From the editors . . . It used to be a foregone conclusion that if you stood for strong defense, cutting domestic programs like welfare, and the death penalty, you probably also supported the pro-life position when it came to abortion. Likewise, if you supported programs to help feed children, supported defense budget cuts, social progress for women, and opposed racism and apartheid, you probably also stood for a pro-choice position when it came to abortion. But over the last several years, many have come to believe that supporting the weak and defenseless--the third world, our own poor in the U.S., women and minorities, all of us who live under the shadow of nuclear destruction-- is inconsistent with liberalized abortion on demand. The issue is not whether one falls under the heading of the dreaded "C" word or "L" word. Rather the fundamental human life values beneath the surface of these issues stem from one common thread. The way we treat the environment, stock pile nuclear weapons, destroy rain forests, treat each other on the freeway and on the job (see front page story)--creates in my mind a nauseatingly consistent picture that has nothing to do with liberal or conservative politics. We all--Jews, Humanists, Muslems, Christians, and others--stand in traditions that value the entire life cycle of human beings in which life is to be celebrated and death mourned, regardless of the age or "productivity" of the individual concerned. What Is Black History Month ? Black History Month is more than just an opportunity for Black people to discover the story of the African-American struggle. February provides all people an opportunity to begin a dialogue that should be the foundation of Penn State's committment to cultural diversity. This dialogue should lead to positive action in the other 11 months. Unfortunately, the spirit of Black History Month often goes the way of the Christmas spirit - promises soon forgotten. Anyone who questions the need for this February dialogue may not understand that as long as racism is alive and well in America - and it is - this month must be used as a reminder of the reality of race relations. As a microcosm of our society, Penn State reflects the good of it as well as the evil. If for only selfish reasons, all students, faculty and staff should take advantage of Black History Month. All of us will, at one time or another, have to deal with people of other races. Students should not wait until graduation to try to learn how to be sensitive to other human beings. Some day, ideally, there will be no need for a special month or Black history courses to recognize the African-American achievements and struggles. Some day, hopefully, American history books will tell the true story of this country and all its people. But until that day comes, February must bear the burden of reminding America of two things that some Americans would rather forget: 1) African- Americans play an important role in the development of this nation, and 2) African- Americans have been, and continue to be, treated as 2nd-class citizens. The members of The Black Student Union deserve the gratitude of this institution for providing a forum for the dialogue necessary for the improvement of race relations. BSU members work hard throughout the year to create an atmosphere of cultural diversity at Penn State Harrisburg. me Captiat Editor-in-chief David Blymire Managing Editor Joe Kupec News Editor Nathan Lee Gadsden Business Manager Scot Levy Advertising Manager Sherry Kohr Copy Editor Judy L. Hricak Adviser Dr. Peter Parisi Staff: Andrea Abolins, Denim C. Benson, Amy Blinn; Victoria Cuscino, Lisa Cutler, Kevin Facer, Tom Glazewski, Pat Haak, C.W. Heiser, Donna HolmeS, Kim Herr, Sondra Kinsey, Josette Kloker, Penny McDonald, Tara McKinsUy, Levette Parish, Karen L. Pei ffer, Joyce Pove,y, Jeff Quinn, Lisa Ridley, Todd Ross, Mary Lee Schnable., I.,eah Senodi , Teresa Shultz, Maria Stahovec, Derrick Stokes, Andrea Willard, John Yagecic. 'The Capital Times is published by the students of Penn State Harrisburg. Concerns about content of any issue should be directed to the editor in room W-337, Olmsted or call 944-4970. Any opinions expressed are those of the author and arc not representative of the college administration, faculty or student body. The Capital Times does not endorse its advertisers. The Capital Times welcomes signed letters from readers. Unsigned letters cannot he printed; however, a writer's name may be withheld upon request. David A. Blymire, Editor in Chief Nathan Lee Gadsden, News Editor WELCOME TO AMERICA \ THE. AT-TrrUDE_ Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: As a soon-to-be-graduate of this institution and a current intern in the "real world," I have learned many lessons. The most important deals with this newspaper. Sure, I learned how to formulate and write newspaper articles in Journalistic Writing 310, but I truly put it to practice by joining the staff of the Capital Times. This isn't a ploy or recruitment letter for everyone to join the staff, it is simply a "Thank You" from me for the experience I gained. It has helped me write articles for professional newsletters. And the grueling, long hours I spent in layout and typing has helped me improve newsletters of professional businesses. I brought in new ideas that we used in the Capital Times over the past two years. The education I received from joining the club has been used heavily over the past five weeks and I urge anyone interested in publication writing to partake of this opportunity. It is not always glamorous, but it pays off in the long run. I also hope to come back as an alumnus and learn that the Humanities Division has granted credits to those who participate in the newspaper staff. It takes a lot of time management and endurance to keep it up during mid-terms and finals - the crunches of the year. The more participation, the better the newspaper Thank you, Michelle Sutton, Communications Major Dear Editor Recently flyers adorned the bulletin boards across the campus asking for smokers to band together. Simply put, they want a room of their own in the Olmsted building so they won't have to stand outside to light up. I guess the controversy will never end. Non-smokers want a smoke-free environment and smokers want to be able to smoke without freezing any body parts off. Everyone says "I have a right." However, where do you draw the line? Non-smokers should be able to walk through the building without the fear of second hand smoke. Studies have shown that this type of smoke is more deadly than inhaling while smoking. So it obviously isn't fair to subject anyone to such conditions. However, I have also heard smokers complaining about the cold weather, and the inconvenience of having to leave the building to smoke. They say that they have rights too. Nonetheless, I feel that when one person's right infringes on another person's right, then there is a problem - especially when a person's health is concerned. I am allergic to cigarette smoke and I love the clean air in this building. Smokers say that they want a lounge in the Olmsted building. However, I happen to know that with the closed-circuit ventilation system, the smoke would filter throughout the building anyway. I guess there isn't an easy solution to this problem. However, I think that smokers should realize that they smoke because they choose to. No one is forcing them. Therefore, non-smokers should be able to breathe clean air because they choose to. Name Withheld - r HE RE A._.\ T\( .
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers