opinions editorial opinion The hazard of rainy days Most scientists believe that acid rain is caused when sulfur dioxide released from coal-burning power plants changes into sul furic acid in the atmosphere. This phenome non in turn has caused its share of furor over its effects on the environment. And the acid rein problem strikes close to home concerning both the cause and effect of the issue. Rain falling on Pennsylvania has an acid content 40 times higher than normal and is blamed for killing aquatic life and damag ing forests. But, as the second largest pro ducer of sulfur dioxide, Pennsylvania is one of the largest perpetrators of the problem. The' federal government is dragging its feet on this important environmental issue. Although President Reagan has announced that he wants to double research into acid precipitation, few, if any steps are being *taken at the feddral level to reduce the existing problem. Sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants can be reduced today by using exist ing "scrubber" technology. Power plants operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority have ; reduced emissions significantly by using such methods. This is not to say that such measures are without cost. The cost of scrubber technolo gy will be passed on to the consumer. But for Pennsylvanians, the cost would average only about $lO-$l5 more per year on their pages are not necessarily those of The Daily Collegian, d n; C o ll egian Collegian Inc. or The Pennsylvania State University. Collegian _lnc., publishers of The Daily Collegian and related publications, is a separate corporate institution from Penn State. Thursday, Feb. 16, 1984 ©1984 Collegian Inc. Alecia Swasy Editor The Daily Collegian's editorial opinion is determined by its 'Board of Opinion, with the editor holding final responsibility. Opinioris . expressed on the editorial Birth control commercials?: It's Wednesday night and commercial time in the middle of Dynasty, your favorite television show. You're in the kitchen, slap ping together a sandwich. You grab the bag of potato chips and a can of beer and streak back to the TV, leaving a trail of lettuce behind you. You slide into your still-warm chair your •mom says "don't run in the house," and your dad screams "SAFE!" and.you see you've made it, there's still one more commercial before Krystal comes back to punch out Alexis' lights. (Scene: beautiful woman in evening gown and her handsome, tuxedo-clad date are sipping wine in elegant restaurant. She reaches into her purse, pulls out a box and slides it across the linen tablecloth to him). "Honey, I want tonight's ending to be just as perfect as the rest of it. Wonderfully fun and carefree. That's why I bought these." (He accepts the carton of Trojan condoms with a delighted smile.) "Darling, how wonderful. It's my favorite brand how did you know?" (She smiles naughtily). "It's mine too. I like the variety regu lar, ribbed or lubricated. And I especially like the secure feeling they give me. All my Susan M. Melle Business Manager \` ~: URI, WE KNEW . 11E men wear Trojans, or nothing at ali hap pens." The commercial fades out and so does your mother. You're letting the dog eat your sandwich out of your hand and your father is on the floor, laughing)hysterically. 4 . r • 'tlr,l ,;PW Ak:" Okay. Pretend time's over, get serious now. Commercials like these might be on the way soon if a few pro-contraceptive groups get their way. I was watching Phil Donahue last week when one of his guests was Arlene Pfeiffer, the high school girl who was kicked out of the National Honor Socie ty after she had her baby. • Another guest, from Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said her organiza tion has been trying to get television adver electric bills And scrubbers are probably preferable to other methods of achieving a sulfur dioxide reduction. Although the use of low sulfur coal is recognized as another method of reducing emissions, most coal mined in this state is of the high sulfur variety. A switch to low sulfur coal would damage the Pennsylvania coal industry. And coal imported from other areas would be more expensive. Continuous exposure to high concentra tions of acid can damage the mucus mem branes and respiratory systems of humans. And the acid can dissolve metals in the soil, thereby increasing their concentration in groundwater. High lead and aluminum concentrations in groundwater could pose a severe health problem for humans. The hazards of lead are well known and aluminum has been linked with the causes of Alzheimer's dis ease. Although research into the acid rain prob lem should continue, the evidence that sul fur dioxide • emissions are a significant cause is strong. Steps should be taken im mediately to reduce these emissions, not 10 or 15 years from now when the damage is irreversible. The time to act on the acid rain problem is now before the effects are apparent in more than fish and forests. Board of Managers Accounting Department Manager: Mary T. McCaffrey; Office Manager: Barbara Larson; Assistant Office Manager: Kathy Connolly; Sales Man ager: Merri-Kay Smoluk; Assistant Sales Managei: Mi chael Meyers; Layout Coordinator: Susan Kiser; Marketing" Manager: Beverly Sobel; National Ad Man ager: Marianne Smulski; Assistant National Ad Manager: Laura Helbling. ~\.. ~~ \~`..