Page 4-The Michigan Daily- Tuesday, January 12, 1993 lbE £whigau iailj 420 Maynard Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 764-0552 Editor in Chief MATTHEW D. RENNIE Opinion Editors YAEL CITRO GEOFFREY EARLE AMITAVA MAZiUMDAR Edited and Managed by Students at the University of Michigan Unsigned editorials represent a majority of the Daily's Editorial Board. All other cartoons, signed articles, and letters do not necessarily represent the opinion of the Daily. ::i...:.........!......... | | ||.| ||.*.. School board should support press TTHAT-r HE lF rFeNE Ss LEVt ' You-rH IS Cr4THE )EC ~ * I'SPITEE THET SKYRockf-FTWN- SM SALES OF EXEI~'cISE V'toS Tv THE P64. YOUNG- AD )LTS. GCo Firuie.... EE, I ''' H F WAY r ~ i S'::: i V i ~w W' (I) I' CLIN E f r 'U ,'ATA SYNosS To DA Y'S vz. The Ann Arbor Board of Education will decide tomorrow how much control public school officials should have over student publications. Based on an unofficial vote taken at its last meet- ing, the board is likely to support school censor- ship of student newspapers, posters and other written material. Such a move would demonstrate the board's disregard for the First Amendment, teaching Ann Arbor students an unfortunate les- son about the free expression of ideas in America and the responsibilities that accompany it. Board attorney Tony Duerr argued last Wednes- day that school officials should have editorial control over student publications. Duerr also ar- gued that school hallways are not "public forums" in which students can distribute or post any infor- mation that they choose. But American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) uattorney Julie Field offered a more sensible pro- posal. She argued that students should have the freedom to print and distribute anyliterature under the guidelines of existing libel and obscenity laws. It is true that the board has final editorial control, but that doesn't mean it should pass and enforce a policy of censorship. The board, however, seems ready to accept Duerr's more oppressive proposal, and for un- founded reasons. Board Trustee Laurence Kloss typified the board's fears. He asked Field to "de- scribe a worst-case example of a pamphlet that could come home in (his) 12-year-old's backpack that would be acceptable under (Field's) proposal." Groundless fears such as these are behind the board's oppressive proposal. Field's proposal is far more rational. Under her proposal, students would be subject to the laws of the community, not separate laws established by the school system. More importantly, the board's proposal sends students the wrong message about intellectual free- dom. By limiting free speech, the proposal says that the only "public forum" exists in the classroom, where teachers can control the agenda and the exchange of ideas. It teaches students that certain ideas are subject to the approval of a higher order. But if school is to be a place for education, not indoctrination, then students, with the guidance of teachers and counselors, should be exposed to the broadest possible spectrum of ideas. The formal approval of a censorship policy will only hamper that effort. WoRkou r-TAPES I6G1oRE -VI C AREA -NOT US.o GE-r7 A CLcSE-UP,"SEE. 'CIND)Y THR'JS-rS 0 .: :.:............ ......................1......1::;"1 '::: " :::. . 4 ..1tit:ti:11. "n .1.1.1 :.. 1.' . .,';:.;.,'::"Y :.........:.: 1 .Y . . . h':,:1ti'i: "ti:Yitiri: ::4:ti14: "LL::ti"::'" ti':" ":: .: 1. 111:.1:'.^::. .... ........... y.': 1:. ..' 1":11:: "::':": ;.; :': 1.".'1. ... ........tfiY. ":. :.::":ti":":":":"1:11.1 "... .... ..4'1 Y .1... } ..:" ".1'::::":'.:::":'::"::'.:" . ....1 Y... .... . ' .. .1........1t 1.:.'1::1: 1:.1...1 ........ h .................Y ..1 ...Y n... ..4:1.11: "::: 1.1Y.14 .:.:1{tiV.}.1.Y Y. ".L 11:YY. ": :1 .:": "1. .x"11. ..Y............1 r...... 1.:1 .4 h 1.x1": ". :.x :':: "": 1. '": ".11. ..1.11'".. ..Y..1...: 1.....1.1.1.1".111.1:.'1.1414 ":Y1" 1 .:J:': /":' 1 . "11.1. W :':ti ::i. : : :titi ::' ::':'" .11:1. 1....x"11:'1:11.1'1 1'11': ":11....1 x....l........... :111 1: '.'1:. 1.1'1. 1:::.:"1.x1..... ,.Y"n 11:.1":.1 1......., ... .... ...1.".::11..:.11'::.^: t1.:.1:ti"::ti":\":....... " .. " .........................1.11., ..1..V.:.1'.'1:11: i.'.':'.Y.:V::Y::1 '1.Y11111.Y"':ti :4L1'.".L /::":" Protect First Amendment ... To the Daily: Your editorial, "Chalk one up for the First Amendment," (1/7/ 93) was an informative summary of the major events in UM Printing Services' refusal to print the latest issue of the Gargoyle, why that decision was objection- able and, fortunately, rescinded. Gayl Ness, co-chair of the Board for Student Publications, led the good fight on this issue. All students and others who cherish First Amendment rights owe him a debt of gratitude, including the principles involved at UM Printing Services. Thanks to his persuasive negotiating skills, a disaster was averted. One minor point: The editor of the Gargoyle brought the problem to the attention of University administrators, not an employees, as you stated. David Friedo Manager, Student Publications Diversity or quality? Both. Dresident-elect Bill Clinton's cabinet nominees Ppresent a welcome change from those of pre- vious administrations. While the ethnic make-up of the cabinet has been less important in the past, Clinton has aggressively worked to make the cabinet-designate better representative of the ra- cial and ethnic mix in America. Clinton has received criticism from both sides. Some say