2 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 NATION/ WORLD U.S. to exchange aid for weapons WASHINGTON (AP) - Presi- dent Bush said yesterday he may revive a proposal for substantial economic benefits for North Korea if that country agrees to dismantle its nuclear weapons facilities. The administration had been pre- pared to make such an offer last year but withdrew it after learning that the North Koreans had initiated a uranium-based nuclear weapons program. "We expect them not to develop nuclear weapons," Bush said. "And if they so choose to do so - their choice - then I will reconsider whether or not we'll start the bold initiative" that he said he discussed with Secretary of State Colin Pow- ell last year. Bush said the initiative included food, leaving the impression that he was departing from long-standing policy of not linking assistance in that area to political developments. Later, White House officials said Bush was referring to an agriculture reform program for North Korea, which faces yet another year of severe food shortages. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher reaffirmed that food deliveries will continue irre- spective of political factors. Last year, the U.S. food contribution was 155,000 metric tons. The Bush administration general- ly has been showing a more concil- iatory side lately on North Korea. The administration remains com- mitted to the dismantling -of the North's nuclear programs but has shown a greater willingness than before about talking to Pyongyang. Bush's comments yesterday sug- gested good behavior will yield economic gain. On Monday, Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly suggested in South Korea that North Korea could get energy aid if it dismantled its nuclear weapons programs. The administration has consis- tently opposed opening negotiations with North Korea but Bush's remarks offered the clear possibility of a deal: U.S. assistance in exchange for denuclearization. The more benign posture should be well received in South Korea, where both the outgoing president and the president-elect believe that a policy of belligerence toward the North doesn't work. Speaking to reporters during a photo session with Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, Bush said he is convinced the conflict will be resolved peacefully. The basis of his optimism was not clear. Pyongyang has given no indi- cation of a willingness to back away from its nuclear programs. Indeed, since the uranium program was dis- closed last October, it has threatened to revive a separate weapons pro- gram that is plutonium-based. According to administration esti- mates, North Kcrea could have up to six nuclear weapons in a few months. North Korea withdrew from the land- mark Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty last week. It also has threatened to resume long-range missile tests. "People say, 'Are you willing to talk to North Korea?"' Bush said. "Of course we are. But what this nation won't do is be blackmailed." Meanwhile, the administration responded with mixed signals to a Chinese offer to host talks between the United States and North Korea. The White House welcomed the proposal but the State Department was dismissive. "The question of having talks in Beijing or New York or elsewhere real- ly doesn't arise at this point," Boucher said at the State Department. *' FAIRFAX, patV.L Sniper suspect requested $10 million Prosecutors said yesterday that 17-year-old sniper suspect John Malvo contact- ed police four times trying to extort more than $10 million in exchange for stop- ping the deadly attacks. As a hearing opened to determine whether Malvo will be tried as an adult and possibly face the death penalty, Fairfax County prosecutor Robert Horan said the teen left two notes and made two phone calls seeking the money. "All of this was an attempt to intimidate the government to pay in excess of $10 million for these defendants and this defendant in particular to stop the ,shooting," Horan said. Malvo and John Muhammad, 42, have been accused of shooting 18 people, killing 13 and wounding five in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Muhammad, who could also face the death penalty if convicted in the gas sta- tion slaying of Dean Meyers, is scheduled to go on trial in October in neighboring Prince William County. Normally a preliminary hearing is a brief affair, but Horan said the complexity of the case requires him to present an unusual number of witnesses. WASHINGTON Supreme Court hears HMO debate The Supreme Court