ticketed for running red lights, improper turns or not using hand signals. I think it would be wise to require a driver's license from those who will ride bicycles on these specially marked streets. Motorists will be ticketed for following a bicycle too closely or turning in front of a bicycle. If a motorist should get upset because he has to follow a slow bicycle, he should not drive in downtown Chapel Hill. That would rid us of two more problems, parking and traffic. We must all act now. Call City Hall and let them know where you stand. Go down to the police station and ask the chief why he doesn't just point his gun at you and pull the trigger? Walk into the President's office and ask him if he saw "Meteor Mouse" while he has been in the Planetarium. ' Mr. Mayor, Mr. Police Chief and Mr. President, hang up your car keys and ride your bikes until you have alleviated this problem. To the Motorists: Remember, until something is done, every time you park your car and open the door to get out, there is a bicycle rider coming up behind you. He is either going to run into the sudden wall made by your door or swerve out into traffic. Are you going to call an ambulance or will the shock of seeing a mangled human being turn you to stone? For God's sake, turn around and look before you open that door. Gary Gambrell Rt. 3. Box 599 I he Daily Tar Heel welcomes contributions and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed, typed on a 6f space line, double-spaced and must be accompanied by a return address Letters chosen for publication are subject to editing.

Page Text

This is the computer-generated OCR text representation of this newspaper page. It may be empty, if no text could be automatically recognized. This data is also available in Plain Text and XML formats.

Return to page view