Page 4-Wednesday, July 26, 1978-The Michigan Daily
michigan DAILY
Eighty-eight Years of Editorial Freedom
420 Maynard St., Ann Arbor, MI. 48109
Vol. LXXXVIII, No. 51-S News Phone: 764-0552
Wednesday, July 26, 1978
Edited and managed by students
at the University of Michigan
Counsel, don't quarrel
THROUGH THREE years of Al Wheeler's
mayorship we criticized the rigid partisan
politics played in City Hall. The Republicans on
City Council would vote in a measure, and
Wheeler would veto it; the Democrats would
propose a bill, and the Republicans would reject
it. And while the two sides bickered, neither
making any efforts to reach a compromise or
even respect the opposing view, the city
stagnated.
The voters watched the lack of progress with
dismay, and in hopes of making some progress
they gave the Republicans control of both Council
and the mayorship-but things sadly haven't im-
proved. Though the Republicans now have the
votes to ram their legislation through with or
without the support or even acquiescence of the
Democrats, Council still resembles an effective
governing body less than it does a three-ring cir-
cus.
When Louis Belcher was elected he promised
that the "Democrats will be respected." So far we
have seen little of that respect. Republican coun-
cil members snicker and snooze while the
Democrats address the group. At times they are
verbally busive. When Democrat Earl Greene
was attempting to clarify the definitions of a few
terms in a proposed bill a few weeks ago, Belcher
interrupted him to announce that the meeting
would end at precisely 11:00 p.m., regardless of
circumstances.
Not only is the condescending Republican at-
titude distasteful in its own right, but it seems to
have cast a pall over the proceedings, putting the
Democrats on the defensive. But Democrats are
not themselves without fault in the war of snipes
and sneers. The night before last while Council
was discussing building permits, Council member
Leslie Morris, without any explanation or proof,
insinuated that a conflict of interest was tainting a
Republican decision.
Ego-tripping in the Council chambers has run
particularly wild of late, extending beyond the
disputes between members. While discussing the
prospect of a public hearing in the work room off
the chamber floor, Mayor Pro-Tem Gerald Bell
was overheard to say that he wasn't looking for-
ward to hearing "local yokels" express their
views to Council.
Local yokels elected Bell and all of the yokels
deserve more thoughtful and civil deliberation
from their elected officials.
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LETTERS TO THEDAIL Y:
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Trotter House graffitti ruinous
o The Daily: enate floor for a vote sometime pathetic thought or any other en-
o h al:in the near future. deavor which tells of someone
I wish to express my outrage Please contact Senators Griffin caring and concerned. I have
nd my concern over the racist and Riegel (Senator ............,.been abandoned to a fate worse
raffitti found at Trotter House U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. than death and must carry the
self e'xpression maicious and 20510; (202) 224-3121) and urge burden alone. The loneliness of
icondonbexpr Tistpefalctioan them to push for passage of life in prison is never to be
ncondonable. This type of action strong Alaskan Lands legislation. remembered and best forgotten.
ot only destroys property, but We've come too far to fall short It defies description in the sense
ore importantly damages in- on such an important issue! that all life's essentials for a
rpersonal relationships and i- -Mark D. Ralston complete and wholesome
icts unnecessary individual T existence are not present and no
sin. I am ashamed that there Tarqu inius man or woman who has received
re those among us who use less than minimal stimulus of
agrant racism as a method of To The Daily: emotional or social contact could
andling problems, and I hope To the best of my knowledge ever feel constructive to himself
at the people involved with there is no historical evidence or society.
rotter House can continue that Sextus Tarquinius was Youmy friend, are but one
ithour serious scars. black. Why, then, should he be person, and yet you have it within
At the same time I want to ex- depicted thus in the poster for your power to bring a little light
ess my satisfaction and The Rape of Lucrece? and happiness to one less for-
eeasure with the work being -Kenneth J. N*Itdebtt tunate than yourself. The price?
ne at Trotter House and its ex- Prisoners Only fifteen cents-the price of a
eased purposes. It has afforded ToheDiy stain. A kind word or thought
e the opportunity to feelem- T The Day: from a siocere persoa who really
rtable, exchange political and I am earrently confined in the cares can demuch to instill in me
ilosophical ideas, and view dif- Attica Correctional Facitity and a positive and realistic attitude
rent art forms. It has offered desire correspondence. for a brighter tomorrow. I would
ee tax assistance to low income As confinement brings on apprecite very much any
ople. I feel very fortunate to loneliness I would appreciate assistance you can afford me in
ve a cultural center such as penpals. I will be sure to answer thistte an a accept
is on campus and hope oters all letters. My confiement ts not my profound thanks for your time
ll partake of its offerings. I due to any deviate or violent act. and consideration.
cognize Trotter House's impor- Any and all consideration -Leroy Parker (#141-774)
lnce in meeting numerous would be greatly appreciated.
eopeneed n thismp, w Carl Van Avery (#75c-303) P.O. Box 45699
d I object to those who use Box 149 To The DailyO-
cism to thwart its student and Attica, N.Y. 14011 TTh aily
mmunity centered goals. To The Daily: time in the stae of Florida
-Ellen Offen My name is Leroy Parker. Iam seeking correspondence. I was
Director, Project 34 years old and am currently sentenced to prison for the
Community serving a sentence in the Ohio sh
Penal System. For four years I possession of marijuana. I have
Alaska have been shut away in a cubical noen rre losneed to do sthe
The Daily: cell made of steel with little con- -Tony Bordeaux
Thanks to the determined ef- tact with the outside world. I 022665 E-49
rt of many persons nationwide, cannot count the days since I P.O. Box 2211
e legislation to protect the most have received aletter, a sym- Raiford. Fla. 32083
To
for
th
SUMMER EDITORIAL STAFF
BARBARA ZAHS
Editor-in-Chief
BRIAN BLANCHARD KENPARIGIAN
Editorial Directors
KENPARSIGIAN
Magazine Editor
OWENGLEIBERMAN
Arts Editor
STEVE SELBST
-r re1 .tn
valuable of Alaska's magnificent
federal wildlands has made im-
portant headway in Congress.
The House of Representatives
recently passed HR 39, the alaska
National Interest Lands Conver-
sation Act, by an impressive 277
to 31 vote margin.
However, the legislation is still
under consideration in the
Senate, where passage is far
from certain. The senate bill, in
many ways similar to HR 39,
would protect federal lands of
outstanding scenic, recreational
and ecological values by placing
them in national parks, forests,
wildlife refuges, and wild and
scenic rivers systems. It's
presently in the Senate Energy
and Natural ResourcesCommit-
tee and hopefullywill reach the
MY Sow -rv4p- ooc-r IR
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