4A - The Michigan Daily - Monday, October 28, 1996 Ulije £id&tjun &zlg 420 Maynard Street Ann Arbor, MI 48109 6Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan . . . . . . . . RONNIE GLASSBERG Editor in Chief ADRIENNE JANNEY ZACHARY M. RAIMI Editorial Page Editors Unless otherwise noted, unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of the Daily s editorial board. All other articles, letters and cartoons do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Michigan Daily. FRO ca K .cum B the . verI Conpres inAr pet. R ag's e ct, to Rconstitu Both oucaics roundel ,. " oric irs f ws is trict's m Congres She also pete "sm the atio Fitzsi fantasy-i cut, a $5 for pare educatio who ado capital g and bala How can expl, he does "matic. F impleme cial aid. the Dnep its $32 n single c Wvould d fund hig sensical. ring the bueauc suggest, specific of bis pr lars for River changes costs ev availabl er return the Uni' aid, whi asistan pletely stay ope mittee p work wi record i to maki ble. Aft financia ther sub On s Fitzsimx The Mi "un-Am for disci believe Fitzsimr action, a itself of a affirmat currenti' : River Marriag Discrim pressed believes nman an unclear particul would g the wort already against M THE DAILY Vote F fivers NOTABLE QUOTABLE, ''m going to make a button that says "Buchanan says what Dole means."' - Women's rights advocate Gloria Steinem, in a speech last Thursday: Steinem visited Ann Arbor to support US. Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor). JIM LASSER 1'SHARP AS TOAST 'WHY'S EvERYONE CHEF-r4G-7 DiD THEY JUSTANOUNCF THAT OHIC STATE s o5!NCGI NO)/E'VE ALL JUST SEEN NAMED AS CANDDATES R1 THE PRES9DENCY OFTHIE UNIVER SIT Y. 0A LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Incumbent has earned another term bent Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor) include sexual orientation - hence the clear choice for the U.S. House of need for ENDA. No matter - Fitzsimmons ntatives over Joe Fitzsimmons (R- does not support any special preferences for bor) in the 13th congressional dis- "them." He does not view his position as ivers comes seasoned with one discrimination, despite the fact that DOMA xperience; she brings clarity of effectively denies economic rights to same- ugh stances and an ear tuned to her sex couples. ents. Abortion is another issue on which candidates take a conservative eco- Rivers has been able to articulate her posi- tance. The difference - one is tion clearly: she is pro-choice. Fitzsimmons d in reality, while the other spouts claims to be pro-choice, but would deny from a warped Economics 101. federal funding for abortions. Fitzsimmons' avors a balanced budget, which she stance, then, is pro-choice for those who an issue in the forefront of this dis- can afford the choice. He is also against find, and knows that to get there, late-term abortions - a flier his staff s must postpone enormous tax cuts. placed on cars in the parking lot of a believes Americans should com- Catholic church claimed that late-term carter, not cheaper" to stay ahead in abortions do not protect the health of the mal economy. mother. The flier also suggested that the immons, however, recites a litany of Pope should censure Rivers for her stance world cuts: an across-the-board tax on the issue - without explaining her '00-per-child tax credit, a tax credit stance. Rivers told Congress, "The debate is nts helping children through higher whether or not we will allow women's n, a $5,000 tax credit to couples health to be an exemption (from the late- pt children - he would like to cut term abortion ban)." ains in half, raise wages, cut taxes When it comes to the crumbling entitle- nce the budget. ments structure, Rivers again is ahead of ? Unlike Rivers, Fitzsimmons rarely Fitzsimmons. Rivers demonstrates an ain the how behind his ideas. When understanding of how Michigan - whose his explanations are hardly prag- economy, she said, is sensitive to changes in or example, he said he would like to the automobile industry - would be affect- nt a 50-percent increase in finan- ed by the loss of a safety net, as well as the He plans to take the money from transfer of federal funds into block grants. artment of Education, which, with Michigan needs a more flexible net, not the million budget, "does not educate a kind that runs out after a finite number of child," he claimed. Fitzsimmons uses - or dollars. Moreover, she under- estroy the tower educational base to stands that if the net gets smaller, the her education; his approach is non- resource bases need to broaden. She advo- He added that his method of cut- cates legislating the tools to stay off wel- department would be to cut the fare, such as job training, childcare, public racy. Cutting bureaucracy is easy to transportation and health care to ensure but Fitzsimmons, as usual, lacks "welfare reform based in reality." s. Perhaps he should change some Unlike many politicians, Rivers actually oposed tax cuts into education dol- explains the thought process behind her all levels. votes. The same is true for her recent vote in s said that the recent $11 billion in favor of the Welfare Reform Act. She sup- in financial aid administrative ported the inclusion of support measures entually translate into "less money for those on welfare, but the final bill did e for lending" - as well as a slow- not include such measures. However, since ito students. As an undergraduate at she is committed to improving the bill in the versity, Rivers had to use financial next Congress, she voted for it, despite ch is why she said she supports such some concerns. Although her single vote ce. She said she is "totally and com- may not have changed the outcome, she committed to making those doors should have held out for the support mea- n." Her work on the budget com- sures. Most of the time she chose better - uts her in a position to do hands-on and she is always willing to explain herself. th the problem. Moreover, Rivers' Fitzsimmons is armed with a pie chart n Congress proves her commitment showing entitlements and "other mandato- ng higher education more accessi- ry" items as a large chunk - however, he er the Republicans tried to slash could not effectively articulate what the 1 aid, Rivers worked to prevent fur- "other mandatory" expenses were. He did stantive cuts. say that he would not eliminate benefits for ocial policy, Rivers is as distinct as seniors, but would implement slow changes mons is muddled. Fitzsimmons told in the entitlements budget. However. chigan Daily that discrimination is ignores the fact that social security will be erican".and that "there is no need incapable of supporting this year's graduat- imination. At the same time, I don't ing University class as seniors. It appears in any set-asides or preferences." that he would prefer to cut welfare than mons disapproves of affirmative social security or congressional pensions. is if the playing field will just level Rivers advocates trimming the fat clos- F. Rivers follows her party slate on er to home. She believes that Congress ive action - the legal brand, which should be public with its pay raises rather y does not include quotas. than allowing the incremental raises to line rs voted against the Defense of pockets silently. She also advocates more e Act and for the Employment Non- modest retirement plans for congressional ination Act. Fitzsimmons, when retirees. Along with these high standards, on the point of same-sex marriage, she insists that her office send back any sort that "marriage is the union of one of gifts or freebies - including chocolates. d one woman." However, he was Rivers combines political savvy with a as to what the measures were - folksy style - to her constituents, she is an arly ENDA, which he suspected approachable figure. In addition she shows ;ive special preferences to gays in the ability to grow and incorporate new kplace, as he was sure that it was methods and ideas. Since her last election, specifically illegal to discriminate she has improved her approach significant- gays in the workplace. Wrong again. ly. Her experience, combined with her COMMUNETYCHEST Allgimmicks and no politics make 1996 a dull year et me tell you a story, Better yet, let me not. If I hear one more touching sto from a political candidate, my head will split open, beginning at the ears. Bob sDole has been in the trench- es. In the fox- holes. War is hell. you know. We know, Bob. But how do you ADRIENNE feel about affir- JANNEY mative action -... today? At the last vice presidential debate, Al (Gore solicited from Jack Kemp a tongue-in-cheek agreement not to tell any warm, fuzzy football stories or stories about big, confusing environ- mental concepts. Even if you weren't watching the debate, you can gues who had to refrain from which. But who is on first, and doesn't real- ly care what happened to which in the small town of where. Joe Fitzsimmons (R-Ann Arbor), who is running against U.S. Rep Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor), sells himself as a tall man in a red sweater. And a love- ly red sweater it is. I've seen it. (You're turning green this moment, I know.)= But when he begins to talk about th issues, the yarns unravel and unrave* until Well, it isn't a pretty picture. Anyway, I think we're supposed to be touched. Tiuched that as the president of University Microfilms Inc., he is good to his employees. (Although he allows the 10-percent gay population to keep their jobs, he grants them no partner benefits.)Touched that one of his children adopted a baby of mixe race. (He'll be absolved in heaven fo this, despite his lack of support for affirmative action.) And he's fighting for the young peo- ple. "I hope you believe that." V'I never forget the time that this woman came up to me in the supermarket in Hope, Ark.... 01 Safewalk is professional To THE DAILY: Inthe Oct. 18 edition of The Michigan Daily, the Friday Focus was devoted to Campus Safety and Awareness, and Safewalk and Northwalk were describeddas one of the many alternatives to walking alone on campus ("Sexual assaults raise safety awareness"). As one of the Safewalk co-coordinators, I would like to correct Reddy's record of our interview. Reddy quoted me as saying, "For the people who get walked, they get to go wherever they need to go ... They're not restricted. It's a good way to meet people" All of Safewalk's volunteers are friendly and polite, but our main concern is making sure people reach their desti- nation safely. All walkers are specially trained so as not to make the people who use Safewalk uncomfortable. "Getting to know" our wal- kees or contacting walkees outside of a Safewalk setting may make peoplewuncomfort- able and is not appropriate conduct for a Safewalk vol- unteer. This way we can pro- vide a safe and comfortable service for the community. What I did say is that Safewalk is a good way for volunteers to get to know each other. Safewal k attempts to bring together volunteers from many different back- grounds who have a common concern and dedication to the University community. Working together and donating time through Safewalk is an excellent way to serve the community and meet people who share your interests. NICHOLE G. ARGYRES SAFEWALK CO-COORDINATOR, UNIVERSITY ALUM Courtyard flags are ineffect ive To THE DAILY: I am just wondering how much time and money the University wasted on those pathetic flags on the sides of computers to supposedly determine whether the com- puter is available. What engi- neering genius thought of that? What is going to hap- pen during exam week? Here is a novel idea - why not use station cards like we used to, so people do not have to wander around the computing center looking like lost puppy dogs? God forbid the University do to Lee Bollinger for University president. After all, it's gonna take someone like the former dean of the Law School to get the University out of the