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Show Kissinger: U.S. hurt itself by Rae Dawn Olbert Editor-in-Chief The Weber State College campus came alive yesterday during open hour activities, the "main event" being a presentation by Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, former secretary of state. Dr. Kissinger's visit sparked a lot of interest across campus. Some students, with the help of WSC political science professor Rod Julander, staged an anti-apartheid demonstration just before Dr. Kissinger's speech. The demonstration drew a small crowd outside the Browning Center. Many in the Ogden community got involved as well. The 1,788-seat Austad Auditorium was filled to overflowing and 100 Dr. Kissinger fans listened to the former head of state in the Allred Theatre. Dr. Kissinger, doctor of business and student of history, speaks with a thick, deep German accent and drew an enthusiastic response from the audience throughout his presentation. He told the crowd he received the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize during "the most anguishing period in American history." He warned the audience that it is important for us not to forget "what America did to itself in that period." He took the office of assistant to the president for national security affairs in 1969, while 550,000 American were overseas fighting in Indo-China. It was a war in which U.S. motives were "honorable and moral"; the only thing to be gained in fighting this war was the freedom of the people that lived there. There were no natural resources or economic gain to be had. Dr. Kissinger praised the U.S. strategy pursued at this time as "correct" in times of war, "the U.S. has two choices to win or to not get involved," he said. He went on to emphasize that "we did it to ourselves" in the Vietnam War tool. "The Vietnamese are terrible to negotiate with . . . they don't understand the word 'compromise' ... so they were surprised when I blew my top." After many years of what he termed "painful negogiating," an agreement was reached. He said it was a great honor to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. "Every statesman wants to (See SECRETARY on page 2) Dr. Henry A. Kissinger Signpost phouv Scott Miller Signpost phoioSuon Miller LJ vol. Friday, May 23, 1986 46 No.55 Concerned students make anti-apartheid plea by Chris J. Miller Managing Editor Between 50 and 60 people used the Henry Kissinger convocation to bring to attention their protest of the social issue of apartheid.The demonstration took place in front of the Val A. Browning Arts Center from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Student and faculty speakers urged students to become more aware of the situation, and to also put pressure on the U.S. government to take action against the South African government.More than 100 people watched the marchers carry signs that said such things as "One man, one vote" or "We need more economic sanctions against South Africa" and "Free my people." At one point, tempers I., t ' v r Sienaoxt nhoinRorv Faslev Students gather outside the Browning Center to protest South Africa's practice of apartheid. Constitutional inserts pass student vote Several minor constitutional changes passed with very little opposition in the ASWSC constitutional revision Wednesday and Thursday. The changes dealt with name changes in the student government. Also, impeachment and vacancy sections were added to the constitution. Only 50 people voted during the two-day election. Beginning next fall quarter, the academic vice president will be named vice president for academics and administration, the executive vice president will be named vice president for activities, services, and organizations, and the general student senator will be . changed to non-declared majors senator. This amendment passed with a 29-20 vote. Two additions were made, dealing with the impeachment of executive officers and ASWSC Supreme Court Justice. The additions say those officers "may be removed from office with the concurrence of 23 majority of the student senate upon proof of unfeasance or malfeasance of duty." Another section was added saying that any vacancies in the executive officers will be filled by appoint-(see VOTE on page 2) flared when a banner was unfurled saying, "Disinvestment? No! says Buthe Lezi." Buthe Lezi is a popular leader of the Watusi tribe. In a memo to all WSC faculty members, organizers said that "the demonstration will not be aimed personally at Dr. Kissinger, but we are using the convocation as an avenue to attract attention and bring awareness to this critical social issue." Organizers felt the demonstration was successful. "I think it was very successful," said student leader Edward Nwadibia. "Really, our main purpose was to urge a reconsidering of America's policies. Reagan really hasn't done anything. We also would like to see African groups like the ANC and SWAPO become recognized as freedom fighters," Nwadibia said. Students from the University of Utah and Utah State University participated in the activity. The crowd was divided quite evenly between black and white. Many student leaders and ASWSC senators participated, as did the Young Democrats. WSC student Warren Pretorius, who is from South Africa, felt the demonstration was not that effective. "I don't stand for apartheid either," said Pretorius, "but it is a lot more complicated than just that." "I don't stand for the South African government and what they are doing. But these people are calling for immediate abolishment. They want one vote for one man, but that would be bad. It would affect the country economically," said Pretorius. Pretorius said the present form of government is inherited and that he believes two-way communication will eventually solve the problem. He invited student protestors to talk about the problemns with him. Nwadibia doesn't know if Weber State has money invested in South Africa, but he does think divesting would send a definite message to the present South African government. "I'm calling on the American students to get more concerned," he said. |