4 - The Michigan Daily - Tuesday, November 22, 1994
U ij~ew
420 Maynard
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Edited and managed by students at
the University of Michigan
Jessie Halladay
Editor in Chief
Samuel Goodstein
Flint Wainess
Editorial Page Editors
Weve reviewed the options and all of them are
bad.'
- A United Nations official, asked yesterday to comment on the UN's plans to punish
Bosnian Serb forces in response to a Serbian attack on the enclave of Bihac
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This
Unless otherwise noted, unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of a majority of the Daily's editorial board.4ll
other articles, letters, and cartoons do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Michigan Daily.
'Just ask the Regents'
Regents should have been consulted in Nike deal
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The recent contract deal between the Uni
versity and Nike may have passed the
Board in Control of Intercollegiate Athletics
with barely a blink, but the Board of Regents
is still reeling from the speed of the whole
affair. At the monthly Regents' meeting last
week, many questions were raised about the
deal and how it was handled. Although most
licensing deals never reach the regents' table,
it was improper for the administration to ren-
der a major decision such as this contract by
itself. Moreover, the rules behind the handling
of such contracts must be clarified and re-
vised.
On the positive side, the $7 million deal has
good potential for the athletic department. It is
a creative way to earn money without raising
tuition or dipping into tax dollars. Part of the
money will go to the creation of anew women's
varsity sport; this will promote gender equity
without taking away from men's sports, a
solution to be applauded. Funds will also be
put toward equipment and scholarships for the
Athletic Department.
However, acontractofthis magnitude could
have many adverse implications. Essentially
the University has leased, through the Univer-
sity colors and logo, its image to Nike for the
next seven years. This is a major decision.
While it is not common procedure for the
Board in Control to check with the Board of
Regents before signing contracts, that practice
needs reconsideration, especially as the
University's athletic department expands.
When the rules concerning licensing were
established, the University was not in the
entertainment business - now it is deeply
entrenched in the public arena. This opens the
University up to an entirely new set of possi-
bilities and consequences.
Obviously the Board in Control was not
overstepping its existing boundaries. But new
limitations need to be instituted to insure that
the University is fully aware of what it agrees
to.
Not only has the Nike deal created general
concerns over the licensing procedure, it has
also raised concerns about the specific deal.
The University needs to be sure it wants a
seven-year friendship with Nike -not some-
thing to be taken lightly. Specifically, Regent
Laurence Deitch wonders "whether or not we
[should] let a shoe company piggyback on 170
years of tradition to peddle some shoes." He
believes that it has "profound implications on
how we project ourselves to the world." In-
deed, he has hit the crux of the matter. A state
educational institution must not forget its pri-
mary goal: to educate students. In examining
this licensing deal someone should have asked
how Nike will help further that objective, and
if the contract is the best way to do it.
Associating the University's academic repu-
tation with sneakers and shoe strings seems
incongruous. Furthermore, it is unclear how
much liberty Nike is being given with our
image. The University must find out to what
extent Nike plans to use us for its own advertis-
ing purposes, as our institution may be implic-
itly endorsing anything Nike advertises for the
next seven years. Certainly the ramifications of
the contract call for further consideration. But,
in all fairness, the benefits of the contract-the
athletic scholarships and the funding for gen-
der equity in sports - must not be forgotten.
The paper is signed, the deed done. Next
time the University should not jump so hastily
into such an alliance with a corporation. Or we
may just find blue and yellow Nike swooshes
on the football team's helmets next season.
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L..ASIP.Og
University alumni criticize Walter Smith
Religion in the schools
Prayer should be kept out of schools at all costs
To the Daily:
For weeks I have indulged
in the annual pleasure of an-
ticipating the Michigan/Ohio
State football game. Last week
I read of Walter Smith's re-
marks about John Cooper, and
I found myself angered-and
embarrassed - to be a Wol-
verine fan.
After watching the game
for a while, I am amazed to
find myself cheering for Ohio
State! At this point I know that
I must turn off the TV, and
write this letter to you.
Given Ohio State's appar-
entpreference forthe"psycho"
era in their coaching tradition,
John Cooper might be better
off "from" Ohio State rather
that "at" the place. However,
he seems like a decent man,
and at this point, that is more
than can be said for Walter
Smith.
It may not be completely
fair to damn an entire team for
the large mouth of one so-
cially maladjusted player.
However, the teamelected him
captain, and they must learn
what it is to be represented by
a lout. In fact it is he, not John
Same-Sex
marriages not
beneficial to
society
To the Daily:
Your editorial favoring
same-sex marriages onNov.
21, indicated that these unions
are "illegal." First, in most
states, same-sex "marriages"
can legally be performed by
secular or religious organiza-
tions. Although, "legal" in
most states, it just isn't recog-
nized as being a union deserv-
ing state endorsement for the
extension of benefits, tax ex-
emptions, etc. Yet, some cities
and companies have done so
legally.
Although, your argument
that "immorality" shouldn't be
the sole-basis of laws is nearly
acceptable, you have given no
reasons as to WHYthese same-
sex unions should be recog-
nized. What are the benefits to
society? The basis of our soci-
ety is the unit of the family.
There is much evidence
supporting the ideal that, gen-
erally, the best environment
for children is with both bio-
logical parents, rather than a
single parent, or adoptive par-
ents. Although, the choice to
be parents is an individual's
A s part of the GOP's new conservative
agenda, Newt Gingrich has expressed his
desire to have a "moment of reflection" be-
come established in public schools, possibly
leading up to a Constitutional amendment
allowing school prayer. The Republican posi-
tion on how this should be defined or how
exactly it would be instituted is still up in the
air. However, looking at the largerpicture, one
should be wary. This call for a "moment of
reflection" suspiciously seems like an attempt
to allow prayers in public schools.
The notion of a "moment of reflection"
does not seem to indicate any preference for
religion and in certain cases, has been upheld
by the Supreme Court when challenged using
the first amendment. However, the concern
arises over the intentions behind the "moment
of reflection." It is common knowledge that
the religious right has made substantial gains
within the Republican party over the past two
years. These crusaders led by the likes of Pat
Robertson would like nothing more than to
have some sort of prayer allowed in the public
schools. Also, when Republican leaders are
asked about their stand on the issue, they often
use "moment of reflection" and the term
"prayer" interchangeably.
While President Clinton was abroad in
Jakarta last week, he was asked whether or not
he would support a "moment of reflection" in
public schools. In an extremely ambiguous
response, he indicated that he was open to
intelligent debate on the issue. For the past
week, everyone from Attorney General Janet
President's murky views. So where does the
President stand? Governor Bill Clinton signed
into law a bill that allowed a "moment of
reflection" in Arkansas' public schools in 1985,
but it is unclear what President Clinton would
do. In perhaps a wise political move, the Presi-
dent hasn't made his true beliefs known, pos-
sibly opening up room for political bargaining
with those on the conservative right.
Even if a "moment of reflection" with no
strings attached was to be legislated on the
national level, it does not seem practical. If
students want to pray during morning exer-
cises such as the Pledge of Allegiance, they can
do so on their own. Forcing everyone to
observe a minute of silence seems silly, espe-
cially since it is doubtful if any school children
would utilize this time for actual prayer. And
why, if a person desires a prayer, does it neces-
sarily have to be done within a class setting?
Could it not be done on freetime or before
school?
This attempt by some Republicans to
force the issue of school prayer under the guise
of "moment of reflection" is devious. It would
be extremely unfortunate for any congressional
legislation and disastrous for a Constitutional
amendment to be passed allowing a collective
and forced observance of religious time in the
public classroom. This is an issue that Con-
gress has no business to be involved in. While
perhaps it was politically savvy to not be an-
tagonistic on this issue, it is hoped that if
pushed, President Clinton will come out clearly
against any form of legislation on this issue. A
Cooper, who should be fired.
We alumni want you to win
games, but at Michigan you
have a doubly difficult chal-
lenge: we also want you to do it
with class. We don't like the
tirades that your predecessor
sank into, and we definitely
don't like cheap trash-talking
from people like Walter Smith.
As coach you have the power,
and the responsibility to mold
the program's sportsmanship,
as well as its athletic skills. I
have thoroughly enjoyed the
fresh look thatyou have brought
to Michigan, but please don't
lose the class.
I have turned on the TV
again, and the game has just
ended. Ohio State should give
theirgame ball to WalterSmith.
Richard N. Maskell
University Alumni
To the Daily:
I was extremely disap-
pointed to read the comment
from Walter Smith in the Chi-
cago Sun Times dated Tues-
day, November 15, regarding
the wish to have John Cooper
fired.
and not the state's, our society
has an interest in providing in-
centives, hoping the biological
parents will choose to remain
together. Since heterosexual
couples have a very high prob-
ability of reproducing, then itis
in society's interest to gener-
ally promote unions of these
kind. On the other hand, homo-
sexual couples, generally do not
produce children except in rare
circumstances, with the help of
technology or a third party.
Of course, this is not the
only reason to oppose recogni-
tion of same-sex unions. If you
ask society to change the most
basic unit of its foundation, then
you had better find reasons that
benefit all of society.
David Twede
Rackham Student
Middle East
must be
reported
objectively
To the Daily:
An article "Israel Turns At-
tention to Syria After Peace
Accord"intheOctober19Daily
caught my eye recently during
a visit. The article quoted the
Israeli foreign minister, then
David Kimche, president of the
Israel Council on Foreign Rela-
tions, followed by the opinion
of Joseph Alpher, director of a
nnntnr in TlAviv,,and finally, a
As a Michigan alumnus, I
have no better feeling toward
Ohio State than the next alum-
nus as this rivalry has been one
of college football's classics
over the years. But it has al-
ways been with sportsmanship
as the primary motive and per-
sonal attacks for whatever rea-
son have no place in this com-
petition.