he lowered his standards by enacting a quota-like system in his appointments, while oth- - ers accuse him of not nominating enough women and minorities. In fact, Clinton chose highly quali- fled men and women, and the argument that he sacrificed qualifications for diversity is mistaken. As 1992 was touted as "the year of the woman," it is not surprising that Clinton appointed four women to high-level and cabinet positions. Laura Tyson was chosen to head the Council of Eco- nomic Advisers, the first woman in this position since the council's creation after World War II. Tyson is an economics professor at Berkeley and an innovator, known for her dismissal of the idea that tax rates directly effect the nation's economic performance. Carol Browner, Florida secretary of environ- mental regulation, was nominated to head the Environmental Protection Agency. She proved her abilities in this area with her efforts to unite federal and state agencies to restore the Ever- glades. Two other women - Secretary of Health and Human Services-designate Donna Shalala and Secretary of Energy-designate Hazel O'Leary - will accompany Browner and Tyson to the Clinton White House. Both are wise appointments, each having served in previous administrations. Clinton was correct to call those who com- plained about the lack of women in his cabinet bean counters. As if to further prove his commitment to diver- sity, Clinton topped off his list of appointees with Attorney General-designate Zoe Baird. The cabinet will also include many racial and ethnic minorities. Clinton's nominees include ex- perienced African-Americans such as Ron Brown, Hazel O'Leary and Jesse Brown. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development- designate Henry Cisneros and Secretary of Trans- portation-designate Frederico Pena are well-quali- fied Hispanic politicians who will draw on their experience as mayors of large cities to help Clinton address the needs of the inner-city. Diversity is an admirable goal and every presi- dent should strive to achieve it. But Clinton cannot be expected to nominate a cabinet that exactly reflects American society. The number of posts is relatively small, and it is statistically almost impos- sible to avoid some groups being over-represented and others under-represented. In Clinton's cabinet, for example, Blacks are over-represented and women under-represented in relation to their percentage in American society. The only way to ensure a perfectly diverse cabinet, by gender and race, would be to use a complex quota system - which would not be an acceptable alternative. So while Clinton's cabinet has not reached the virtually unattainable goal of absolute diversity, it makes greater strides than have ever been previ- ously accomplished. Without resorting to lowering the standards, as many critics fear would be a result of attempts to diversify, Clinton has fashioned a cabinet of professionals to help achieve his cam- paign pledges. ... valuable lesson learned To the Daily: I think your editorial on First Amendment rights ("Chalk one up for the First Amendment," 1/ 7/93) was useful and welcome, but I must correct one statement and add another comment. The editorial was important, because it deals with one of the most basic rights. It is one that we on the Board are highly committed to protect. We feel that student publica- tions offer an especially impor- tant opportunity for students to learn first hand the importance and the vulnerability of these fundamental rights, but also that they learn to exercise the right effectively. Experiences such as the Gargoyle faced are important and useful learning experiences for all of us. It is incorrect to report, however, that the Board has charged one of its members to draft a statement condemning editorial manipulation. What I did do, at the suggestion of Board member Professor Joan Lowenstein, was to ask her to draft a statement on editorial freedom. The Board will consider such a statement at its next meeting, and will undoubtedly include such a statement in the proce- dures that are now being codified and written. On a matter of interpretation, I would not say that Mr. Hubbard "backed down" on the printing. I think Mr. Hubbard acted responsibly in being concerned about an employee's sense of sexual harassment. I believe he also acted responsibly when he sought legal clarification on the meaning of sexual harassment and its balance against First Amendment rights, and when he decided to publish after receiving clarification. This was, I think, a win-win situation, in which we all learned more about how to keep open lines of communication, espe- cially in protection of those rights that all of us in this situation recognize as fundamental to our democratic society. Gayl Ness Co-chair, Board for Student Publications Amazing grace To the Daily: Kudos to the Daily sports staff for the Sports Wednesday edition (1/6/93). The sports writers wrote excellent articles on the holiday events. The sports staff is un- doubtedly the saving grace for The Michigan Daily. Once again, great articles and insight. Reed Bingaman * LSA senior Reinstate Metres ... To the Daily: Please reinstate Katherine Metres' column. Although I may not have agreed with all that she discussed, I believe the column was good and had high interest. It sparked many conversations and further letters. I will be upset to see it go. Please reconsider. Karen Habra LSA senior ...Daily pro-Zionist... To the Daily: I am