4 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, September 16, 1998
£i gun ag
Betrayal,
lies,
420 Maynard Street
Ann( Arbor, M 48109
Edited and managed by
students at the
University of Michigan
LAU RIE MAVK
Editor in Chief
JACK SCHILLACI
Editorial Page Editor
'The actual cost Is not all that much, but the banner
was priceless for the Athletic Department.'
- Director of media relations for the Athletic Department, Bruce
Madej, talking about the theft of the Michigan "Go Blue" banner
covering your
butt and other
"
Un/ess oiherwis noted unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of the majority of the Daily s editorial hoard
Al! other articles, letters and cartoons do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Michigan Da iVy
FROM THE DAILY
Three vice president s take over 'U' relations
KAAMRAN HAFEEZ
As i I iF~
he ofice of vice president for
Univer ity relations was once a rigor-
ous, lmliaceted position bestbwed to one
man c; her Harrison. Harrison occupied
this post until several months ago, when he
accepted the presidency of the University of
Hartford. Uiversity President Lee
Bollinger anMounced last week that now
three vice presidents will be in charge of the
multidimensional tasks of serving as a link
between the University, the media, the gov-
ernment and the outside world. Bollinger's
initiative in dividing the obligations of the
vice presidenis for University relations will
work as an I .icient and creative means of
making T'p for Harrison's absence. Assisted
by Associte Vice President for University
Relations Liisa Baker - who also recently
resigned - and Julie Peterson, Associate
vice president for University relations,
Harrison managed to handle the extensive
need of the University's public relations.
The University should now move ahead
after tlbe resignation of a man who skillful-
ly fulfilled the responsibilities of numerous
positions. Harrison dedicated himself to the
University and beautifully mastered his
position. He left the University with a
stronger sense of how to maintain universi-
ty relations with the outside community.
With Harrison's legacy in mind, the
University now strives to continue its excel-
lence in practicing its public relations.
As the University faces challenges to
its academic reputation, it is essential that
faculty and students realize the impor-
tance of the University's public relations
needs. With the two lawsuits filed against
the University challenging its stance on
affirmative action and a commitment of
diversity, it is critical that the University
continue to reaffirm its position as a high-
quality institution of higher education.
The very nature of the Center for
Individual Rights public-attack tactics
necessitate the need for a strong link
between the University and the nation.
The University must continue to take
pride in all of its achievements, even in
the negative light of legal squabbles.
Further, the administration must endeav-
or to fill these positions quickly. All nomi-
nations are subject to approval by the
University Board of Regents, and should be
addressed as quickly as possible. The law-
suits and the ever-present need to lobby
government officials for state aprpia-
tions make the vacancies in Umversit rela
tions hazardous to the campus's academic
future.
Moving through the usual steps in
appointing such officers would be prudent
and ensure that the University is able to ful-
fill its responsibilities.
By clearly defining the positions of the
new officers, University relations will pos-
sess more efficiency and a stronger focus.
As Cynthia Wilbanks, one of the nominees
for the office of vice president for
University relations in charge of govern-
ment relations, stated, "I think that the focus
of this position really allows you to work
from the recognition that this is an impor-
tant enterprise."
By splitting the responsibilities among
three offices - government relations,
media relations and University secretary -
the University will operate in a fashion sim-
ilar to other universities of comparable size.
A university as prestigious and respected as
the University of Michigan has significant
public relations needs that Bollinger has
addressed and that the administration needs
to quickly fill.
.a.
I
LET TERS TO THE EDITOR
a
Scientists should hold responsibility for research
L ast week, the Genetics and Invetro
Fertilization Institute announced that
a method has been found that would allow
prospective parents to select the sex of
their child. The method involves separat-
ing sperm cells that carry the Y chromo-
some frim the X chromosome, then
determining which is which by the
amount of DNA the cells carry. The egg
cell is then fertilized through artificial
insemination. So far, this technique has
been successful throughout research tests.
