4 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, May 10, 1995 420 Maynard Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan RoNNI GLASSBERG A n NE JANNEY Editor in Chief JOEL F. KNUTSON Editorial Page Editors Unless otherwise noted, unsigned editorials reflect the opinion of a majority of the Daily's editorial board. All other articles, letters and cartoons do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Daily's editorial board. e resignation of Gary Moeller as head coach for the Michigan Wolverines foot- ball program is beginning to shed light on the complexities and pressures of being the most visible person in a big-time athletic program. The University correctly accepted the res- ignation of Moeller in an effort to resolve the matter as quickly as possible, without delay- ing the inevitable. From all available facts, coach Moeller has accepted responsibility for his actions and accepts the fact that his unac- ceptable behavior in Southfield made him unfit to lead the team. Though the pressure to resign may have been great, Moeller's deci- sion may have been the best for himself and his family. It is his last service to the Univer- sity he has served amicably and honorably for 24 years. The broadcast of audio tapes containing Moeller's sobbing outbursts to police and hospital staff sealed the coach's guilt in the eyes of football fans and the University. The pain and embarrasment the broadcasting of the tapes brought onto Moeller's family and the University no doubt helped to ensure his swift departure. It is sad that the tapes, legally obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, were used to attack the character of the man whom commentators now defend. Living in the spotlight Moeller had to face consequences What is unclear is how much pressure was placed on Moeller to resign in light of these tapes. Athletic director Joe Roberson made it clear in accepting Moeller's resignation that he would not be welcome back as coach next season. According tointerimheadcoachLloyd Carr, Moeller was fully cognizant of his in- ability to lead the team in the future. Inherent in a case where little is said by either party involved is rampant speculation, in this case what was said between Roberson and Moeller. Would Moeller's fate have been any different had he continued the success of his initial seasons? That is, if he had won the Rose Bowl last year, would the University look the other way in the interest of success for the team through this crisis? If this is the case, it shows a lack of integrity on the University's part. Fan support has remained high for Moeller even after this debacle, and it is obvious that the decision to remove Moeller was not a knee-jerk reaction to fans dissatisified with his successive 8-4 records. It was a reaction based on his ability to con- tinue to serve the University and the Athletic Department in a positive manner. Clearly, this case merits reflection on Moeller's celebrity status. For better or for worse, the job of head coach of Michigan football, basketball or hockey brings with it the public responsibilities required of all pub- lic figures. There is already intense pressure for football coaches to create winning teams - the pressure of being a celebrity figure may be too much to ask of a coach already under the scrutiny of millions of fans each weekend. Coaches should be accorded a private life. For hockey coach Red Berenson, a public intoxication conviction was not worthy of any reprimand. If the line was drawn with Moeller's alleged assault and battery felo then it should be expected that the Univers set up clear guidelines for the handling criminal cases involving University empl ees. Moeller's punishment for his crime mean far less to him than having to leav football team. A big time athletic program with the co mercial popularity of the University of Mic gan is image consciousness. In this particu case, the damage had already been done Moeller's arrest. Whether he was fired whether he resigned would not change tl fact. But as has been shown by recent sca dais and problems in collegiate sports pr grams throughout the country, failing to with the problem at hand swiftly and sever will only drag the process out and make ti problem harder to deal with in the long ru That the University will be able to regroup tl Athletic Department is testimony to the coo eration of the parties involved. Moeller has done great things for the tea and for the Athletic Department during h tenure, and that is what he will be best remer bered for. Although he is no longer capabl representing the University on the field, accomplishments and contributions to ti University will not be forgotten. 