wrangled yesterday over whether states can push HMOs to enroll more doctors, giving patients broader choices in their own health care. About half the states have laws requiring managed care or insurance companies to accept health care providers - physicians, pharmacists or specialists like nurse prac- titioners. The providers agree to the insurer's reimbursement rates and contract terms. The HMO industry says forcing health plan expansions raises insurance costs for everyone and adds to the already escalating price of health care. The justices, some of whom have battled their own health problems, seemed ener- gized in yesterday's debate over doctor options. They talked about pregnant women forced to see a different in-network physician because of a health plan change and the limited choices of people who want to see a chiropractor rather than a doctor. "It is really important to patients to choose a doctor because of the personal relationship," said Justice David Souter, who at 63 is the second-youngest member of the Court. The oldest, Justice John Paul Stevens, is 82. Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who returned to the bench this week after missing a month of arguments because of leg surgery, seemed skeptical of some of the arguments made by the HMO lawyer. BOSTON Bush prepares for 2004 election WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush says he pays no mind to the Democrats jockeying for his job, but his aides are closely watching potential opponents and stepping up their efforts to keep the White House. Occasionally, that means taking direct aim at a would-be adversary, even though the 2004 election is 22 months away. Tomorrow, Bush will renew his call for limits on medical-malpractice awards - what one White House official calls a "whack John Edwards" day. Sen. Edwards (D-N.C.) made millions trying per- sonal injury lawsuits against big companies, and is seeking the Democratic nomination. To some White House staff members, he tops the list of potentially strong challengers. The president announced the mal- practice initiative in Edwards' home state in July. Bush had been itching for a rematch with Al Gore, judging him to be beatable, one top adviser said. Then the former vice president said hewouldn't run. Now, regardless of who emerges, the White House feels the president's re-election will largely hinge on factors unrelated to who the challenger is. Like their boss, White House staff members publicly wave off questions about the 2004 race, insisting they are focused on setting good policy. "I've got my mind on the peace and security of the American people, and politics will sort itself out," Bush said this month when asked about the Democrats angling for his job. But privately, Bush's aides rattle off their per- sonal rankings of who the tougher Democrats would be. They offer complex projections and strategies for any urgberof s.cenarios and are overseeing an aggressive re-election effort that began on Bush's first day in office. The most obvious footprints are on the trail Bush has left in his travels - a heavy itinerary that closely tracks the states top political adviser Karl Rove identi- fied early on as "special concerns" for re-election. Bush will visit vote-rich Pennsylvania for the 18th time when he talks about medical malpractice tomorrow, and has been to electoral war zone Florida 12 times. He is to visit Iowa, which he lost by fewer than 5,000 votes, for the ninth time following his State of the Union speech late this month, according to several senior Republicans. The president doesn't expect to be challenged by a fellow Republican. But it's important to shower the early-voting state with attention just in case, a senior adviser said - and besides, Iowa is a general election battleground. Bush shrugged off a question Jan. 2 about whether he was eager for a rematch against Gore, saying he wasn't paying much attention. But he believed Gore would have been the easiest Democrat to beat among the major challengers, a top adviser said. He spoke on condition of anonymity, as did other members of Bush's team. Gore's decision not to run has an upside for the president, the official said. Bush believes Gore would have lost in the primaries and who- ever beat him would have been seen as a giant killer, with momentum. The same adviser said Rep. Dick Gephardt (D-Mo.) would be the toughest foe because of his support in organized labor, his experience as a natio a.4ndidate and his abil'ty to r.aise money. AP PHOTC President Bush, who expects to win the Republican