outraged by the fact that you have decided to cancel Katherine Metres' column this semester. It is obvious that this action was taken because she wrote her infamous article criticizing Clinton's bias towards the fascist, Nazi-like state of Israel. This action might go on in an Israeli University, where it is quite alright to suppress the voices of the indigenous population of Palestine - people who are going to criticize fascism and Zionist fundamentalism. However, I cannot believe that you can get away with such a thing in a U.S. university. Not to worry, though. You will never silence us. We shall shout and yell until we get our message across and fascist Zionists like you will never intimidate us. Long live Palestine. Victory to the PLO. All Bydon LSA senior ... column interesting To the Daily: Since I've often commented, fondly, on the "Shades of Red" column that Katherine Metres has been writing for the Daily, she mentioned to me that the column might be dropped. I don't know how many others, student or faculty, find her column interest- ing, provocative and nicely written, but I did. I would hope to see it continued J. David Singer Professor of Political Science Want to spend 0 this Thursday night in an crowded room? The Michigan Daily, lo- cated at 420 Maynard (be- hind Betsey Barbour) is , . ,. U.S. is right to meet Iraqi threat America has its own problems ne can't help but have a certain degree of OJrespect for a man who surrenders to an international coalition of forces and still pretends like he won a war. Indeed, Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is proving to be a perpetual thorn in the side of the international community. Iraq's contin- ued violations of the cease fire cannot be tolerated, and President Bush is correct in enforcing the cease-fire and the no-fly zone. While Iraq's lack of cooperation has been con- sistent from the beginning of the cease-fire, the violation of the no-fly zone inHY! southern Iraq THINK signaled a new round of mis- A Ft. chievous activ- tF ity. Coalition AWAY jets shot down the single Iraqi aircraft that ven- tured into to the -- southern zone. - . \- Despite the fact thatthecoalition invasion of Ku- wait and Iraq was ill-timed and unwise, S Hussein has shown that only military threats will leen him well-hehaved. France and Russia set a 48-hour deadline for Iraq to move the missiles out of the no-fly zone. Unfortu- nately, the only language Hussein seems to under- stand is threats. Characteristically, Hussein removed the mis- siles, but denied having done so because of Western pressure. He then dutifully warned the Iraqi people to prepare for another holy war. Hussein's testing of Coalition resolve doesn't end there. Two days ago, Iraqi raiders crossed the disputed Kuwaiti border to capture Chinese-made N YUI1'9E (i(JN&T? IT"5 T(IIS H yi[INI).COME NA( K /NO' FJ6NI 71 lf f tou, tL f 11 INING~ CHI OKAr, OW 1, 41'L ('ALL IT /I / " Iy Silkworm missiles. Pentagon of- ficials have offered no comment other than that the UnitedStates is observing the situation. The day after the Nov. 3 elections here in the United States, Iraqi citizens dancedinthe streets cel- ebrating To the Daily: Israel, Somalia, Yugoslavia, India, Iraq, the Balkans, Tripoli, Honduras and Nicaragua. These are just a few hot spots which are creatures of famine, hunger, disease, bigotry and death. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Program just released a world report on its citizens below the poverty level and it was a staggering one billion strong. The United Nations Development program stays busy restructuring nations around the world. Then there is also the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) that we have to call on to aid those who cannot fend for themselves - our innocent children. Most of these children just simply fall in the pathways of wars, police actions and conflicts. These problems are all international and very serious. But, in the United States we have our own problems. Enough is enough. Under the Reagan and Bush administrations our national deficit has gone through the roof without any solutions. Our leadership is, unfortunately, a bunch of burned-out relics who cannot find the imagination to save us from the brink of a depression. It is with much disrnnrave- America is not for sale to anyone that holds others under imperial- istic oppression. Leadership has the obligation to quit hand-picking friends to fill positions of trust. When are our government officials going to quit paying off favors to each other and run an equal, serious democracy for the people? God may bless America, but we must work to make it work. Instead of the fashionable American hand-out attitude, how about the old fashioned work-for- it attitude, and regaining pride in one's self. It does not matter how technocratic we become, our basic needs still have priority if we are to keep ourselves alive. I fully agree that issues like racist, sexist and homophobic attitudes need to be addressed, but our basic health and our own survival should take priority. When our own nation's people do not have access to proper medical care, food and shelter there must be something wrong in the country. We must come to the realization there are others around us, because the strength of any nation is all her people and not a chosen few. I am not professing that the United States should isolate itself from the world, but we should RICH CHOIA/; President Bush's loss. To Renuhlican Party mem-