opinions
editorial opinion
FYI: New spot
Starting tomorrow, The Daily Colle
gian will break with tradition and
move its opinion section from Pages 2
and 3.
This move does not relegate the
opinion pages to a position of lower
priority in the Collegian. It does, how
ever, signify a desire to let our read
ers see the news first, formulate. their
own opinions and then read the Colle
gian's and other people's opinions.
From now on, the opinion pages will
appear after the state/nation/world
section in a one-section paper; in a
two- or four-section paper, they will
appear at the end of the first section.
In other words, the opinion pages
will appear after the bulk of the news
coverage. The placement of the pages
will vary from day to day, depending
on the size of the paper, but will
usually be found somewhere between
Page 6 and Page 12. An index on the
front page will list where the pages
are located.
Opinions in a newspaper perform
many functions. They explain, they
clarify, they promote dialogue about
topics of community interest.
Those functions are often handled
reader opinion
To your health
As graduate students in the nutrition program, we feel
obligated to correct certain unproven and misleading
statements which appeared in the story "Eat Nutritious
Foods," which appeared in The Daily Collegian on Feb. 8.
While we could not agree more with the thrust of the title, as
well as the general suggestions that the public should decrease
its sugar, salt, fat and cholestrol intake, errors in facts and the
presence of unproven claims appearing as facts can not be
overlooked.
The relationship between nutrition and immunity to infec
tious disease, particularly' in a generally well-fed society such
as ours, is unclear. Contrary to what was stated, there is
surely little, if any, relationship between cholesterol intake
and susceptibility to bacterial or viral disease. Still, because of
its association with heart disease, the recommendation to
avoid foods high in cholesterol is not a bad one. Similiarly,
excessive sugar consumption, unless it markedly depresses
the intake of other foods, is unlikely to affect the immune
system. Clearly, adequate intake of all nutrients is essential to
good health. It is not clear that low intakes if vitamins A and C
or the minerals iron and zinc are related to incidence of sore
throat, mononucleosis, or any viral infection at all, nor is it
likely that greater than normal intakes of these or any
nutrients will afford greater protection against such disease.
Also, it is questionable whether there is any particular advan
tage to consuming yogurt with "active" cultures, since these
bacteria are unlikely to survive digestion and establish them
selves in the intestine to any great extent.
The term "poison" to describe a candy bar or the effects of
processed foods on the body is an unnecessarily sensational
exaggeration. It is difficult to judge the value of any particular
food (e.g. a candy bar) except in the context of the total diet. In
other words,a candy bar could be incorporated into a balanced
diet particularly if the individual has high caloric needs
though the candy bar alone or a diet composed primarily of
such foods would not be high in nutrient content.
While processed foods are often high in fat and refined
sugar, and overconsumption of these have been associated
with certain chronic diseases, processed foods in general can
not be said to "poison" our systems. Furthermore, the sugges
tion that such foods are in any way difficult to utilize or
eliminate is wholly unfounded, as is the statement that fatty
Striving to find better answers to 'Why?'
A simple word. Yet a word' that is not used
enough at Penn State. Often students, faculty
members, administrators and The Daily Colle
gian do not question why.
The other buzz words of journalism who,
what, where, when and how are used often
enough, but why seldom is.
Why?
A tough question that involves a tough an
swer. The answer often involves more research,
more understanding, more interviews more
time. And in the rush to finish a job, the answer
to why is often shuffled aside for a later date.
During the past year or two, the Collegian
started to ask why more frequently. This year
the Collegian will try to continue this effort.
As part of that continuation, Collegian read
em should see better coverage of the adminis
tration, of faculty affairs and of the 10 academic
colleges. You should also expect to see more
coverage of trends in higher education on a
for opinions
on the Collegian's news pages.
Through stories about student govern
ment, the greek system, tuition and
other issues of student concern, the
community has a chance to learn
about itself.
The opinion pages take these issues,
interpret them and also provide a
community forum for citizens who
cannot find another outlet for their
opinion. That community forum still
exists in your newspaper. And it is
being strengthened.
A priority of the Collegian this year
is to expand and strengthen our opin
ion section. Beginning Fall Term, we
hope to expand to two full pages of
opinions daily. The pages would allow
for more reader opinion, columns and
forums. Also, an additional editor has
been assigned to the opinion pages to
work specifically with reader opinion.
Because the Collegian is your news
paper, please let us know what you
think about the change. A change is
not permanent in the world of newspa
pers if readers are not being served
well.
But this time, we hope that moving
back is taking a step in the right
direction.
and sugary foods in some way compromise liver detoxification
capabilities. .
While many of the facts in this column were not accurate, we
agree with its basic recommendations. That is, Americans
especially young Americans— would indeed benefit from
moderation in consumption of fats, refined sugars and calories
and could achieve this by increasing consumption of whole and
enriched grains, legumes, and fruits and vegetables.
-Nutrition misinformation is a widespread problem in lay
publications. We hope that in the future, the Collegian will
verify the expertise of its sources in nutrition and other
sciences.
David Jason Mela
Richard Rothman •
Leeann Simons
Graduate students-nutrition science
Feb. 12
Good job!
I would like to thank The Daily Collegian for a fine effort in
covering minority issues this year. I, like many other blacks at
the University, found it nice to see that we also do things which
are considered newsworthy. It was different ,to open the
Collegian and find out about black student leaders, issues,
organizations and events.
During her campaign for Collegian editor, - Paula Froke
promised to provide better minority coverage.' She did just
that. For, years we have been fighting to increase minority
enrollment at Penn State. It was nice to seethe Collegian
behind us. The Collegian not only communicated the need for
better recruitment to a majority of students, but also the
reasons it is needed.
Besides recruitment, the Colegian followed many minority
sponsored events. Brotherhood Day, the Miss Black Penn
State Contest, Minority Affairs' fashion show, Martin Luther
King memorial activities, minority forums, the Black Arts
Festival, minority speakers and the creation of the Black
Faculty Task Force, to name a few.
The op-ed section on minority recruitment and retention was
an excellent opportunity for many students to share their
views on minority enrollment. It opened discussion and cre
ated more communications between minority and white stu-
national level and how they relate to the Univer
sity.
Why?
Penn State is rapidly approaching a critical
period.
A new president will lead a University strug
gling to adapt to a new calendar system, fight
ing with increased costs and decreased
revenue, and groping to plan while experts
disagree about the size of future enrollments.
Decisions made during this period are going
to affect how this University perceives itself
and how others perceive it in the coming de
cade. What will Penn State look like in the 1985
and 1990? Why will it be that way?
The problems facing the University are simi
lar to those facing other institutions of higher
education.
Seemingly unquestionable institutions in
higher education are coming under question
across the country. Some of the problems of
other universities will eventually reach Penn
State if they haven't already.
For example, Temple University recently
started to consider the dismissal of tenured
faculty the people that assumed their futures
were secure. Decreasing enrollment and in
creasing costs have shattered that notion and
Marvin Wachman, Temple's president, an
nounced $2.3 million in cuts and the dismissal of
tenured faculty in all of Temple's departments
except one engineering technology. A Temple
vice president said the cuts may mean the
dismissal of hundreds of faculty members.
Penn State hasn't reached that point yet, but
the career market is quickly putting a damper
on a liberal arts education. Many of Penn
State's humanities departments are over
staffed, while certain business, science and
engineering departments , are desperate for
faculty.
The Collegian can't solve these problems;
however, we can try to fully explain them and
put them in perspective for the University.
Other untouchables of higher education are
also being reviewed.
Graduate schools are also faced with increas
ing problems including rising costs, decreasing
research and financial aid funds and a nation
wide decrease of 1.1 percent in enrollment.
President Reagan's proposals for financial
aid are making many students question their
ability to attend school some may be forced
to drop out as early as next year if Reagan's
proposals pass Congress. At Penn State about 80
percent would be affected by his plans.
The list of problems for higher education is
endless. With its resources, the Collegian will
try to examine these issues and explains the
whats, hows and whys to our readers.
There are also other less tangible questions
and problems that face the University commu
nity. These questions also involve a lack of
questioning, a lack of asking why.
One example is the discussion about the "Life
of the Mind at Penn State" a discussion that
involves the way the University sees itself.
Many people think the quality of education at
dents, which is something we can never get enough of.
For years, many students didn't know who the black student
leaders or organizations at the University were. This year, the
Collegian shed some light on that subject. The Black Caucus,
the East Halls Black Student Union and Minority Affairs
(along with others) received a lot more attentionthan in the
past. This year I think a greater percentage of the population
actually know the names of some of the black student leaders.
These black student leaders are helping the general student
population, too, and their efforts should be recognized.
Thank you, Paula Froke, and the whole Collegian staff for
attempting to bring fair coverage of minority concerns. I hope
the new editor and staff continue this policy. Coverage of
minority issues may bring about better communications and
understanding between the races, which may in turn facilitate
BROTHERHOOD.
