i I ,d4U U'*0 One hundred three years of editorial freedom Vol. CIV, No. 66 Ann Arbor, Michigan - Wedn{sday T aury 6 94019 TeMcia a Clinton boasts .hopeful start By JAMES CHO DAILY STAFF REPORTER Proclaiming progress on his promises to break gridlock and revive the economy, President Clinton challenged Congress last night to move together on health care and welfare reform. "Our work has just begun," he declared in his first State of the Union address. Increasing pressure on Congress to pass the health-care *eform plan that is the centerpiece of his domestic agenda, Clinton -who has yet to veto a bill - threatened to veto any measure that does not meet his standard of universal coverage. Clinton declared, "If you send me legislation that does not guarantee every American private health insurance that can never be taken away, you will force me to take this pen, veto the legislation, and we'll come right back here and start over again." Visiting Political Science Prof. David Meyersaid, "Clinton staked out a bottom line on universal health care coverage and thought that was a bold move. "It was basically a good speech but it was too long. As a result, the good stuff got buried in the middle," he added. Clinton voiced strong support for legislation that would put 100,000 more police officers on the beat, send three-time felons to prison for life and ban assault weapons. "Violent crime and the fear it provokes are crippling our society, limiting personal freedom and frayingthe tiesthatbind us," Clinton said, sounding a theme popular both among both Republicans and Democrats. First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, the president's chief *dviser on health care, was seated in the gallery between AFL- CIO President Lane Kirkland and Jack Smith, the chief execu- tive officer of General Motors. In the formal Republican response, Senate GOP Leader Bob Dole signaled that a fierce election-year battle lies ahead over health care, as he sharply criticized Clinton's plan. "More cost. Less choice. More taxes. Less quality. More government control. Less control for you and your family" Dole said in remarks after Clinton completed his speech. "That's what the president's government-run plan is likely to ive you." Dole called instead for a more modest proposal that he said would offer greater access to health care for all. "The State of the Union address is generally a partisan speech. But he spent little time bashing Reagan or Bush-less than expected. Reagan and Bush would bash Carter in their speeches," Meyer said. Meyer added, "He mentioned more programs and specifics than Reagan but the speech was less detailed than Carter. There were edges of eloquence and elegant passages." Clinton's speech was punctuated numerous times by ap- 1,lause and Democrats gave him an occasional standing ova- tion. Stony-faced Republicans kept their hands in their laps as the president discussed his prime objectives for the next year. Meyer noted, "When Clinton mentioned Congressional reform, the members of Congress did not applaud." Clinton took advantage of the improving economy to call for Congress to "continue our journey of renewal" by enacting the remainder of his domestic program. He addressed the nation at a time when both the economy and his own approval ratings are on the upswing. ! "My fellow Americans, what is the state of the union? It is growing stronger. But it must be stronger still," he said. Clinton devoted scant attention to foreign affairs in his speech, although he underscored U.S. determinationtosupport Russia's struggle with democracy and economic reforms. In the end, Clinton stole traditional Republican rhetoric. "He talked about keeping families together and about family values," Meyer said. - The Associated Press contributed to this report Ford will not seek another House term By DAVID SHEPARDSON DAILY STAFF REPORTER Surprising and saddening many observers, U.S. Rep. William Ford announced in a speech from the well of the U.S. House yesterday, that he would not seek re-election. The Ypsilanti Township Demo- crat, who will retire after 30 years of service, said he plans on working to pass health care reform before he leaves office in November. "As chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, I will devote myself tirelessly to President Clinton's goals," Ford said. "I want to spend the next year as a full time chairman and an agent of change for the president." In an telephone interview, White House aide Lisa Mortman said the president was saddened that Ford was leaving and praised Ford for his ef- forts in passing the National Service Trust Act last year. "We are looking forward to Bill Ford playing an integral role in pass- ing health care," she said. "He surely will be missed in Congress." Despite the outpouring of regrets, Ford's would-be opponent, former Bush White House staff member John Schall saw the announcement as a mandate for change. The Ann Arbor Republican announced his candidacy for the 13th Congressional District last fall. "With Bill Ford backing out, we have got the momentum now," Schall said. "We're going to capitalize on Rep. William Ford announced yesterday he will retire from Congress after 30 years. Hometown: Ypsilanti, Mich. Education: Bachelor's degree, 1949; Law degree, 1951 both from the University of Denver. Professional highlights: f' Attorney with the U.S. Navy, 1944-1946; Taylor Town- ship attorney, 1957-1964, Delegate to Michigan constitu- tional convention, 1961-1962. Personal: Married, 3 children. that momentum for the next 288 days." He said Ford's decision might have been influenced by his presence in the campaign. "I'm sure (my candidacy) weighed heavily on his mind. He was going to have the first big challenge of his career," Schall said. But Ford said in his speech, "My polls tell me my chances of reelection are excellent." Among the people often listed as possible Democratic candidates are former Detroit-area state Reps. Jim Kostover and Ruth Angevic, along See FORD, Page 2 AP PHOTO President Clinton holds his "veto pen" while delivering his first State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress last night. College Democat che on Clintonin West Quad By LARA TAYLOR DAILY STAFF REPORTER About 50 students, mainly College Demo- crats, crammed into a West Quad TV lounge last night to watch the telecast of President Bill Clinton's State of the Union address. The event, sponsored by the College Demo- crats but open to all students, began with a speech from Perry Bullard, former judiciary committee chair of the Michigan House of Representatives. Bullard highlighted some of the issues he, predicted Clinton would tackle and stated that Michigan needs "a progressive governor to match our progressive president." After the initial confusion of finding room in the TV lounge, everyone listened attentively as Clinton outlined his accomplishments of the last year and goals for the year to come. The silence in the room broke several times with students' laughter, bursts of applause, and en- couraging comments. As Clinton spoke about health care and education reforms, one man University faculty and administrators give thier own spin on the state of the union. See Page 3 for details shouted, "Clinton, you're the best!" Clinton's thoughts about teenage pregnancy elicited the most responses during the address. "Look around the floor - there about three women and one Black person," said a student in the back of the room. Another yelled sarcas- tically, "Maybe Lorena Bobbit had the right idea," which created some laughter and several pained looks throughout the room. Overall, students said the address was up- lifting. "I thought it was great," said Daniel Cherrin, board member of College Democrats. "Few presidents have ever set out an agenda and actually tried to accomplish it. He's very personal; you know he cares. That's why he gets so much support from younger people." LSA first-year student Erin Essenmacher agreed. "I worked on (Clinton's) campaign, See DEMS, Page 2 MSA OKs code changes By HOPE CALATI DAILY NEWS EDITOR The Michigan Student Assembly passed two proposed amendments to the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities last night. The student government reiterated its long-held stance against this non- academic code of conduct. MSA main- tains that the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities unfairly limits the rights of students. MSA also called for the release of more information about code proceed- ings. This amendment was suggested by the Daily in order to make student panel hearings, mediations and admin- istrative hearings more open. Both amendments were passed by consent. These amendments and five other MSA-proposed amendments will be proposed to members of the student hearing panel at a public meeting to- morrow at the Pendelton Room of the Michigan Union from 6 to 8 p.m. Students who have been trained to serve as jurors for the policy will vote on any amendments brought to them by MSA, the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, any executive officer of the University, a petition signed by 500 students, or any panel member. The University Board of Re- gents will vote on the approved amend- ments next month. Statement deals with sexual assault' I JUST IN TIME By HOPE CALATI DAILY NEWS EDITOR This is the third in a series of four reports this week in which the Daily will examine specific cases brought ' gainst students under the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibili- ties. Harassment and sexual assault in the University community can be dealt with under the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the code of non-academic conduct. The accused agreed to take courses, programs and other educational offer- ings to help him understand sexually harassing behavior. He must complete this sanction by the end of this semester. Although this situation could have been resolved through residence hall disciplinary policies, the case was pur- sued under the code. The code has the power to mandate sanctions such as suspension or expulsion. The strongest punishment under the residence hall policies is lease termination. her buttocks through her jogging tights. Upon leaving, he commented on her 'nice butt'.... On a third occasion, this time in the Undergraduate Library, she alleges that he grabbed her buttocks when they met on the stairway." . . .. .. ..