nomination,speaks y terday In the White House about welfare reform. Man shoots family, commits suicide A man shot his 11-year-old daughter, wife and mother-in-law to death in their home and then took his own life, police said yesterday. As Pedro Barbosa prepared to turn the gun on himself, his 12-year-old son, Justin, asked why he was doing it, authorities said. According to the son, the father replied: "I had to do it. I can't go to jail." Authorities were trying to deter- mine what led the 38-year-old secu- rity guard to kill his daughter, Karina, his wife, 43-year-old Lau- rinda Gomes, and her mother, 66- year-old Maria Gomes, late Monday in the fami ly' home inBrockton-. Justin was unharmed. "It is hard to. put into words what would make a right-thinking individ-; ual murder his family and 11-year- old daughter," said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz. LOUISVILLE, Ky. Picketing GE worker killed by police car A picketing worker was struck and killed by a police car yesterday as thou- sands of General Electric Co. employees across the country began a two-day strike to protest higher health insurance costs. Union leaders said about 20,000 members of the International Union of Electronic Workers/Communications Workers of America and the Electrical Workers union took part in the walkout at 48 locations in 23 states. The affected plants manufacture everything from consumer appliances to jet engines. A few hours into the strike, Kjeston "Michelle" Rodgers, 40, was hit outside a GE plant in Louisville as the eight- year employee walked with a picket sign before daybreak. The car was from the police department in nearby Hollow Creek, officials said. "The lady was out here doing some- thing she believed in," said Dave Rid- dle, who was picketing at the same plant. WASHINGTON Low suply prompts appeal or onations The nation's blood banks issued an urgent appeal for blood donations yes- otrayaying much of 1e W tqryjls less than a two-day supply on hand. Some hospitals are postponing elec- tive surgeries because blood supplies are so low, with less than a single day's sup- ply in certain areas. Banks try to keep a five- to seven-day supply on hand. In an unusual appeal, the nation's two main blood suppliers - the American Red Cross and America's Blood Cen- ters - joined yesterday to urge prompt donations. The Red Cross said that dur- ing the past two weeks, its blood sup- plies have dropped by nearly half, while more than 60 percent of America's Blood Centers' banks report supplies of two days or less. - Compiled from Daily wire reports. Make the Most of Your College Experience! The Delta Chi Fraternity is offering you an opportunity to help build an exciting, supportive, and successful organization. If you enjoy having fun and rising to challenges, then Delta Chi is for you! For more information on becoming a Founding Father of U of M's newest fraternity, please attend one of the following informational sessions: Wednesday Jan.l5th ( 6:30 p.m. Attorney: 'Gopills' caused bombing BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AP) - Two U.S. pilots who mis- takenly dropped a bomb that killed four Canadians in Afghanistan had been issued amphetamines before the mission to stay awake, a defense lawyer argued yesterday at the opening of a military hearing to determine whether they should be court-mar- tialed. The Air Force-issued "go pills" may have impaired the pilots' judgment, said David Beck, lawyer for Maj. William Umbach. He also said the pilots were given antidepressants upon returning from their mission. Umbach and Maj. Harry Schmidt are charged with, involuntary manslaughter for dropping the guided bomb near Kandahar, Afghanistan, on April 17. The Air Force has said they failed to make sure there were no allied troops in the area. Beck and Charles Gittins, Schmidt's lawyer, have said the fighter pilots were not told Canadian troops were conducting live-fire exercises and believed their F-16s were under attack. Beck said yesterday that the Air Force issues amphetamines to help pilots stay awake during long mis- sions. He promised to raise the issue later in the hearing. "The Air Force has a problem. They have administered 'go pills' to soldiers that the manufacturers have stated affect performance and judgment," Beck said. The proceeding is akin to a grand jury hearing in the civilian justice sys- tem. Lt. Gen. Bruce Carlson, com- mander of the 8th Air Force based at Barksdale, will decide whether the pilots will be court-martialed for the friendly-fire accident. The two Illinois National Guard pilots also face charges of aggravated assault and dereliction of duty and could get up to 64 years in military prison if convicted. n"e Micn"gan Daily (ISSN 074-967) is publisned Monday tnrougn riday auring tne fall ano winter terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily's office for $2. Subscriptions for fall term, starting in September, via U.S. mail are $105. Winter term (January through April) is $110, yearlong (September through April) is $190. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. On-campus subscriptions for fall termare $35. SubscrIp- tions must be prepaid. The Michigan Daily is a member of The Associated Press and The Associated Collegiate Press. ADDRESS: The Michigan Daily, 420 Maynard St., Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.1327. PHONE NUMBERS (All area code 734): News 76-DAILY; Arts 763.0379; Sports 647-3336; Opinion 764-0552; Circulation 764-0558; Classified advertising 7640557; Display advertising 764-0554; Billing 764-0550. E-mail letters to the editor to letters@michigandally.com. World Wide Web: www.michlgandaily.com. EDITORIALT J NEWS Lisa Koivu, Managing Editor EDITORS: Usa Hoffman, Eilzabeth Kassab, Jacquelyn Nixon, Shannon Pettyplece STAFF: Elizabeth Anderson, Jeremy Berkowitz, Ted Borden, Autumn Brown, Sooung Chang. Kara DeBper, Ahdirai Dutt, Victoria Edwards, Margaret Engoren, Rahwa Ghebre-Ab, Megan Hayes, Lauren Hoge, Carmen Johnson, Christopher Johnson, C. Price Jones, Andrew Kaplan, Shabina . Khati. Kylene Kiang, Emily Kraack, Tomislav Ladike, Ricky Lax, Lydia K. Leung, Andrew McCormack, Whitney Meredith, Jennier Misthal, Erin Saylor, Jordan Schrader. Karen Schwartz,.MariaSprowDan Trudeau,Samantha Woll, Allison Yang, MinKyung Yoon EDITORIAL Johmnna Nhdl g ditor ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Aubrey Henretty, Zac Peskowitz, Jess Piskor STAFF: Sravya Chirumamilla, Howard Chung, John Honkala, Aymar Jean, Bonnie Kelman, Garrett Lee, Joey Litman, Christopher Miller, Paul Neuman, Ari Paul, Jason Pesick, Laura Platt, Ben Royal, Lauren Strayer, Courtney Taymour CARTOONISTS: Sam Butler COLUMNISTS: Peter Cunniffe; David Enders. David Horn, Jon Schwartz, Luke Smith SPORTS Stve Jackson, Managing Editor SENIOR EDITORS: David Horn, Jeff Phillips, Naweed Sikora, Joe Smith NIGHT EDITORS: Chris Burke, Seth Klempner, Courtney Lewis, J. Brady McCollough, Kyle O'Neill, Charles Paradis STAFF: Gina Adduci, Nazeema Alli, Chris Amos, Dan Bremmer, Waldemar Centeno, ErIc Chan, Mustafizur Choudhury, Gennaro Alice, Joel Hirsch, Josh Holman, Bob Hunt, Brad Johnson, Albert Kim, Megan Kolodgy, Matt Kramer, Kevin Maratea, Sharad Mattu, Ellen McGarrity, Michael NMsson, Dan Rosen, Jake Rosenwasser, Brian Schick, Steven Shears, Brian Steere, Dave Stuart Jr., Mike Wolking ARTS Luke Smith, Managing Editor EDITOR: Jeff Dickerson WEEKEND MAGAZINE EDITORS: Caftlin Nish, Andy Taylor-Fab. SUB-EDITORS: Ryan Blay, Christine Lasek, Neal Pais, Scott Serilla, Todd Weiser STAFF: Marie Bernard, Tony Ding. Kiran Divvela, Mary Fitzpatrick, Laurence FreedmanAndrew M. Gaerig, Katie Marie Gates, Meredith Graupner, Laura Haber, Joel M. Hoard, Jenny Jeltes, Stephanie Kapera, Graham Kelly, Jeremy Kressmann, John Laughlin, Ryan Lewis, Joseph Litman, Laura LoGerfo, Elizabeth Manasse, Whitney Meredith, Ted McDermott, Maureen McKinney, Gina Pensiero, Sarah Peterson, Archana Ravi. Rebecca Ramsey. Jason Roberts, Adam Rottenberg, Melissa Runstram, Mike Sattsman, Jim Schiff, Christian Smith, Jays Soni, Douglas Wernert, Daniel Yowell PHOTO David Katz, Editor ASSISTANT EDITOR: Danny Moloshok ASSOCIATE EDITORS: Brendan O'Donnell, Alyssa Wood STAFF: Jason Cooper, Tony Ding, Tom Feldkamp, Brett Mountain, Sarah Paup, Frank Payne, John Pratt, Rebecca Sahn, Jonathon Triest, Ryan Weiner, Jessica Yurasek ONLINE Paul Wng, Managing Editor STAFF: Marc Allen, Soojung Chang, Chuck Goddeeris, Melanie Kebler, Timothy Najmolhoda, Ari Tran 1:11 VES [_II~""" " "" falT :ITT td A Sophia B. Jones Room, Union L oYiPiimr. %7 a imr r j%;l I I Cy IIQIUUI%, uul lllwam ITIONIASCI LE - Or, contact Leadership Consultant, Dave Pohlman, at 000 0 '7 (07tV xrA 1 1 1 . 1 - 21 n + A nrror A r1# 1ni .-- DISPLAY SALES Anne Sause, Manag ASSOCIATE MANAGER: Jan Kaczmarek SPECIAL SECTIONS MANAGER- Jessica Cordero STAFF: Pamela Saga. Jeffrey Braun, Lashonda Butler, Rachelle Caoagas, Lynne Chaimowitz, Belinda Chung, JoannaEisen, Laura Frank, Christine Hua, Kyungmin Kang, Elizabeth Kuller, Julie Lee, Lindsay Ott, Tarah Saxon, Julie Sills, Leah Trzcinski, Lindsay Ullman CLA SSIID SAL SL . uaN u.tIs EMn~d Sr ta I