Thus, to the extent that these
comments as presented are true,
I feel it tarnishes the reputation
of Walter, the team, the coach-
ing staff and the University. I
hope we will see an apology to
Coach Cooper in the near fu-
ture if it has not been forthcom-
ing already as it is needed to
restore some pride for the Uni-
versity of Michigan. This atti-
tude would be inappropriate
for any member of the team
that historically has been
Michigan's most noted athletic
team nationwide. To have it
come from the captain is in-
comprehensible.
Tom Case
University Alumni
the media in the country to be a
little more objective when re-
porting Middle East issues.
David Mendenhall
Professor of Chemistry
Michigan Technological
Institute
The human
need for sex
To the Daily:
Alice Mackenzie's state-
ments in her article "Sex can
wait" (11/17/94) seem to ig-
nore man's basic need for
sexual expression and uses the
catholic church to justify her
beliefs. Although I agree that
abstinence is the best way to
prevent STD and pregnancy,
Alice believes that sex under-
mines character by the loss of
respect and responsibility. It
seems to me that if humans
have been having sex for mil-
lions of years and millions have
sex everyday, I would count it
as a basic need. Granted, you
won't die from not having sex
like you will with the lack of
food or water, but sexual ex-
pression is necessary for hap-
piness.
Whether there is commit-
ment and loyalty before or af-
ter marriage does not depend
on whether the couple has sex
or not, but instead, depends on
the individual's feelings to-
ward one another. There is
absolutely no reason why you
Thianksgiving,
It fime to
appreciate men
Thanksgiving was abummerholi-
day when I was a kid. No presents,
just boring relatives and food that
wasn't french fries, macaroni and
cheese or candy.
Columnists, however, have al-
ways loved Thanksgiving - instant
column topic, even faster than maca-
roni and cheese. Just type up a list of
what you're thankful for this year,
and boom! off to eat turkey.
Just like my list of heroes, my list
of the things I'm thankful for would
probably start with the people who
fought to give women the right to
vote, and the 20th century feminists
who made sure that I wouldn't have
to wear dresses to school, be restricted
in my education or face discrimina-
tion in the workplace.
But right after them would come
my list ofthe men Iadmire. Men have
gotten bashed a lot lately - last
February, Time magazine ran acover
featuring a pig dressed in a suit. The
headline read "Are Men Really That
Bad?" The article went on to detail
men's sins, from rape to sexual ha-
rassment to a glaring inability to lis-
ten.
But there are a lot of men out there
I'm thankful for. For instance:
* Adam Duritz, the lead singer
for the Counting Crows. Duritz can
belt out a song with enough emotion
to make you cry, and best of all, it's
obvious he doesn't really like being a
rock star. When a fan threw her un-
derwear on stage at concert in Detroit
this summer, he looked disgusted and
kicked it off the stage. Unlike many
of our beloved musicians, Duritz
doesn't seem to feel that anonymous
lust from teenage girls is a worth-
while side benefit to rock stardom.
There were no pelvic thrusts in this
concert, only music sung from the
heart.
* Data on Star Trek. He's got
superhuman strength, an inability to
feel emotions and amazing cognitive
abilities - by most guesses, he'd be
a stuck-up macho jerk. He's prob-
ably the only man on the planet who
can admit that he has a problem ex-
pressing emotions and actually want
to do something about it. And ac-
cording to that episode during the
first season, he's even "fully func-
tional." Cool.
* Dr. Sam Beckett on Quantum
Leap. OK, OK, he's doesn't exist, but
he's still the perfect 90s man. He
helps people, he's super-intelligent,
and he's not afraid to cry, but when
somebody needs to get kicked in the
head, he kicks them in the head. How
many guys can say that?
* My grandfather, father and
brother. The men in my family are
not known for being talkative. When
they say grace at Thanksgiving,
they're done before God even real-
ized they'd started. But my grandfa-
ther can make friends with anybody
he meets, and my father named this
column - he may not have talked
about everything, but he noticed the
small detail that I always wrote with
erasable pens and suggested the name.
My brother sent me an unusual letter
last month - two pictures taped to a
sheet of paper. "Proof that you're not
adopted" he wrote above a picture of
me waving at the camera with annoy-
ance, next to a one of my dad making
the same gesture. "Note organisms'
identical response to stimulus (i.e.,
camera)," he wrote at the bottom.
The men in my family have taught
me that just because someone isn't
talking doesn't mean they're not lis-
tening and caring.
* Aaron Younk. Aaron was the
son of family friends, one of many
kids who my brother and I grew up
s
I