In the past few years, advances in the
field of genetics have been in the national
spotlight. Particularly controversial are the
issues of cloning, as witnessed by the
cloned sheep, Dolly, in Scotland, and genet-
ic testing, which some people fear will
affect health insurance, among other things,
in the future. Technology, specifically
genetics, is advancing at a rate that far out-
paces the nation's ability to discuss these
issues morally, ethically and legally. And
with sex selection - like many of the latest
medical issues - it is very likely that law-
makers will attempt to legislate the process.
But these matters are not the domain of
legisators -- any decisions should be made
only with the advice and support of the
medical community.
This -process of predeterming a child's
sex will likely have great ramifications for
society, many of which legislators them-
selves are unable to foresee. Effects of these
advancements go far beyond legal ques-
tions; they may change society in such a
profound manner as to alter everyday life.
For these 'c asons, the entire medical corn-
munity, cons9sng of doctors, nurses, thera-
pists and researchers should be heavily
involved in any kind of regulation.
Politicians need to be partnered with these
scientists to create, after careful research-
backed consideration, informed legislation.
Another important question surround-
ing issues of genetic engineering is that
of morality, a highly subjective matter. It
is important that moral and especially
religious issues do not interfere with sec-
ular legislation - a problem that is far
too likely to occur. Morality is a part of
the decision process on an individual
basis; personal moral choices should not
be regulated. Any legislative oversight of
genetic engineering should focus on the
scientific rather than the moral or reli-
gious implications. The heavy involve-
ment of the medical and scientific com-
munities should help ensure that the
issues do not become overwhelmed with
religious debate.
While genetic engineering could be very
beneficial to society, especially in the fights
against incurable diseases, there are many
risks as well. Although these risks will very
likely necessitate some form of legislation,
it should not be left to politicians alone, but
should involve those people who are the
most knowledgeable in the field.
The idea of choosing a child's sex is only
the beginning of vast possibilities created
with the advent of genetic engineering. This
type of research, while valid, should be han-
dled carefully and responsibly. The precious
variety of human life is eventually ques-
tioned when technology and science begin
to choose not only sex, but also hair and eye
color or height and weight. Scientific
research is almost always inherently justi-
fied, but it is the social context where the
research gets played out that needs to be
closely watched over.
Citizens
should vote
now more
than ever
To THE DAILY:
As we face this crisis of
the presidency, and as we
face candidates like Geoffrey
Fieger who serve only to
lower the political discourse
to a debate over sexual habits
and personal girth, I am
afraid that many people are
turning their backs on poli-
tics, the election and the
American political process.
In fact, I fear that many peo-
ple believe the American
presidency and even the
American form of govern-
ment to be in peril.
As the 1998 election
approaches. I would plead
with my fellow citizens to get
out and vote. The only way
that our form of self-govern-
ment may perish is if we all
turn our backs and decide not
to vote.
On Nov. 3, we must
affirm our faith that the pres-
idency is above any one man,
and that our belief that our
representatives should main-
tain a moral standard at or
above our own is resilient.
We must send the message
that we want our state's and
our country's leadership to be
strong, moral, credible and
focused.
There is no message in
not participating, but only in
voting and working to restore
the strength of our country
and to continue the strength
of our state.
MATTHEW FOGARTY
LSA SOPHOMORE
All students
should be
considered
To THE DAILY:
I'm a first year engineer-
ing student and I was guaran-
teed season tickets to the
football games. When they
came in the mail, I was over-
joyed and ecstatic. Little did I
know that section 42, where
my seat resides, is nowhere
near the student section.
When I showed up for the
Syracuse game, I sat in my
seat, row A, seat 42, in
between an elderly lady from
Muskegon and a gentleman
who worked in the auto
industry.
Looking frantically for
other students, I was told the
student section was located
about 10 sections away -
sections 26-31. My room-
mate had it even worse, being
seated in section 16, right.
next to the screaming
Syracuse fans. When we
asked politely to enter the
student section, we were told
by stadium security, "Sorry, I
don'tcareif vou'r a frsh.
The game was a lot less
enjoyable (not only because
we lost) because when I
stood and waved my cap as a
tradition for the kickoffs, I
was told to "take a seat' On
another occasion, a woman
threw a frozen yogurt cup at
my head after I stood up to
sing the "The Victors!"
Having seats in the stu-
dent section would have pre-
vented me from making my
"seatmates" angry and made
my experience more enjoy-
able. I commend the efforts
that Athletic Director Tom
Goss undertook to expand
the Big House so that all the
first-year students could
have full-season tickets. But
give me a break ... how
hard is it to seat all the stu-
dents together?
Hopefully, there is an
explanation for this procedure,
and I can't wait to hear it.
SCOTT WEISS
ENGINEERING
FIRST-YEAR STUDENT
Toilet covers
would help
Angell Hall
TO THE DAILY:
Despite the attempts by
the University to wipe out of
existence the heart-felt words
in the women's restroom at
Angell Hall, there is always
something interesting to read.
The favorite stall of many,
including myself, is the one on
the farthest left. There is a list
of inspirational books, discus-
sions about religion, some
empowering exclamations and
even requests for advice. But
nearly every stall is laden with
personal contributions, which
also include art, quotes, song
lyrics and the occasional
rhyme about "tinkle."
However, as much as I
enjoy these distractions and
deep thought-provoking dis-
plays of character and
strength, I know just what
would make my bathroom
experience even more enjoy-
able: those wax-paper toilet
seat covers. That way I could
stay longer and read to my
heart's content without wor-
rying about the hygienic state
of the toilet seat.
Let's petition for thicker
and softer toilet paper and for
the availability of toilet seat
covers! Rise up and voice
your anger!
MARINA LEMBERT
LSA JUNIOR
stadium
letters are
the 'epitome
of ugly'
TO THE DAILY:
During this past summer,
I watche'd in aiw on the' wv
large blue letters.
I am not quite sure why
those letters were added
because they sure don't make
the stadium look any better,
They are the epitome of ugly
self-promotion, as if the
University needed any. The
University is one of the best
known colleges in the nation.
Visitors to the Big House
need not be reminded that
they are at the University;
they are well aware of that.
Similarly, fans of the
Wolverines need not be
reminded of the verses in
"Hail to the Victor" because
we know them by heart, or at
the very worst, learn quite
quickly as the marching band
plays the song after every
Michigan touchdown. You
will never see Yankee
Stadium decorated with such
large letters reminding the
fans that it is "The Ilouse
That Ruth Built"
Everyone knows that, just
like everyone knows that the
Big House belongs to the
Michigan.
It is ironic that the stadi-
um was renovated for self-
promotion while our team
makes a dramatic turnaround
from being the best in the
country to the worst. (We'll
see about that this weekend.)
JIN YAMAMOTO
RACKHAM
Daily should
get facts
straight
TO THE DAILY:
I know that it's early in
the year and mistakes are
bound to occur, but I felt I
couldn't let the one I found
on Sept. 10 slip by. I could
let the wrong year on Dan
Stillman's basketball article
in the New Student Edition
("Tumultuous season ends
with first Big Ten title in 13
years, 9/8/98) slip by (he said
it was the 96-97 season)
without too much of a fuss.
Also, the use of the title,
"The Screaming Dog" in the
restaurant guide ("Evening
restaurants offer wide variety
for hungry students body,"
9/8/98) for what has been
"Amer's First Street Grill" for
at least a few weeks now did-
n't annoy me too much.
However, after reading
Chris Duprey's cross country
article in the Sept. 10 sports
section ("Harriers to face
MAC attack in quad meet"),
enough was enough. He said
that the fourth and fifth run-
ners prevented the team from
an NCAA berth during the
1997 season.
Although these runners
weren't up to speed with
Michigan's top three last
year, it still didn't keep the
team from qualifying for
NCAAs. They took second at
regionals and seventh at the
championship, very nearly
beating rival Wisconsin for
American sports
The great unpleasantness continues.
