Editorial opini A lot of time and mk wasted by the Unive] Friday. The University , Trustees met on solely for the purl approving a bid for tilt Stadium expansion. The trustees shit 402 Keller, poured th glasses of water, ulated themselves fo] the trip, saw a slide heard an explanatik the expansion, app) unanimously, and left Board members cl all over the state tk minutes to rubber EIR 211thlE. Letters to the Editor Fraudulent In your editorial on Friday you suggest that "procedures are needed to ensure that fraud are (sic) discovered effectively?" How do you suggest that this be done? A pattern of fraudulent voter registration can easily be detected. However, to check each registration individually to prevent even a ,single incident from occurring would inevitably add to the work load of four county employees, and would probably require additional staff. Who pays? The taxpayer, of course. The whole point of the present scheme is to reduce bureaucratic procedures and to rely on the threat of heavy penalties against offenders if and when discovered. Messrs. Collegian Forum Democracy homeless at PSU By David Corey 9th-political science I)rianne Benner 9th-political science Where does democracy belon g ? They told us that democracy does not belong on campus;. we told them we didn't believe it. So, how does one change the manner of representation and participation in a complex organization —• or how does one propose to make this University a more democratic institution? Does democracy belong here, in the University, at all? If one investigates these questions, one will discover that the responses vary radically. Last year the Dean of Student Affairs told members of the PennPIRG organization that democratic principles do not apply on campus. Four presumptuous students hold a contrary view and leveled their indictment at the University: They chose to stand up for their belief in democracy on campus by becoming plaintiffs in a lawsuit that challenges the composition of our highest governing body, the Board of Trus tees. Litigation is one method of change that might effectively reconstitute the uppermost level of decision making in the University by making it more representative of the wide interests involved in Pennsylvania and the University. The assumption is that by making this body more representative somehow that idea will trickle down to the lowest levels of the organization. This being not necessarily the case, however, one must also focus at tention on the roots of the University. Students, faculty and their i , • , on. . • • ~ •,. ,i. ail /A • A _./ 1 . % It o Pgr it43l i I #(.. 1 .. ' V 7 9/I=i- .A' \\‘'\ //f/ 1 .. 1 .. I ! l\T ' Vi 1 ' /1.11 / lit ,/ .://) / , - , • 1 vv. 1 . , , , .i. -0. /, • „ . . \:\ 1' . ~, 1 • .., , , • ...,,.... , . • B e tt er yet .„.. IA _ d 11 4.- . /*. %‘.'• , ,,,4Z' . .5z: : :, :,,, _ Wii\)/g 4. , \ ioney was decision that had already choice. , . .-- r t .., ...,. f.,. -.:.. 74, . k‘ \ , v ‘ . ....,.:.\ ,'&-• '. • \\ ' . ~••• • \ . • ..: ~ \ '. • 4' , : .. ~.--N; v. rsity last been made before they came. Better yet, the meetings • 1 t,,,, ), 'es 7 B., According to the Univer- could be held by phone. All , /' ,4; 1 Ai Board of sity's corporate bylaws, a the trustees could get on a . ,i;.2 , ,,,J. ~., - • , - . :•4v• \ '•' •,• •-...,,,,,,,, ~,,„ • \•,:,,:, campus meeting must-be convened for party line with the press and ...' .77 " -- ,_...., /.7,e;.s o'. -------- • 'pose of such an approval. The tqlaws the public on an extention to ‘ \ ,;• - '.4.,••••‘ \ \ '\••=,:t,, '.::.1,: le Beaver also provide compensation satisfy the sunshine law re,- ' ...2 , - , -- -A' Aftd / \ \% ol\ \\ ,/. rl - . ...m (, \ ....\ N \\\...\,..;•,.•\. .‘\ \ \ \‘\\ _ ' '','. "\ , •,' ; '.V \\ '.. l' ''....''' .\‘ ', :\ ''(:•'‘ \\\ V , ‘ , .\ for the trustees' traveling quirements. , ( < ii . '•;F :,‘‘ .. \..•‘,\ \ ~•:•..,.....• .. .....r . iffled into expenses and hotel bills. Still better, just the presi- i ,I , A •••••• , ,\ \ (. \\ '\• •••• \ ----- iemselves As long as the decision is dent of the board could stand ~ \I \ I ' \ ~‘ ••,,A.W\ • • \\ \ 'A'-*N ; ',. ,') 4 ' 1 tong at- already digested analyzed at the podium with University , .-, , •••v \ , \ \ \ \ \ • \, ~ • ,,v , t v • . ,..• • N ~ , , •\\\ \\, ) . •k\‘' \ ..:•',..•••• .N\ \ \o. "i:• . '''..\-, \ \\\\ •-,:•••,•\ ‘.\\'• .1 1 1r making and cross indexed by the Uni- President John W. Oswald at '••,, .N,\ ~.,• \ N , , • •,,... ..,..,,, \ . R..,it..,.. ~;11,.N\::,.'...:‘,..\.\'\'''' ' *1 ... "•: - \s \\s C\ \. . \ .. fi 7 4t . • .1.• \>.:::l7lS:\::::7‘l'\\‘' ,'•',..',,.........-<.'..-; • •././d . bi.- , -,, . ~• ' , - ~„...)N. ss ~,,„ ~,...:,,,.....,,,,, , i , show and versity's experts, the trustees his left and the vice-president ' \ - i....-- ,;• ;..;._ ~ ~.. ~. ,„, A \\:',. • •,:„\ it Lon about might as well lower their for the Physical Plant at his . .q . . - • ' '•• ‘‘'"'.*. \ t k l sizol , : . Ns. \ 't'.•k . ,' - ,-., \- iroved it quorum requirement to the right. , „.• ... Zt. board president and one or When the slide show was :. , \ :ame from two trustees. Trustee Mimi through, the president could '.: V' , \ < . i• '.,‘' s•tV • ,'' , ,\ A % \,. \ ;, i ,s -----,.,...___. w , , ,,„\ .. i • V4i .0 take 15 Barash lives in town anyway, simply ask: ~,,,„ ,:••,, •,... 04 , ...•••, \ .:, •• , i •k's: - . d 1 : . stamp a she would be the logical All opposed?" \ .•4 e , ,•. • „ 1 . ~... ~,, 4 •••• .%..t• k i >• • MONEY TALKS relationship to one another form the roots of our institution. The space for that relationship to transpire is the classroom, the lowest rung of the organizational hierarchy and our closest link to the organization. The classroom is the smallest unit within the organization would we say we practice democracy there? Take the Bill of Rights and apply it to the classroom does one ex perience the principles of freedom? Some will argue that learning cannot go on in an unrestricted environment. Another assumption: it can. The claim is that if we do not ex perience this freedom that democracy implies in our working learning places, we cannot un derstand what democracy means. We have abdicated the responsibility to act responsibly. From the classroom one moves up the hierarchy into the next level of decision making in the University to the department. Is the governing body in the department constituted democratically or not? First, identify the constituents in the department and see if they are represented in the decision making body. One will find that few depart mental boards are so constituted. Do not be discouraged because it is possible that at least one department might have a constitution or a body of written procedures that responds to some interests in the department. But again one could find this not tb be the case. So, the governing body may not represent all interests, there may exist documents that describe procedures, but at least one can hope that when these bodies convene that they be open to the public. Todd and Asendorf sought to demonstrate that fraud is easy; they should not be surprised if the State follows through, and demonstrates the consequences. Inconsistent One of the facts of political life which is learned very early by new members of the legislature is that there is very little consistency in the criticisms and conclusions of the news media. Last week was a very good example of two extreme positions being advocated across the State. Early last week one syndicated writer released an article If not, does any public record exist for those of us who are denied ad mission to their deliberations? From this public record those excluded from participating in the process might at least know what factors are brought to bear on the various issues that come before the board. And so on up the levels of the bureaucracy to the top; the top is unlikely to be ruffled by what goes on in the classroom or department, and the bottom may not be ruffled by what goes on at the top. If one proceeds from the assump tion that the University is a place for democracy to be carried on, then one must be able to critically analyze if such is the case: Although the myth still exists that democracy is working on the campus in the form of student government or student advisory boards, remember this quote from . Thomas Hobbes: "The Athenians were taught ( to keep them from desire of changing their government) that they were Freeman." Yet last year Someone slipped and admitted that democratic principles do not apply on campus. Although this lawsuit can make changes at the top of our institution and be important in a broader con text, it might be wise to remember that the trickle down theory of change is relatively inadequate for the needs of those on the bottom rungs of this University. If one is interested in change that will affect those at the bottom, it is suggested that one go to the roots of this University and move up the levels. If we do not learn democracy in our most fundamental activities, in our work-learning places, where are we to learn it at all? From the editor Endorsed candidate now Tom Heitzenrater is not the same man he was Spring Term. The changes in him are not subtle to those who observed the dramatic progression of his campaign for the Undergraduate Student Government presidency during March.. The contrast with the Heitzenrater then with the one now is grim. I endorsed Tom. It was a lengthy endorsement backed by facts. But it was as much an appeal to the reader's heart as to his reason. Tom was a University Coalition member last year and thereby was marked by students and administrators alike as a radical, a throwback to the 60s. He compromised his belief in mass activism when he became a USG senator last year. Yet unlike many senators, he spoke how he felt at senate meetings, professed some innovations and thus was slurred as "the wild man of the senate." He pioneered the idea of USG reorganization, which was later , to become the main issue of the spring campaign espoused by all eight can didates. Tom said USG should'combine with the Association of Residence Hall Students and other student organizations in orderthat there be one united group to voice student concerns. He said the Student Advisory Board ( advisory to University President John W. Oswald) should be abolished, i §o that. Ile). ad ministrators Would - meet withAlie:frue Geoffrey L. Wilson associate professor student government for student input. In an early March editorial, I com mended Heitzenrater's ideas, not because they were a perfect solution they weren't but because they did offer the first rational solution for a weak and splintered student govern ment. Then begah the campaign. Changaris, Anderko, Ackerman, Pfeifle and the rest plastered campus with posters. None impressed me. The whole race was a big yawn. Jeff hawkes One day, however, a tall, skinny kid came into the Collegian office. He said he wanted to write a Collegian forum something about Oswald cancelling several appointments to see him. It was Heitzenrater. Not exactly how a wild man should look, I thought. I agreed to let him write the piece until he said, "By the way, I just entered the USG race." I explained how I couldn't give him space in, the paper and not the other candidates. He understood and did not argue. stating that the House has only been in session for 40 days since January since most of the members were part-time legislators who were busy at other jobs. I believe that this is an unfair statement since it does not consider the many, many additional days which members of the House spent in com mittee meetings, hearings and work sessions which are necessary in order to be able to vote intelligently when in session. In addition, I believe such an article further perpetuates the myth that being a legislator is a part-time job. My views on this matter are well-known, and after six months as your representative I am more and more convinced that when all of the members are full-time legislators we will have a more responsive and responsible government and will eliminate all conflicts of interest which have been perpetuated by those legislators in the past who have had significant business and financial interests outside the house. In addition to the ethical and financial concerns, I really do not see hoW any person can do a good job of representative working part-time at some other occupation or business, no matter how hard he or she works. Later in the week, a different position was advocated by a Harrisburg lobbyist who was then widely quoted across the state and in the news media. This lobbyist indicated that one of the problems in the House was that there were now so many full-time legislators who had no jobs waiting for them at home and so were more concerned about staying in office than they were about good legislation. I find this position very puzzling. All members of the House are certainly aware that they have a limited ( two-year) term and I believe that by far the great majority are also aware that the best way to be re-elected is to WO Do YOU SIUDY PiViSle...;Gißß:? SO ce's UNDERSTPAD B. t t:s2 1 11-ke._ IVNIExV/strs Or BODIES AND THE_ roc .5 BRING- ABOUT THOSE. ts o ol/E_MEN S ) MI V)F.. The Daily Collegian encourages comments on news coverage, editorial policy and campus and off-campus affairs. Letters should be typewritten, double spaced, signed by no more than two persons and no longer than 30 lines. Students' letters should include the name, term and major of the writer. Letters should be brought to the Collegian office, 126 Carnegie, in person so proper iden tification of the writer can be made, although names will be withheld on request. If letters are received by mail, the Collegian will contact the signer for verification before publication. Letters cannot be returned. Heitzenrater at first seemed to be a mediocre candidate along with all the others. Yet, with each appearance at the numerous question and answer sessions, Tom articulated well his vision for a stronger student government. Three days before the election, I met with him. I asked him about his plans. He ducked no questions and admitted some inherent weaknesses with his proposals. After he left, however, I knew who I would endorse. The endorsement was easy to write. When one writes with conviction, words flow unimpeded. The endorsement was in the hands of the typesetters Tuesday night the night before the election, the night of the final debate in East Halls. East Halls witnessed Heitzenrater at his best. Eloquently, Tom painted the picture of USG's current inadequacies and then, mincing no words, outlined his predictions for a united student government. He paced back and forth before the audience professing ideals: of students with a say in the University, of a University responsive to student needs. ' . He had a vision, not of himself as USG president, but of USG as a force representative of an unapathetic cam pus. The audience perceived his vision; they applauded. I returned to the Collegian office that night proud that the endorsement was only a few hours away from hitting the street. do a good job in serving the constituents in the district, to represent them in the best way possible. '9 This is not to say that the House affairs cannot be condueed more expeditiously and more efficiently, or that there is'jjot much time wasted by members whether full or part-tim; I believe there can be improvements, and many of us, both new and old, are spending a great deal of time working to improve . the operations of the House. I believe we will be able to make significant improvements yet in this session and will continue to work hard ( full-time) to do just that! d t z Collegian t JEFFREY HAWKES SCOTT R. SESLEit Editor BOARD OF MANAGERS: Sales Coordinator, Alex :k. Barenblitt; Office Coordinator, Judy Stimson, National :id Manager, Judi Rodrick; Layout Coordinator, Terry toolinar:: Editorial policy is determined by the Editor. 1 i 1 1 Opinions expreised by the editors and staff of the Davy Collegian are not necessarily those of the University ad ministration, faculty or students. i 11 WWI whirr VW JUST Cam' A OIRLFRtet4D Lave_ ggemiot4e-eisF2? Ilk_..tituy aw.wivetrk) aimless Heitzenrater lost. He came in thir!d. The endorsement and that last debdte were too little, too late in a field of eight candidates. I bumped into Torn downtown la!st Friday. It was the first time I had seen him since that night three days before the election. I He seems listless now. He is not takibg classes; he doubts that he will pursue his degree in the near future. He has lost patience with his courses. He is low bn money. But what is most disappointing is lie spoke of no goals for which he is striving. He no longer cares what is happeninon campus. He said things aren't goingsto change here. Administrators will can tinue to assume they know what is best for students. Students will continue to be too powerless and fractured to let diem know different. • ~, One thing about our short conversation reassured me, though. During thi)se couple of minutes we spoke Friday, TO did not mention the endorsement. That's as I hoped it would be. He had never asked for it and had never expected it. There was no reason to thank me for it- His defeat was mine and the rest of The stUdents as well. He knew it. It iVAs better left unsaid It's sad that not enough others un derstand what really was lost in that election in which less than 7,000 par ticipated. .... , . Perhaps USG got what it deserves: 'n Helen D. VVAe State Representatiie 77th District Business Manager
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