legal shithole it put itself in. MARK D. W.SON LSA SOPHOMORE Union has rich history TO THE DAILY: I am writing to protest the modernization of the beautiful fourth-floor stair- well in the Union. but not the fourth floor. This stairwell, as well as the Union, is a link to our past. Too much of the past is being changed by moderniza- tion. The Union's once glori- ous history is now being compromised by modern day insults. The Union is a door- way to times long gone and a symbol of our heritage. Although in recent years it has undergone many changes that have mae it a more friendly gathering area for students, alums and staff, parts of the original Union is lost with each renovation. Take a walk arouid the Union today. There are many areas that have been exposed due to construction that show a more beautiful Union that once existed Beautiful trims are hidden away by modern, foam ceiling tiles. I couldn't believe when I saw how beautiful the ceiling by Amer's on the first floor used to look. It is now covered by ugly ceiling tiles. At this moment, another renovation is stealing away again the original architect's dream and rendering of the Union. We are obligated to pro- tect the Union and any other structure on campus from destruction by modernization. The stairwell on the fourth floor is spacious and beauti- ful as well as a work of art. It is not just a stairwell, it is a masterpiece of wood, iron and stone brought together by the hands of craftsmen long gone who envisioned a Union that would last for hundreds of years after them, remind- ing the future of what once was. We steal their years of hard work and dedication by defacing and hiding their work with fire-walls or foam ceiling tiles. It's such a shame that we destroy the past. A recent article in the Daily ("Canada comes to Michigan League," lO/23/96) quoted a carpenter who is working on the renovation of the Michigan League. ie said that it was a shame that he had to gut-out the base- ment of the League. It used to have oak panels and trim along the walls, and now it's this renovation of the stair- well on the fourth floor. I want others to know about this and to protest to the Michigan Board of Representatives to stop this renovation. It is unnecessary and destructive. Please take a look at how beautiful and historic the forth floor stair- well is. Take a look at the Union. You will see some- thing new every day. Don't let modernization conceal the past forever. PAUL A. ANTONY MEDICAL SCHOOL Geography lesson for Tawil TO THE DAILY: I would like to enlighten Andrea Tawil about some geographical (and political) realities. Andrea's letter ("Kirk mislabels Israelis," 10/23/ 96) stated that "... Israel and Palestine were attempting to work together ". "Pre-1948 maps show Palestine as a geographical region next to Trans-Jordan and the State of Israel was not vet declared. I nterestingi to note is that theterm "Palestine" comes from the Bible and refers to a specific geographical area attributed to the Philistines (they con- quered and settled along a tract of land on the coast of the Mediterranean in antiqui- ty). Post-1948 maps of the Middle East display the State of Israel and Jordan instead of the geographical entity of Palestine. I am curious to see thae taps that Andrea owns SABINA KAZINER SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH Preserve the right to print TO THE DAILY: Students are the victims of a misguided ITD printing policy. It is ridiculous that I. for one, have to pay $10,050 in tuition per term to go to he University and I cannot print out as many sheets of paper as I need! Certainly the University doesn't want to impede our learning, but when Ihaveato actually plan out what I can and can't print for the month, this is precise- lv what is happening.. I don't believe this is an unreasonable concern, either. Most of us don't go printing out 20 page papers five times because the first one didn't go through. Normal use is now being limited, and it isn't right. Where is the University getting this paper that costs eight cents per page? I can C May moths attack your sweater, sit. Regent Shirley McFee (R-Battle Creek) believes that people - includ-; ing her grandchildren -- should work"4 hard to go to college, and parents* should save their money early. Lovely, but I heard a rumor that sheowns' cake. But never mind her. She's not u for re-election this year. The stories work better for some. Rivers tells how she came to the' Uer, and through hard work, persevered despite obstacles -and that's why she believes in financial aid. Her husband still works in a factory. They are more in tune with average Americans than most politicians. (Remember how George Bush didn't know about scari" ters in grocery stores??) Well, I fell for it hook, line and, sinker. But it's like your favorite new pop song - OVERPLAY Clinton is the master of the trade. I don't care what you think of his politics - he knows how to work his crowds. You've got to appreciate manipulative skill of that level. "I still believe in a place called' Hope." He's from Hope, Ark., f4g those of you who missed it. Come on- - the man cries in public. Slick Willy, you are a sinner. Forget about misleading your people over the bridge. I'd like to hear the good stories. (Hell, I'd like to hear Hillary's stories. Or Socks'. Tee hee.) Better yet, let's put a ban on Elizabeth Dole tales. I'm tired of arti- cles about what she cooked for the Doles' dinner party. At least we don', have to hear about what Hillary bake. Ross Perot: Don't worry 'bout me. I got 6 million back at home. Thanks, Ross. I thought you dropped out of the race. Oh, that was last time. Well, the story hasn't changed. At all. And you've still got big ears, you whiny lit- tle mouse. Just don't do it. Lame, lame, lame. (Just don't jump off the bridge, BilI. Gennifer Flowers isn't worth it.) And what is up with this rampant tendency to start talking about (INSERT RANDOM AMERICAN) iti midstream?