I purposefully avoid topics that
have been covered over and over again
by other columnists, from the good ones
like Jonathan Alter of Newsweek to the@
irritating and petu-
lant Maureen
Dowd. But we are
obsessed with ,
Clinton and his
affairs. So this must
be, 1 guess.
First and fore-
most, the biggest
issue here doesn't
have anything to do
with the president. _ JAWES
And that is, the MILLER
abuse of the special1M .'
prosecutor laws. ta<
Kenneth Starr
was only supposed to look into the
Whitewater "affair," which seems kind
of quaint now. That is to say, accounting
improprieties, tax mistakes and slight
influence peddling. He found nothing
on the Clintons, just their associates.
From there, he managed to work him-
self into the Paula Jones sexual harass-
ment suit, and from then on it was a
short flight to Monica Lewinsky, con-
flicting grand jury depositions and such
stuff as gives George Will a woody
under the "Meet the Press" desk.
Simple fact, kids. He had no business
investigating any of those other things.
The entire "sex-themed" investigation
(for lack of a better term) is completely
beyond the scope of his office. These
guys are supposed to be one-trick9
ponies. One issue and out. He's a prose-
cutor, not an inquisitor.
Sadder, no one said anything about
the fact that little Kenny wasn't playing
in his own sandbox because all the
Republicans were too busy thanking
God for their incredible good fortune
and the Democrats were too chicken
shit, thinking (correctly) that they'd get
burned in the polls if they stuck up for
the Constitution, the Justice Department
and Clinton tangentially.
And would you like to know why the
two parties behaved this way? Because
we want them too. Procedural matters
and checks and balances don't interest
us. Presidential spooge, that interests us.
Anyone who wanted to stop the whole
thing would have been lambasted by us,
the electorate, as being "soft on
Clinton" or whatever, because we can't
stand for a minute to have our CNBC-@
NNBCBS speculation feed taken away
from us. It's not our prurient fascina-
tion. Heavens no. We disapprove of all
of this stuff. It's horrible. More. Please.
Now. Mmm. Thank you.
This having been said, it's done. No
matter how foolish and partisan and idi-
otic everything was that led up to the
unearthing of this information, and the
resulting (possibly) perjured testimony
it was all achieved in a legal, albeit
stretched manner.
So what does that leave us with?
It doesn't look good, folks.
He lied. He said that he didn't have an
improper sexual relationship with
Monica Lewinsky. In a later deposition
he said that he had, for a lack of a more
descriptive terminology, gotten to third
base (and I think he was getting the
wave-in from the catcher) with a twen-
ty-something intern. Not only is he mar-
ried with a daughter, but he is twice her
age and the president.
The president, of all people, should
realize that the ability of the courts to
get the truth from sworn witnesses is
one of the keystones of a civil, ordered
society. A man who values saving him-
self and family from public embarrass-
ment above basic civics can't be the
president. He committed perjury and
has to be brought up before an impeach-
ment hearing. He has to, as decreed by
the Constitution.
There is, however, an argument that
says in effect, "I didn't elect a husband,
I elected a president. And since he's
done what I elected him to do, I have no
concern for his infidelity. Besides,
dozens of presidents had mistresses."
The first part of that statement just
isn't true. If you elected him as presi-
dent, then you must think that means
obeying the laws, even the adorable lit-
tle ones like perjury. In the light of this
new and shovel-headed moralism,
Nixon was just a patriot sternly earning
his reelection.
Besides, are we all so decadent and
jaded that we don't think it's possible to
find a competent president that can be
faithful to his wife?
Does anyone remember when marital
fidelity was not considered a superhu-
man act? Call your grandparents. 0
The second part of the statement is
meaningless. Yes, I know ED.R., L.B.J.,
J.F.K. and other great ones were order-
ing side salads. But nobody asked them
about it, at least in an official capacity,
under oath before a federal court.
If J.F.K. had lied about giving