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Show Feb. 18, 1977 Signpost Pay.- Letters to the editor Editor: Why is it that now when the Congress of these United States decides to propose an amendment to the states that it does so in such away, as LeeAnn Williams has pointed out in a previous article, that the states have no idea as to its practical applications? Our founding fathers were not about to let their destiny be decided by a handful of justices; in framing the Constitution, they phrased its different sections in such a way that disagreement upon their in-terpetation would be concerning fine points and not basic effect. Today we seem inclined not to take on the responsibility of charting our own future but rather to invest authorities with new perogatives so that they might do it for us. I am personally for the equal rights of women, yet I don't say equal in the sense of exact sameness of kind but rather of amount. This is a personal rights issue and it may be that it can be justifiably dealt with on the federal level, but I must admit to reservations as to treating women exactly as men. Allow me in the spirit of my criticism of the Federal Congress to be specific: Including women in the draft could I think be very beneficial for our defense. I have heard in the media that about half of the present military personel are presently, engaged in supplying services to the other half, which is the fighting force proper. There seems to be something wrong here, but if it is to be so, why not employ women in the servicing segment. If such a provision were written into the ERA Amendment I could be assured of its import on this topic: as it stands, if the ERA Amendment were ratified I could be fighting in a future war at the side of my lover. I'm sorry but I have what you may call my prejudices if you wish, but I believe some of them are shared FRANKLY SPEAKING mm by many. Concerning divorce, I can't agree with the Former Governor Daniel Evans of Washington as he is quoted in Mary Woodhead's article. A woman has had and does practically speaking have, at least in the State of Utah, the right to be supported by her husband. I'm not a lawyer; perhaps it is not written into the statutes but who can deny that in practice this is true, especially when a couple has children in which case the courts have shown themselves inclined to award children to their mothers in divorce proceedings and yet demand that fathers leave the home and pay child-support. Perhaps this does not exactly show that women have the right perce to be supported by their husbands but it is the system which can be used in a blackmail fashion as practical leverage to attain that end. Then again I sincerely propose the question, "Is alimony a thing of the past?" I would personally favor divorce settlement to be completely equitable and unprejudiced, but I can't help but think this might change the nature of marriage in such a way that many people would find it unacceptable. Concerning pregnancy leave, What if the ERA Amendment were passed and the Supreme Court decided that women must be granted leave from work perhaps with pay during some determined portion of their pregnancy. I wouldn't necessarily be against this. I would just think it to be fair that I were, even though a man, granted the right to equal leave. For this is already an over-populated world and a woman is doing me no favor nor most anyone else in having a child; as to whether she does or not is her own business but she should certainly not receive a sort of subsidy for it. All in all, after such considerations as the above, I come to the conclusion that if ... by phil frank THE VRPRISE' 5 THAT IT syr ccc&i the Federal Congress could come to an agreement concerning such concrete matters, it might possibly be the right thing for it to pass an amendment to the Constitution assuring women of certain prescribed rights. But even if the Federal Congress were able to come to such an agreement, it would seem that they were overstepping the bounds of their rightful jurisdiction by legislating laws concerning some of these particular matters which have always been dealt with by the individual states and I maintain, rightfully so considering the wide divergence of regional opinion on these issues. David Ostler Editor: From the viewpoint of economics and practicality, I have a suggestion. The college should purchase a houseboat for President Bishop. We could have a christening and launch it in our pond where President Bishop and his family could set up permannt residence, thereby saving the cost of a new home. And in te event of it catching on fire, there would be plenty of water to put it out. Kenny Young Editor: We of the Blue Key National Honor Organization would like to thank all those who donated money to the March of Dimes. We would especially like to thank all of the teachers who helped us in this endeavor by allowing us to take some time from their classes to ask the students for their donations. We would also like to thank the Associated Women Students who allowed us to "pass the bottles" at Songfest. Thanks to your help we were able to raise over $500 for the March of Dimes. This money was given to the March of Dimes People during a special Telethon Program. The participation of the WSC faculty and students on this project helps to show all involved that WSC is alive and , interested in this worthwhile cause. Glen R. Dawson member of Blue Key Organization Direct Line By John H. Redding "The End Is Near! " A familiar cliche indeed, usually found in newspaper cartoons depicting a bearded Apocalyptic Prophet of doom on a city sidewalk. This character might be seen with a companion carrying a shorter message, simply, "Doom." Do we need prophets proclaiming doom? Certainly not! The news accounts do a far more professional and efficient job, no prophet could hold a candle to Jack Anderson, William F. Buckley or even Rick Libby. No sir! Americans realize doom is synonymous with today. This is the dawn of new era. Snipers, bigotry and rape are the morning "snap, crackle and pop" of daily life. Within a period of five days one man had a shotgun wired to his neck and another held 15 innocent people hostage. Finally, another dressed in a (filthy) Nazi uniform, killed five innocent people and himself. What pushes a human being to such an extreme? Mental illness? Hate? Discrimination? Questions, but no answers.Americans have a tendency to become cold and indifferent to such horrors. However, when one considers an entire generation growing up with Bugs Bunny and assassinations (both of which were in glorious living color), perhaps indifference can be expected. What does any of this have to do with the price of New Jersey tomatos? Nothing. But what does it have to do with us? Everything! Naturally, no single American can put an end to these crimes against humanity, however, in the unity strength exists. Throughout this country a cry for human dignity and respect is supressed by fear. Fear of being considered the cartoon character carrying a cliche. However, if this plea is to be heard, Americans must put away any religious, racial, and cultural differences. We must join together and be heard. That idealistic dreamer in me wishes such unity could exist here, on this campus, for only a moment. So much for ideals. Sick Lauffer by James H. Thompson NOTE: The Black Lauffer is current vacationing and his student asked for the opportunity to write this week's column. The real lauffer. being a kind heart allowed this happy lad an apprenticeship to lauf-ferdome.ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZzzzzZZZZ and other various unsundry wastings of time, zzzzzzzzzzzzetc. Oh! Heh, heh, heh, just dozing off again. But of course you realize how easy it is when you're the only Steinitzt in a one board town. I never was Suttle. Our game today, gentile reader demonstrates the obvious flaw of being black (no sociological reference) and immediately exploits black weaknesses. Black must sink or swim heh, heh. Game analysis; Where black retorts "oh yeah?" turns over this board and starts an impromptu demonstration for minority rights and leritine for all--Remember-- He who lauffs last lauffs blackest. Oh, by the way, I honestly thought I met an intelligent female the other day-but I didn't. (For those keeping score, the only females that prevent an intelligence shut-out are Mrs. Paul and Mrs. Ed. Also I'm running a special event this week only. Anybody who publicly desecrates the big three of romantics (Tchaikowsky. Mingus. and Mcarthy) gets a free holier than thou French tickler tha: lous in the dark. Second prize is a personally autographed T-shirt sa ing "I'm one of the Council of Twelve, so watch it." Semi-authentic. So remember that this is be "dirty to romantics week" if somebody should bump into Harney Kessel. |
