OPINION Friday, August 15, 1986 Page 6 The Michigan Di .. .'_.. Vol. XCVI, No. 13-S 96 Years of Editorial Freedom Unsigned editorials represent the majority views of the Daily's Editorial Board Cartoons and signed editorials do not necessarily reflect the Daily's opinion. Scholarly choice Repeal 22 amendment CURRENTLY A bill is un- 4er consideration in Congress to remove the mandatory retirement age of 70 for university faculty. If passed the proposal would decrease the University's ability to attract young professors while not necessarily increasing the con- tributions of elderly scholars. Proponents of the legislation argue that the curreric policy discriminates against faculty who want to remain active. They contend that cases should be judged individually rather than on the basis of age. They also note that many professors are now voluntarily retiring at younger ages and that those professors who stay on have a strong committment to their fields. Though it's true that age is no in- dication of one's value as a faculty member, in most cases the young faculty who are still trying to forge a reputation possess more drive than their older counterparts. Those faculty who are still making impor- tant research advances and taking a strong interest in teaching can remain with emeritus status. Without the mandatory retirement age tenure obligations make it almost impossible to remove a nonproduc- tive professor. Limited resources would make it impossible for the University to hire very many young faculty members because it would be forced to continue paying relatively inactive professors. Many of the older professors make large salaries because of culmulative annual pay increases. University administrators predict that over the long term the bill will take a heavy toll. They predict that many elderly professors would choose to remain in their positions rather than retire. Though professors on the average are retiring earlier than in the past, the job market for young professors remains tight. Removing the retirement age could only make the market even tighter, thereby discouraging energetic, talented scholars from considering academic careers. Instead of changing the law, congress should allow universities to determine on their own whether or not to keep aging faculty. P EPRESENTATIVE Guy Vander Jagt (R-Mich) recently hit upon an interesting fund raising idea. He urged Republicans to give money to support a campaign to repeal the Twenty-second Amen- dment which limits presidents to two terms. Vander Jagt's financial ap- peal is primarily a gimmick to raise money for Republican candidates. Still, he made a good point, the amen- dment is anti-democratic and should be repealed. The fact that the Republicans are behind the idea is poetic irony. It was their party which originally pushed it through as a reaction against the four terms served by Franklin Roosevelt. Since then the two presidents whom it affected, both Eisenhower and now Reagan, have been Republicans. The arguments in favor of the amendment are that it protects against demogogues achieving ex- cessive power and that it in- stitutionalizes the pre-Roosevelt. tradition of presidents serving two terms. They also argue that the limitation prevents the dominance of one political party. These arguments are simply justifications to thwart the will of the electorate. Nixon proved that even with a two term limit presidents can wield excessive power. Af Watergate,Congress passed the V Powers Act and other legislat limiting the role of the execut branch in a more effective way ti the Twenty-second Amendment. Those who argue for the mi tenance of the two term tradit ignore the precedent of Roosev His presidency proved that one car elected four times with destabilizing the country. It wo have been an injustice to have den Americans the right to elect the c didate of their choice dur Roosevelt's time when the Un States suffered both from the G Depression and World War II. The argument against dominance of one political p seems particularly weak. In the election Reagan received more t 60 percent of the vote while his p remained in the minority in both House of Representatives and in state houses. There is a legitimate fear th president serving more than two ms could have an excessive influ on public policy through court departmental appointments. framers of the constitution had f in the people's judgement. current guardians of the constitu should share that faith. Summertime J UR UNIVERSITY town, cooled by sweet summertime breezes, is a relaxing and enjoyable place to spend the summer months. In con- trast to the Fall and Winter terms when the pace is fast and stress mon- sters abound, the arrival of Spring brightens Ann Arbor's color, mellows its disposition, and slows its tempo. As students here, we sometimes forget the transitional nature of our stay. This is understandable. Four years sounds like a long time. In reality, it passes quickly. Happily, we keep our memories. And from this summer, we each have our own. You may remember: laughter and friendship at a favorite house party; the busy sights and sounds of the Ann Arbor Art Fair; the feel of a cool breeze nourishing a sweat-filled run; a romantic, moonlit stroll through the Arb; an afternoon trying to study in the Diag; and maybe, if you're lucky, the taste of your favorite ice cream. Remember that Ann Arbor was a beautiful place to be this summer, but brace yourself. Buy your books now. The onslaught of a hectic and crowded Fall term is just around the corner. Be ready for new experiences, a new schedule, and a different, yet still ap- pealing, Ann Arbor. Good luck on your finals. We'll see you in September, Daily. CON( your YOU SAo1 Letters to the Daily should be typed, triple-spaced, and signed by the individual authors. Names will be withheld only in unusual circumstances. Letters may be edited for clarity, grammar, and spelling. 5%'SSN-- OUR ADS DON'T MAKE-TEVIRE DESI&NED To CHANGE THE & PEOPLE START SWVINCr BRAND 1.OYALTIES OF PEOPLE Who MEAN A oF YOUN&, CkTNvE Tr'ATS RHT - OUR ZVETIG IS KER DON'T ENTICE KIDS To PaCC AIMED AT THER SECOND ClGAETTE _t UP THER FIRST -CA&PWIETTE? - --