Darryl Daisey, East Halls Black Student Union
USG Senator
Feb. 20
Fairy tales?
First, I want to say "Thank you" to the Collegian for giving
us peons out in the student , population a chance to voice our
views.
Second, I want to say, "Good job!" to all the students who
are taking advantage of this opportunity. Maybe students are
not as apathetic as everyone thinks. I know I enjoy hearing all
sides to an issue. Thank God that we live in a free country.
Third, I'd like to present a reply to Donald Simanek's letter
published in the Feb. 11 edition. I suppose that being a
Christian, I qualify as "witless for Christ" and as a believer in
fairy tales who supports irrational philosophies.
I'll begin by addressing the last part of this description the
philosophy bit. The "philosophy" of Christianity is a common
misconception. Christianity is not a philosophy, it is a way of
life just as Judaism was for the Old Testament Jews (and
many of those today).
Jesus said, "I am the Way and the Truth and the LIFE. If
any man would have eternal life he must take up his cross and
Penn State lacks substance
However, there are many talented professors
and instructors who can and do challenge
students. Why then do some people question the
quality of our academic life?
This is an area that the Collegian can and will
do something about. We plan to increase our
coverage of student and faculty excellence in
all majors to show our readers what is
available at Penn State.
Of course, our aim this year is to improve in
all areas. Every new staff makes that pledge
and I can say with certainty that the Collegian
has improved every year. Unfortunately, I can
also say with certainty that we will make
mistakes. When we do, we will act quickly to
rectify our errors.
In the "Statement of Purposes and Functions
of Collegian Inc. and The Daily Collegian," the
beginning of the section on the responsibilities
of the student staffs reads: •
"The Collegian existed long before current
staff members were named and will continue
long after they have left the campus. They thus
are not its creators but its caretakers and they
have a responsibility to live up to its highest
traditions and to ensure that they do nothing
that will harm its future."
I can pledge, for my staff and I, that we will
work to uphold that standard.
Phil Gutis is a 9th-term journalism and political
science major and editor of The Daily Colle
gian.
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follow me." Since it would be difficult to prove that Jesus was
irrational, those that follow in His footsteps can hardly be I t
given such a label.i.
That is not to say that all who call themselves Christian are
always right. After all, the reason the religious leaders feared
Jesus is because he challenged their security. His words
spoke, and still speak, to the heart of the people and their
problems., He brought comfort and love, which a philosophy
cannot give. Also, when the leaders tried to trip him up and
trick him; he answered them with questions which they could
not answer. And, I think it was Plato who said that wisdom is
theability to ask questions.
As for the fairy tale part, I truly doubt that all the miracles
recorded in the New Testament are fiction or mere coin
cidence. God did heal the sick and the blind and He still does '
today. When a person walks with Chirst, God is free to work
through him, and that person will also witness miracles. I
don't think the Christians in those days were any more special
than we are. They were just more willing to live Christ not
merely "believe in" Christ.
As for being "witless," it is Christ who gives me the desire to
analyze claims made by people in all areas of life. If it were up
to me, I would rather have lived my life under a blanket, not
paying attention to things which did not touch my life directly.
Now, I don't want to miss any truths, particularly on the
spiritual level. In that area, not all statements made by
humans reflect the truth. The Bible itself encourages us to test
all such claims so that we are not led astray.
Finally, about absolute truth, I can only repeat Jesus's
words "I am the Truth." For me, there can only be one
truth, not a multitude of truths. If a person is not with the truth,
them he is against it and is being fooled.
I can only say that Donald's opinion is not new. The Bible
says that many will prefer the wisdom of this world, being
blind to the knowledge of the truth. The only remedy for that is
to search the heart as well as the mind for they always work
together, no matter how "rational" we try to be.
Hope Webb, 9th-individual and family studies/communication
studies
Feb.l6
dZ Collegian
Thursday March 11, 1982
Phil Gutis
Editor
Sharon Taylor
Managing Editor Asst. Business Manager
John Allison
Editorial Editor
The Daily Collegian's editorial opinion is deter
mined by its five-member Board of Opinion,
with the editor holding final responsibility.
Opinions expressed on this page are not
necessarily those of Collegian Inc. or The
Pennsylvania State University.
Letters Policy: The Daily Collegian encourages
comments on news coverage, editorial policy
and University affairs. Letters should be type
written, double-spaced, signed by no more
than two people and not longer than 30 lines.
Students' letters should include the term,
major and campus of the writer. Letters from
alumni should include the major and year of
graduation of the writer. All writers should
provide their address and phone number for
verification of the letter.
The Collegian reserves the right to 'edit
letters for length, and to reject letters if they
are libelous or do not conform to standards of
good taste. Because of the numbers of letters
received, the Collegian cannot guarantee publi
cation of all the letters it receives.
Mail letters to: The Daily Collegian; 126
Carnegie Building; University Park, Pa. 16802.
Names may be withheld on request. Letters
may also be selected for publication in The 1 ,
Weekly Collegian.
The Daily Collegial-) is
Thursday, March 1 ,
WAS JUST UNREAL
RERTEST FOOD!]
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1982 Collegian Inc
Business Manager
Judy Smith
Michael Conklin
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Paul Rudoy
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reader opinion
in arms
Af, Recently in one of my classes I had the
opportunity to hear two colonels speak on the
social role of the war college in Carlisle, Pa. The
title "war college" seemed a bit foreboding, but I
settled back in my chair, intent on gleaning what
I could from the presentation. My first impres
sion was that the officers felt out of place and
uncomfortable, as well they might, in front of a
class labeled social stratification. Their Army
coats and caps, decorated with stripes and bars,
were in strong contrast to the blue jeans and
sneakers of their audience.
Throughout the course of their discussion, I
felt the officers saying: "We are just like you,
only we have to wear uniforms and decorations
as part of our jobs." I think they were acting as
good public relations men in an era when the
military doesn't enjoy the esteem it once did.
Nowadays, college students resent huge defense
expenditures and fear being dragged into un
wanted wars. Still, as military advocates, I think
they did a good job.
The two colonels were good proponents for the
Army because they were able to support conser
vative military policy without appearing like
war mongers . or hawks. One officer said: "We
(officers) are the last ones to want war because
we will be the first to get hit." I don't doubt that
he was absolutely genuine but when he was
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With the dawn comes
da t h „; Collegian
questioned about the lagging nuclear arms nego
tiations, his response was to blame the Soviets
a possibly true, but convenient, answer to securi
ty risks.
Obviously, like all of us, these men have vested
interests which they are compelled to protect.
Also, colonels are not top Army brass and are
subject to the orders of superiors. For these
reasons, they are not likely to come out openly
against major Army policy even when they
strongly disagree with it. This leaves me worried
about President Reagan's policy of military
escalation. I don't believe that all military lead
ers are bent on precipitating war the two
colonels provided ample evidence to the cont
rary. But still I couldn't shake the feeling that
our nuclear and conventional arms buildup may
leading to a war that nobody wants but
everyone feels helpless to prevent.
Jim Havington, graduate-rural sociology
Feb. 11
Divided country
In response to the article in the Collegian on
Feb. 12, I have some thoughts to convey.
Like Germany and Korea, today's China is a
divided country. Two completely different ideo
logies and different economic and political sys
tems have separated China for more than 30
years. Unfortunately, this problem has no defi
nite solution.
The government of the Republic of China,
although no longer recognizedc by the United
States since 1979, still has diplomatic
relationships with most other countries. In the
past 30 years, it has had great success with its
economic and political policies bringing to the
country and the people a prosperous and demo
cratic way of life. In fact,it has created one of the
miracles of our post-World War II world. I am
glad to say that the path my government has
taken is nearly the same path as that path which
led the United States to its greatness.
Presently, the Republic of China not only
governs, geographically say, the province of
Taiwan but also two counties in the province of
Fukien and one country in the province of
Canton. Hence to call the people coming from
Republic of China Taiwanese is wrong! For
example, I myself come from Shanhsi Province.
I plead to all my American friends to have the
same wish with me that China' will one day be
reunified, unified under freedom and democra
cy. Until then, however, do not call my govern
ment Taiwan call it Republic of China or Free
China!
Ray Dahtong, graduate-mineral processing
Feb. 12
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i I
R.L# WITH THE LIONS
AT REC HALL
NCAA
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Basketball \ ;
Game - '
Lady Lions
vs.
Clemson
Tomorrow night
7:30 p.m.
Tickets:
$4 for adult
$2 for Penn State students and children 18 & younger
(Minimum charge required by the NCAA).
All seats general admission.
Tickets on sale at Penn State Ticket Office, 203 Rec Hall
NAND
LITT.
iislir
GU!
The Daily Collegian Thursday, March 11,