Newspapers / Daily Tar Heel (Chapel … / Jan. 25, 1984, edition 1 / Page 6
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6The Daily Tar HeelWodnesrtey. Jaiw 25. 1984 latlg ar 1 Pto .year o editorial freedom Kerry DeRochi, Bfoor EDDIE WOOTEN, Managing Editor CHARLES ElLMAKER, Associate Editor FRANK BRUNI , Associate Editor Kelly Simmons, University Editor Michael Toole, City Editor KYLE MARSHALL, State and National Editor KAREN FlSHER, Features Editor Michael DeSisti, Sports Editor Jeff Grove, Arts Editor Melissa Moore, News Editor Charles W. Ledford, photography Editor Missing: money About 9,000 students at UNC depend on some form of financial aid to help fund their education. That's a lofty figure and one that illuminates the importance of financial aid to college students across the United States. It's a figure that demonstrates the concern with which we should all greet a College Board study released last week that said that the amount of financial aid now available to college students has dropped by $2 billion in the last two years. The College Board study, called "Trends in Student Aid: 1963-1983," found that student aid has decreased by 23 percent since 1980, even after adjustments for inflation are made. Although some UNC and Depart ment of Education officials disagree about many of the College Board's assertions, one fact remains unequivocal: The demand among today's college students for financial aid far outweighs the supply. Eleanor S. Morris, director of student aid at UNC, said the heart of the problem is the simultaneous increase in college costs and the number of applications for student aid. "More people with higher needs are fighting for the same number of dollars," Morris said. "While we are able to hold our own, we're not able to meet the increasing demand." What that means is that many students must fall back on the Guaranteed Student Loan program, which allows undergraduates to bor row up to $2,500 from banks. Here, however, another roadblock exists; 1981 marked legislation by Congress requiring that students from families with incomes more than $30,000 prove significant need for loans. That figure seems to ignore both the exorbitant costs of higher education, both private and public, and the many other financial demands faced by families, especially large ones. That Morris perceives UNC's situation concerning ability to offer aid to students as better than that at most other schools is reassuring. UNC's welfare, largely the result of generous alumni support and the school's commitment to assure that any student who wants an education receives one, says something very special about the University. But it does not change the fact that students outside the Chapel Hill city limits face the prospect of foregoing higher education, and it does not in any way guarantee that UNC possesses a future immunity to more cutbacks in stu dent aid money allocated by the federal government. The College Board's findings come as little surprise; cutbacks in social spending in myriad areas have thus far distinguished the Reagan admini stration. Cutbacks in the area of education, however, should hit home especially hard for students at UNC. So many of us take both the educa tion we are receiving and the job opportunities ahead for us for granted. Perhaps the College Board's recent findings will remind us of what a privilege higher education is. Ahh, November On Monday, the first day of the second session of the 98th Congress, congressional leaders deigned to announce to the American populace that Congress would work less than last session and, while partisan bickering will flourish, accomplish close to nothing. Ironically, the pall of coming inactivity that should anger voters arises out of self-defense on the part of congressmen, who feel the less they do to upset any segment of the elector ate will help them at the polls come November. Senate Republican leader Howard H. Baker Jr. was no less than overt about that consensus when he told the Senate Monday, "This is a presi dential election year, and the conventional wisdom is that Congress always shuns controversy and long sessions in these years." Such "con ventional wisdom" leaves all of the House of Representatives and one third of the Senate with more time to campaign. Not only is such a stance cowardly, but it rubs against the grain of U.S. voters, who may feel that their national representatives should be working for them instead of working only to remain in office. Ingrained in that "conventional wis dom" is the concept that, "If I don't work diligently to return to Wash ington, how can I accomplish the goals of my community?" Then again, how can congressmen do anything for their electorate if they spend much of their time ensuring re-election? To write this situation off as a "Catch 22" of our political system shows as little thought as the "conventional wisdom." The situation is patently unfair to the taxpayers who collectively dole out great amounts of the salaries and expense accounts of legislators who have dismissed this session as too dangerous to touch. Clearly, "running scared" cannot con tinue, and it is up to Congress itself to enact legislation that limits the amount of time spent campaigning. Yet it is difficult to force Congress to act against its own interests. Merely bucking the system won't work. Voters must make it clear that such flagrant irresponsibility on the part of legislators is not in its best interest. Congressmen should be valued by their performance in Congress, and until the American voter acts on that premise, legislators will continue to promise rather than to deliver. Only then will the legislators see that responsible and productive sessions in Washington, rather than mouthing promises at home, keep them in office. The Daily Tar Heel Editorial Assistants: Bill Riedy and Gigj Sonner. Assistant Managing Editors: Jpel Broadway, Amy Tanner and Heidi Zehnal News Desk: Tracy Adams, Joel Katzenstein, Sallie Krawcheck and Sheryl Thomas News: Dick Anderson, Diana Bosniack, Richard Boyce, Keith Bradsher, Amy Branen, Lisa Brantley, Hope Buffington, Tom Conlon, Kathie Collins, Kate Cooper, Teresa Cox, Lynn Davis, Dennis Dowdy, Chris Edwards, Kathy Farley, Steve Ferguson, Genie French, Heather Hay, Tracy Hilton, Andy Hodges, Jim Hoffman, Melissa Holland, Reggie Holley, Sallie Krawcheck, Sue Kuhn, Thad Ogburn, Beth O'Kelley, Janet Olson, Beth Ownley, Cindy Parker, Ben Perkowski, Linda Queen, Sarah Paper, Cindi Ross, Liz Saylor, Katherine Schultz, Sharon Sheridan, Deborah Simpkins, Sally Smith, Mark Stinneford, Vance Trcfethen, Chuck Wallington, Melanie Wells, Lynda Wolf, Rebekah Wright, Jim Yardley and Jim Zook. Wayne Thompson, assistant state and national editor. Sports: Frank Kennedy, Michael Persinger and Kurt Rosenberg assistant sports editors. Glen na Burress, Kimball Crossley, Pete Fields, John Hackney, Lonnie McCullough, Robyn Nor wood, Julie Peters,' Glenn Peterson, Lee Roberts, Mike Schoor, Scott Smith, Mike Waters, David Wells and Bob Young. Features: Clarice Bickford, Lauren Brown, Tom Camacho, Toni Carter, Charles Gibbs, Tom Grey, Marymdda Hall, Kathy Hopper, Charles Karnes, Jennifer Keller, Dianna Massie, Kathy Nor cross, Amy Styers, Mike Truell, assistant features editor. Arts: J. Bonasia, Steve Carr, Ivy Hilliard, Jo Ellen Meekins, Sheryl Thomas and David . Schmidt, assistant arts editor. Photography: Larry Childress, Lori Heeman, Jeff Neuville, Susie Post, Al Steele and Lori Thomas. Zane Saunders, assistant photography editor. Business: Anne Fulcher, business manager; Angela Booze and Tammy Martin, accounts receivable clerks; Dawn Welch, circulationdistribution manager; William Austin, assistant circulationdistribution manager; Patti Pittman and Julie Jones, classified advertising staff; Yvctte Moxin, receptionist; Debbie McCurdy, secretary. Advertising: Paula Brewer, advertising manager; Mike Tabor, advertising coordinator; Laura Austin, Kevin Freidheim, Patricia Gorry, Terry Lee, Doug Robinson, Amy Schultz and Anneli Zeck, ad representatives. An atrocity named apartheid By HELENE COOPER Apartheid. The word looms in front of people like an ominous spirit, and is in turn closeted away in the dark recesses of the mind, not to be mention ed in polite company: Often perceiving it simply as "some problem between the blacks and whites in South Africa," few stop to consider why, in this world where we claim to place such great im portance on human rights and morality, a situation such as that that exists in South Africa today is allowed to grow, fester and continue its morbid existence. Defined by -Webster's New World Dictionary as "the policy of strict racial segregation and discrimination against black Africans iir South Africa," apar theid, or some form of it, has existed in the Union of South Africa since the ad vent of the Europeans. All political power is concentrated in the hands of the whites, while the native Africans, called the Bantus, are relegated to the roles of non-citizens, and repatriated to "bantustans" (black homelands) or dia mond mines, where their labor is hideously exploited. The blacks not tucked away in bantustans are crowded in Johannesburg's slums, stripped of their moral law and culture by the destruction of their tribal societies. In deed, it is ironic that while the white South African tries to take away the tribal culture of blacks, he denies them acceptance into his own culture. In stead, with a zeal of which the Klan would be proud, the European South African, called Afrikaner, has created laws and policies which ensure the con tinuation of his race's supposed supremacy in a land where he is the newcomer. Blacks may not vote; or take part in public government; in certain areas of the major cities a Bantu must not be seen after dark, and if he is, he is arrested. Blacks who find themselves visiting South Africa for diplomatic reasons receive passes which indicate that they are "honourary whites," so that they may frequent restaurants and hotels. The Bantus make up the unskill ed portion of the labor force, since Afrikaners fear that betterment would make them more conscious of their power. In 1982, 1 visited South Africa (where I received the dubious distinction of be ing granted an "honourary white" pass) and was able to experience firsthand the nightmare that is life for the black peo ple in that country. As a foreigner, I was allowed certain privileges (hotels, clining out, etc.). That could not, however, change the fact that I was black, and the attitudes of Afrikaners toward me were condescending at best, and, at worst, plain ugly and disdainful. I could truly identify with the feelings of the blacks in South Africa. I didn't know what to expect of the Bantus. What I found were a people still hopeful that their cause would be heard and taken up by the outside world. There were a few apathetic blacks who had completely given up any hope of ever achieving independence and equality. Having been repressed all of their lives, they harbor little hope that a day will come when they will be free. Still, the majority of the blacks, called freedom fighters by some and ter rorists by others, are striving, through riots, boycotts