50 years later Remembering the lessons of World War II Musical chairs The search for a surgeon general n the year 1995, as the world watches continuing horrors in Bosnia, Rwanda, Chechnya and throughout the world, it is imperative that the lessons taught by the mil- lions who perished in the slaughter of World War II be remembered. Entering the 21st century, Americans and all of the Earth's peoples must not forget the crimes against humanity committed by the Nazis. Revisionists will continue to claim what none of the Nazis at the Nuremberg Trials tried to claim: That the Holocaust did not occur. The horrific crime against human- ity must be remembered for what it was: the murder of six million Jews plus millions more Gypsies, political prisoners, POWs and other victims. Ethnocentrism combined with na- tionalism can be deadly - this is the lesson that must be applied to present day situations to avoid the spreading of lingering ethnic hostilities in Africa and Europe. As World War II made clear, no conflict can ever truly be contained within one set of borders. Germans have made many attempts to atone for atrocities committed by the Nazis - numerous sculptures, memorials, museums and education campaigns exist to ensure that sys- tematic violence does not appear again. How- ever, it is easy to understand why there are lingering sentiments that fear the ghost of Germany's past from rising again. A Dane's fear of the area's rising numbers of skinheads is not hard to comprehend for the same reasons why many older Norwegians do not drive Ger- man-madeautomobiles. ThespecterofGerman violence still looms large for those who lived through it. The memories of violence in Europe are cause for American citizens to reflect on how violence at home undermines the fabric of our society - and the cause for which 300,000 Americans died. The Allied soldiers fought and died to protect and uphold freedom throughout the world. For Americans, this meant the preservation of our democratic society. A lesson to society was the impor- tance of freedom on daily life, and though there may be some individual disagreement on the meaning of freedom, there is one tie that binds us all: the Constitution. The Constitution guarantees the right to seek change though peaceable means. It was designed to protect the individual against oppressive government. The ends of achiev- ing the means of freedom lie in protecting the rights of all Americans by standing up for others - it does not give anyone the right to achieve ones goals via violent means. President Clinton was on target in his commencement speech to Michigan State Uni- versity graduates stating, "There is no right to resort to violence when you don't get your way. There is no right to kill people." He furthered that comment by reminding militias who have perversed American's healthy suspicion of government , "If you ... compare yourselves to colonial militias who fought for democracy you now rail against, you are wrong." World War ll should have taught the world that violence is not an acceptable means of achieving ends. Most of Europe has, after being wholly devastated during two wars, realized this. But evidence remains that far too many here at home have not yet learned this lesson. e carnival music justkeeps playing while the government keep putting different doctors in the surgeon general's chair. After Clintonadministrationtossedoutthelastquali- fled surgeon general, Dr. Joycelyn Elders, Republicans are balking at the nomination of Dr. Henry Foster. However, when the periph- eral issues are de-emphasized, Foster is the best choice for surgeon general. Foster has a record of success, but at every turn there has been an attempt to discredit him. In the aftermath of the Tuskegee scandal, he helped track down the black men with syphilis who were re- fused medical treatment. One Republican senator tried to skew the facts by asking why he did not do more. What is "more" - more than those who did nothing? In 1991 President Bush honored Foster for his work in Nashville. Foster set up a program in a public housing development that helped 16 inner city youth get into college last year. Despite this encouraging outcome, Republicans found a flaw - some of the teenagers became pregnant - and denounced Foster's accomplishment. Fos- ter drastically affected the lives of 16 people and that cannot be overlooked so easily. Teenage pregnancy is an altogether dif- ferent issue. Anti-teen pregnancy programs are also part of Foster's life work. As an obstetrician he knows well the horrible dan- gers of coat-hanger and back-alley abor- tions, as well as the immeasurable value of life. The fact that he has performed abor- tions is in line with his duties as an obstetri- cian - and it follows the law, as abortions are legal in America. In an example of ' clear thinking on the issue, he will continu to work toward wanted pregnancies, eradi eating any need for abortion or other de perate scenarios. He said, "I want wh most other Americans want -abortion th is safe, legal and rare." His practical ap proach to the abortion dilemma is the be seen in a long time. However, while teen andunwanted preg nancies are pressing societal problems, t should not be the sole basis for choosin surgeon general. Foster's trackrecord show that he is exactly the kind of doctor needed He sees a problem and institutes a solutio - action is preferable to one who wil merely complain. The position may see like a figurehead, but it is much more. Unfortunately, that puts the surgeon gen eral in an often unpopular position. Elders, lik her predecessors was outspoken about contro versial issues -to the point where she bec unpopular with the Clinton administration an Congress and was subsequently fired. How ever, surgeon generals do Americans a servic by speaking on issues that are taboo, yet vital t public health. If chosen, Foster will have to endure much public criticism. It is the nature of the position -- he will tell Americans things they need to know, but do not want to hear. His already apparent willingness to against the grain is reassuring. Foster wi identify public health problems and work to correct them. Congress needs to stop the music and approve the nomination of Dr. Henry Foster.