PAGBB' Penn PIRG Nears Goal In Signatures On May 5, an all night vigil was held on Kent State Campus, Ohio, to honor and remember the student activists who were shot and killed while protesting U.S. involvement in an unjust war. Fittingly, five years since that day the war is finally ended. Hopefully the many injuries suffered by members of the peace movement were not wasted. Since the ending of U.S. military presence in Vietnam, many Americans apparently feel that campus activism has died. This is not the case-activism has simply been channeled into more organized and thus more effective movements. PIRG, the Public Interest Research Group, is such a movement. Recently on Capitol Campus, students have mounted a major petitioning drive to demonstrate support for the movement to the PSU administration. As of this writing approximately 75% of the 1100 signatures goal set for our campus has been met. This success has resulted from a multi-media publicity campaign, petition canvasing, and such guest speakers as Scott Kennedy, Nader’s Raider; and Driane Brenner, Penn PIRG eastern coordinator. In order to further garner support, Ralph Nader, developer of the Pirg concept, spoke to a crowd of 2500 students at University Park on May 7th. Nader rather appropriately referred to the American people, and in many ways unorganized students, as sheep at the mercy of a corrupt system. Moreover, since he believes so strongly that Pirg is a way to escape this herding, he stated that in order to incorporate the movement into the PSU community, he will personally “camp in” at University Park if necessary. Representing Capitol at the rally were Jim Pegan and Chris Markey, two members of the Penn PIRG ad hoc committee on campus. When interviewed, members of this committee outlined some basic problems which have been encountered thus far. Basically, they feel that Capitol’s infamous and infinite apathy have been the major obstacle. Coupled with this, however, has beeh a KEGGAR ’75 FRIDAY, MAY 30,1975 9 to 1 STUDENT CENTER ADMISSION FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT PLENTY OF BEER by Michael Bless general lack of knowledge on the students’ part as to how Pirg can benefit the individual. It was explained that Pirg will be primarily oriented toward student concernes such as landlord/tenant rights, utility rates, and local consumer costs. In addition to these, the movement will allign itself with various other “people power” groups such as Common Cause, and state consumer groups in order to initiate broader platforms - environ mental protection, legislative reforms, etc. Finally it was pointed out that the aim of Pirg is to involve the optimism and activism of the college student in conjunction with the practical abilities of professional lawyers, researchers and lobbyists to incorporate meaningful changes in our system. These changes will be of benefit not only to the general populace but directly to the student through the mechanism of independent studies for academic credit. In connection with this we interviewed David Kochner, director of Pennsylvania Common Cause. Kochner expressed genuine interest in Penn PIRG and outlined various independent studies possible for Penn PIRG researchers associated with Common Cause. Included in these are research projects into conflicts of interest within the state legislature, much as was done by New York PIRG; corruption within the state utilities; mismanagement in govern mental departments, and tax reform. He stressed the importance of the PIRG movement at Capitol because of its proximity to the state capital and stated, “Common Cause Pennsylvania welcomes and is looking forward to building a symbiotic relationship with Penn PERG. The PIRGs throughout the United States are among the most effective mech anisms for restoring confidence in our social and governmental institutions, and for rechanneling the decision making process back to the people.” If readers have any questions, contact members of the Penn PIRG ad hoc committee through Prof. Decker. Music Festival Slated Here Good People Productions wil present the fifth annual Music Festival, Saturday starting at 11 a.m. behind the Engineering Lab. Last year’s concert drew several thousand spectators on a beautiful sunny day with good music for all. This year’s free, outdoor Festival is open to the public and will feature the following musical groups: the recently recorded “Dialogue”; “El mer’s Kids,” which has a new single record; “Third Stream”; “Morning Song,” and “City Limits.” Saturday’s concert will be C.C. Tuition On Block Among the unusual items on the block at the annual WITF-TV auction from May 11-17 will be a full term’s tuition to Capitol Campus. The tuition has been donated by Electronic Data Associates Inc. of Lemoyne. A spokesman for the firm said the tuition can be used heard through a better sound system and performed on a larger stage with more good people helping out. In case of rain on Saturday, the concert will be held Sunday. Bring your wine skin, roll your own, prepare yourself for a day of sun, fun and music. For further information contact concert coordinat ors: Ed Jennings Dave Nicholas 944-1643 (Harpo) Stan Chilson 944-0322 by any full time graduate or undergraduate student for any program. The money from the top bidder for the tuition will support public television for central Pennsylvania, WITF TV, channel 33. Electronic Data Associates Inc. will pay for the tuition. | Bathtub Crackup On Campus Bathtub driving should be left to the experienced. This was the lesson learned last Thursday, May 8 at 8:30 p.m. when a Capitol Campus student decided to use the tub for crusing instead of bathing. During the Roman Riots in Meade Heights Bonnie Kal len was given an enthusias tic launching down the hill on a solo bathtub run by friends in People’s Park. According to witnesses, Miss Kallen was piloting the NADS’ winning bathtub from the 1975 annual bathtub race. She handled the bathtub well in the begin ning, but towards the bottom of the hill lost control and crashed into the rear of a parked car. Bonnie was not injured but the car, a 1974 Fiat station wagon owned by Kathy Long, received dam ages to the left rear quarter panel. The bathtub was put out of commission for the rest of the evening. Bonnie's solo came to its spectacular finish because the tub was not equipped with brakes. She said, “It was a freak accident that could have happened -to anyone.” Miss Long, the owner of the damaged car, agreed with Bonnie. John Morris, chairman of the NADS bathtub commit tee, said that the bathtub was used without the sanction of the NADS. International Club Meets An organizational meeting of the International Affairs Association will be held on May 22 at 8:00 p.m. in the Gallery Lounge. All stu dents interested in joining All We Are Savina Is Give John ' A Chance HELP KEEP JOHM LENNON IN THE 0.5.- JOIN THE NATIONAL FLOOD THE WHITE HOUSE DAY, JUNE 12th Send petitions to President Ford to allow Lennon to stay in America “If he can pardon Nixon, why can’t ho pardon Lennon?” For complete information, petitions, etc., send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER 310 Franklin Street no. 117 Boston, Mass. 02110 Enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope 944-3522 MAY 15, 1975 Term Setup Continues University Park, Pa.-An academic calendar for 1976- 77, continuing the present four-term system for one additional year, was an nounced by Dr. John W. Oswald, president of The Pennsylvania State Univer sity. “Any permanent change in the basic academic calendar that might emerge from the recommendations of the Calendar Commission will not take place before the Fall of 1977,” Dr. Oswald said, explaining that more study and consultation are neces sary. Art Exhibit Begins Here An art exhibit featuring the work of students, faculty, and staff will be shown in the Gallery/ Lounge from May 19 through June 9. According to Maxine Lewis, coordinator of art shows, the exhibit will feature paintings, drawings, graphics, sculpture, crafts, and photography. All work shown will have been created by members of the campus community. Lewis commented, “The purpose of this event is to bring together the creative talent on campus.” The Student-Faculty-Staff art exhibit is sponsored by the Student Activities Office. the Association are invited to attend. The topic of the meeting will be the aims of the Association and its general direction for the coming year.
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