February 18, 1994 — LION’'SEYE — Page 5 Opinion & Review Commentary: Nation of Islam Speaker Creates Widespread Controversy John Tunstall It was just thirty years ago that Jews fought and struggled along with blacks for the cause of civil rights. Itis amazing how quickly and conveniently one can forget history. Khalid Abdul Mohommad, a high ranking official of the Nation of Islam recently showed not only his envy of Jews but also his racist views in a speech at Keans College in New Jersey. “You call yourself Mr. Rubenstien, Mr. Goldstein, Mr. Silverstein because you have been stealing rubies and gold and silver all over the earth,” he ranted. “ That is why we can’t even wear a ring or a bracelet or a necklace without calling it JEWelery.” Mohommad showed his racism with pitiful attacks on whites, Christians, homosexuals, as well as Jews. His envy of the Jewish people was so disgustingly evident, that Mohhomad swore they had control of our government, the media, and Hollywood. Referring to the black community, he said Jews “suck our blood”. Sadly that audience of students and staff at Keans College applauded bigotry. Louis Farrakhan, Mohhomad superior, did not rebuke him for this speech. Not very surprising Farrakhan is an established rascist and hate promoter. Listen to what he recently said at a rally in Harlem: “We know that the Jews are the most organized, and rich and powerful people not only in America but on the world. They are plotting against me even as we speak.” What response should be given to such comments of hate and paranoia? Censorship, banning, and firing back racial contempt are the easiest and most used choices, but how about confronting bigotry with truth we have learned through history and experience. Jesse Jackson rebuked these statements as: “racist, anti- semetic, divisive, untrue and chilling.” This is a significant and hopeful change for Jackson, who in 1984 called New York “hymietown”.. Black anti-semitism boils down to the envy and resentment that Jews, as an underdog in American society like the blacks, have succeeded. The black community suffers from a world of despair, but did not the Jews survive a Holocaust during World War II? It was that suffering and despair that motivated and spawned law firms, Hollywood studios, hospitals, and the powerful nation of Israel. As for the Nation of Islam, its followers are being led into a nation of angry morons. Muslim members need to look closer at men like Farrakhan and Mohhomad. So many black man are becoming victims of the world of hate. Civil right does not guarantee economic status, rather it affords the ability to break the chains of despair through hard work. Campus and Cafeteria Changes Need Students’ Ideas and Input By Bob Lewis Recently the Delco cafeteria has witnessed an exodus of patrons. Students have crossed over to the Promised Land of Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Pizza One in Lima, so they may be delivered from the monotony of the school cafeteria. In addressing this problem last semester, an SGA-initiated “Rap- Around” resulted in some specific suggestions for All Seasons Corporation, the vendor who runs the cafeteria. Many have already been implemented, such as a salad bar, more combo items at lower prices, and no handling of food by the cashier. Other changes are still in the works, like more name brand items and better overall food quality. Looking ahead to the fall semester, Diane Jankowski, Director of Business Services, recently said, “In light of the ongoing problems, it was felt that we should go out for bid during the spring semester, rather than having the contract with All Seasons automatically roll-over again for the fall.” This bid process is now under way. Another area of concern voiced by the students was the atmosphere in the cafeteria, or lack there of, and the need for more “student space” on campus. One response to that request is a set of booths, which Jankowski has already procured for installation in a newly-designed cafeteria. Another response is the proposal for a nonalcoholic bar or club, possibly in the space now used for the bookstore. Dr. Ed Tomezsko, campus CEO, is pursuing this proposal. Student input is also needed by the campus Landscape Committee. Recently faculty member Dr. Robert Black and student Bob Lewis met with Rick Johnson, County Extension Agent, who outlined some major beautification projects for the campus. These would be developed, in part, with the cooperation of the Master Gardeners Association. This group was instrumental in designing and the selecting the plants for the campus sign area at the corner of Route 352 and Yearsley Mill Road. Future projects being discussed include replacing the tress in the parking lot, replanting the property borders, designing a new program of plants and tress for the new tennis court area, as well as landscaping the grounds of the new building. Moving the main entrance of the campus to a new location on Route 352 was also discussed, as well as the often- mentioned traffic light proposal and the danger that not having one presents. Student ideas are important in all this planning. Suggestions can be be sent to the people mentioned above or to the Lions Eye. Black Student Union League President Erica Parks with speaker, Michael Stewart, on Martin Luther King Day. : Photo by: WES TOMLINSON School Closing Dilemma: To Go Or Not To Go? By James Foltz I looked out my window on January 26 and peered out into the dreariness and the cold of night. The streets glistened with a fresh sheet of ice and snow flakes fell slowly to the ground. I knew that I would not be able to take the car to Penn State tomorrow. No, not with those road conditions. I would have to take the bus. So I set my alarm and pulled my blankets over myself. I didn’t dream that night, but, I would have a nightmare the following day... On January 27 my alarm clock rose me from my slumber bright and early in the morning. 5:00 am to be exact, so that I could catch the bus in time for an 8:30 class. I did the usual things that I do in the morning, showered, dressed, ate, etc., etc.. However, I did have a small change of pace. I had the radio turned on and tuned in to KYW 1060. As ate, I waited. As I waited, I listened. AsIlistened, hoped. Ihoped and hoped that school would be closed. I didn’t want to go out and wait for a bus that might never come in the frigid, cold weather. I hoped that the magic number would be read aloud for all the students of Penn State to hear. So as I sat there and waited for the number to be read, I made a phone call; it was about quarter of six at that time. I punched in the precious numbers, 892-1275. After a few rings the line was picked up and my hopes were shattered. Penn State was open. I would have to face the cold. But at that same moment, KYW began announcing the school closing numbers for Delaware County. And the numbers dragged on until finally I heard... “491, 492,493,494...” This wasit, the magic number would be read aloud and everything would be right in the world. “...496...” No. I called the campus again at 6:00 am. Nothing. I called again at 6:10. Still the school was open. So I left my house and trudged to the bus stop. It was very, very cold out. The bus arrived on time and the #114 started me out on a two hourride to school. I would make it to Penn State at about 8:00. However, little did I know that at about 6:30 KYW made a little announcement which I would never hear. It read off the magic number: 495. I arrived at Penn State on time and a day and a weekend early. The bus wouldn’t drive down the driveway because the driver was fearful of the ice, so he dropped me off on 352. As I made my way down the driveway, scarf wrapped across my face and school bag slung over my shoulder, I made a horrifying discovery. There were no cars, there were no people, there were no classes being held that day. I made my way down to the school and found Andy. He helped me snag a bus which was running about one half hour late. Bless you, Andy. Thank you, Andy. I got home at about 10:30 feeling cold, tired and frustrated. I knew I probably wasn’t the only one who suffered the consequences of indecisiveness and late decision making from someone not needing to take a bus. But as for the following day, when the same problem arose, I chose to sleep in.
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