and political means, to attain their rightful status. I remember meeting one freedom fighter and being moved by her dedication, resolve and, more frighteningly, her pure hatred for the Afrikaner. Years of oppression have hardened these people, and I left South Africa feeling like one who had just escaped a situation about to explode. While the apartheid policies of the Afrikaners make a mockery of the words "human rights," the ultimate and most demeaning insult rests not with South African laws, but with the belief of the Afrikaner that the black man is incapable of intelligent thought. Alexander Steward, an Afrikaner who served as director of information at South Africa House in London, cor rectly demonstrated the majority white opinion when he referred to the Bantus as a backward people capable only of impoverishing the country. The belief that blacks are not quite human and that they don't possess the mental abilities of whites is prevalent throughout the country, and Afrikaners constantly refer to the Bantus in much the same manner as one would refer to a .retarded child. In actuality, that is the only way the Afrikaner can justify his barbaric and monstrous exploitation of an entire race. The United States claims to be a civilized nation ready to take on the cause of human rights. In fact, human rights have often been cited as the cause for U.S. intervention in other countries. Just recently Congress passed a bill to CL0URE0 SEATING ui. 'TJ- . Tl -J . ill x T v 111 J ml w f vA . vT""" a in unau is honor the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the man who precipitated the civil rights movement in this country. So how can it be possible that the United States has done nothing to alleviate the burning pain of racial in justice in South Africa? Why have no major sanctions been imposed against the country? Indeed, it could even be said that the United States has aided the Afrikaners in the continuation of their domination. American companies have done much to help and develop the South African economy. Boycotts against South African participation in world events by Americans are scarce, and the United States maintains good diplomatic relations with South Africa. Pro-American feeling is dominant among Afrikaners, who often compare their apartheid policies with the "separate but equal" policy that the United States maintained before the civil rights movement. The United States, by ignoring the plight of the black in South Africa, makes a blatant mockery of its constitution's proclama tion that "All men are created equal." The South African policy of apar theid is an insult to the very spirit of man. To deny people the right to live as the equals that they are is an outrage, and serious questions will have to be raised about the true nature of men as human beings if we sit back passively and allow this to continue. In our failure to actively oppose South Africa's apartheid policies, we are con doning a corrosive injustice a rejec tion of a people as equal and thinking members of the human race. Helene Calista Cooper, a freshman journalism major from Greensboro who was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia, is a staff writer for The Daily Tar Heel. LETTERS. TO THE EDITOR important service SECSproyides To the editor: As professional counselors trained with an emphasis in human sexuality, we are responding to Chris Kroner's comments about the Sexuality Education Counsel ing Service. ("More SECS," DTH, Jan. 18) Sexuality encompasses a much broader scope than the specifics Kroner mentioned. Sexuality includes areas such as people's feelings about being male or female, how they use their sexuality to relate to other people, and how sexuality affects spirituality as well as sexual activi ty. Sexuality is a part of a person's per sonality and not just an act. There are as many definitions of sexuality as there are individual people. For many people, college is the first en counter with people holding world views different from their own. They will en counter sexual thoughts and feelings much different than those learned from their social environment. When en countered, these differences present a dissonant situation for many. Solving this dilemma for some may include strengthening their original stance. For others, new information may be needed in order to make choices that help them develop their own individuality. Since sexuality is a controversial topic for many people, they may be reluctant to reach out for help. Fear of ridicule, shame, and judgmental response is usual ly at the base of their reluctance. Trained counselors who respond to these bottom line feelings, need to be available. Counselors need to be able to listen, to facilitate exploration of feelings related to a person's struggles. People's concerns may range from a need for information on unplanned pregnancy, sexual lifestyles, and sexually transmitted diseases to relationship concerns or pro blems of dysfunction. All of these con cerns are real and often painful problems. People need a resource agency where they can address their issues. On the UNC campus, SECS is that place. Our professional consulting role with SECS over the last 3Vi years demonstrated that counselors with SECS have had adequate training to be suppor tive as well as helpful. UNC students are fortunate to have a place that provides factual, up-to-date information on sex uality. To the SECS counselors: Keep up the good work. It is through your pioneering, although controversial, efforts that a dif ference can be made. Donna Jennings Jerry Broyal The Reming Center Raleigh Tonight, be FAN-iastic! idealism won't save Central America By VANCE TREFETHEN The recent criticism by several UNC professors of the National Bipartisan Committee on Central America and its recommendations offers concerned citizens an example of a far-too-common occurrence in modern political thought: criticism of methods and goals without a complete understanding of either and without offering a credible alternative. One wonders if there did not exist a body of "experts" who had decided beforehand that the Kissinger Commission could not produce anything useful and who simply waited until after the results were published to articulate their views. In any event, a reconsidera tion of their criticism could be useful in determining its validity and practicality. Professor Enrique Baloyra correctly states that "improvising" and "throw ing money and forgetting about things" are not viable solutions to the social and political problems in El Salvador. For tunately, none of those things were re commended by the Kissinger Commis sion, so the reader has somewhat of a difficult time in applying his criticisms to the material being criticized. What the commission recommended was economic aid to help relieve the genuine needs of the poor in that country and ongoing political and military support for the democratically elected govern ment there. But Baloyra has problems with sup porting the government in El Salvador. He contends that since the people will probably elect a "death squad" leader, the country's elections will be "unlikely to produce a better government." This raises several interesting questions. First, his "death squad election" problem contradicts the point he is try ing to make. If you take his statement at face value, it would seem they have a great deal of popular support, if the people are probably going to elect leaders from the squads to run their government. That is a proposition I highly doubt. Second, Baloyra's solution seems rather enigmatic and inconsistent. "You have to get rid of them (the killers). ... You have to round them up somehow ... You do it either through the CIA or the U.S. military forces." A few para graphs before, we were being told of the horrible evils of U.S. military interven tion, and now we're being asked to ac cept it in order to "somehow" round up and "get rid of them" (execute them?). Confusion and vagueness seem to reign here. He describes a plan to set up a police force and special courts, but in a country that is as chaotic and lawless as Baloyra describes it, that seems rather unlikely to work. Doesn't it make more sense to restore order to the country by halting Cuban-Soviet aggression first and then solving the problems that the elected government has? By the time we get around to ensuring that our stan dards of Jeffersonian democracy exist in El Salvador and elsewhere, the forces that are encouraging democracy in those countries may already have been wiped out by leftist aggression. As the Kissinger Commission cor rectly points out, a generous combina tion of economic and military aid is needed to solve the problems that exist in Central America. Pie-in-the-sky dreams about overnight social reform and non-constructive criticism of bi partisan solutions are most definitely useless: Vance Trefethen, a sophomore eco nomics major from Bangor, Maine, is a staff writer for The Daily Tar Heel. To the editor: We would like, at this time, to praise our basketball fans for their enthusiastic support and mannered behavior at our games. While many other institutions in the ACC are getting so much attention for unruly conduct, it is refreshing to return to Carmichael and cheer with such an enthusiastic and classy group. Now though, we face the true test of our skills. Starting tonight we face a grueling schedule, three games in five days, all of which are televised, one na tionally, and all against schools wanting eagerly to dethrone Carolina from its lof ty No. 1 position. Such a rigorous schedule will definitely take eveiything out of our players. It is up to us, the fans, to step in now when we are needed. We begin tonight with Wake Forest. The Deacons have always fared well in Carmichael. Tonight we must make them aware of our presence. We, as the Cheerleaders, can begin the cheers as can the Band, but we need you to follow through with them. Together we can definitely become the sixth man on the court. We must not stop tonight, though. Saturday's and Sunday's games will be equally challenging. The team has done its part to maintain its high ranking. Now it's our turn. This is the time of the season when the going is rough and the team is tiring. It is our duty as fans to get behind them and push them through the rough spots. We do have the best team in the coun try and also the best fans. Let's show the nation this week. Ken McNeely and The Carolina Cheerleaders Letters? The Daily Tar Heel welcomes letters to the editor and contributions to col umns for the editorial page. . Such contributions should be typed, triple spaced, on a 60-space line, and are subject to editing. Contributions must be submitted by noon the day before publication. Column writers should include their majors and hometown; each letter should include the writer's name, ad dress and telephone number. 3f MMS, fflW BULLETIN . CHRISTINE CRAFT WAS AWARPEP ANOTHER $10 MILLION IN HER WEX-BIAS Mm AMP NOW LETS CHECK IN WITH OUR WEWHER GIRL ...
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
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Jan. 25, 1984, edition 1
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