~ With TV's lack of taste, developing intelligent ads is impropable ~,,. tisements for contraceptives. Such ads would be educational and would bring ,con traceptives out of the closet, she said. If the stigma could be wiped away, perhaps more young people would use contraceptives and eliminate unwanted pregnancies. Maybe so, maybe so. Granted, there's a problem here. There's thousands (maybe more) of unwanted pregnancies in the U.S. each year. No one will argue that we need some solutions. But I don't believe that putting condoms, diaphragms, foams and anything else on prime time is one of them. I'm not a prude, but I can't imagine those commercials being anything but offensive. Look at the ads we have now for sanitary napkins, and, heaven forbid, douches. Ev ery month since creation, women have had the same biological workings. Television has had a long time to work with this one, and have they yet come up with an intelli gent commercial for sanitary napkins? Cathy Rigby Mason takes her Stay Frees on the road with her. Along with her robe and slippers, they give her that "homey" feeling. And after a Summer's Eve douche, you'll feel fresh as a walk in the country after a spring rain. George Carlin calls that same feeling mud. I agree. reader opinion Other alternatives • While reading the article reporting the closing of HOPS in the Feb. 13, 1984 Daily Collegian, I was suprised that neither Rayman Bortner, president of HOPS, nor the reporter, Patricia Diacont, mentioned the Gay Men's Alliance or The Lesbian Connection. It was reported that Bortner said that people will be referred to Counseling and Psychological Services, the Psychological Clinic, and the Sexual Health Awareness Resource Program when HOPS closes its doors. Those programs basically serve people who are experiencing emotional or health related concerns. - For the gay or lesbian person who is merely looking for the thriving, but discreet gay community in "Straight College," the Gay Men's Alliance (G.M.A.) and its coun terpart The Lesbian Connection (T.L.C.) can provide the missing link. Although neither group's primary focus is to serve the university community, they welcome students just as they welcome any gay man or lesbian.. • G.M.A. formed last Fall and has held monthly meetings since October. A steadily growing membership coordi nates activities ranging from athletic to social events. The group has also sponsored a speaker on AIDS, speakers from T.L.C., and a film at their regularly scheduled meetings. The Lesbian Connection also offers a variety of activities as it has been doing for several years. The most notable contribution of both groups, however, is the sense of "community" that has developed in State College, making it an-easier place to lead an alternative lifestyle. The Gay Men's Alliance can be reached by writing to P.O. Box 545, State College, PA 16804. G.M.A. publishes a monthly newsletter and contacts members via an optional phone tree. For more information on T.L.C., contact the Women's Resource Center in State College. Name witheld upon request Feb. 13 Personal reasons I recognize Mr. Jacobs' appreciation of my letter. However, I am willing to explain the reasons for my negative attitudes toward the "blind cuts." Please note the following. I am a fourth year student in a five year program, yet I cannot financially make the fifth year. True $5OO would not pay a semester's tuition but the cumulative impact over the last three years ($l5OO, or $2OOO if I was to go a fifth year) has gnawed my alternative resources to depletion. This also points out the fallacy of Reagan's "blind" series of cuts. I would not be here this semester if I wasn't able to secure a University Loan of over $llOO thanks to the Trustees Fund. The affects were initially felt last spring term when I was financially forced to waive my European Study option (which is important in the study of architecture). I could add to the list the time I spent running all over looking for other sources instead of pursuing my studies (we're talking about the quality of education here). If you Maybe, just maybe, if producers could make contraceptive ads tasteful and intelli gent, I could handle it. But I'm not sure the rest of the natimi.could. America's in a moral transition period. We've got the morals of our parent's day versus the morals of today, which is always good for a dinner-table argument at my house. Otir generation is riding the line, torn between parents calling us immoral and wanting to go along with the flow of our peers. We can have men zipping untethered through space, but back on earth we Can't get a grip on our sexuality. Ours is the society that banned a young woman from her high school National Honor Society for taking the responsibility of hav ing and caring for a child. This, according to school officials, showed a lack of character and leadership. Ours 'is also the society that produced a study where 60 male and female college students at Old Dominion 'University said they believed sexually permissive women were irresponsible, immoral, immature and insecure. And, even though the same stu dents said they thought these women would be more fun, friendly and outgoing, the The Daily Collegian Thursday, Feb. 16, 1984 still need more, may I suggest we meet over a beer on the only night that I can afford --- 25 cent-night at Zeno's. Who knows, I might even splurge and get a second draft. Adam J. Trott, senior-architecture Feb. 14 To. stop a thief To the umbrella thief in response to your ignorant act of Tuesday, Feb. 14: I just wanted you to know that while my brand new umbrella (a Valentine's gift from my husband that just happened to be drying directly outside my Willard office door) may have shielded you better than I from that day's monsoon, your heist was not as successful as you thought you missed the matching shoes and tote bag. I'll make you a deal: you return the merchandise where you found it (no questions asked) or stop in the office and take the shoes and bag. You see, I'really hate to break up a set. Donna M. Fuller, Class of 1976 Feb. 15 • Caveman thinking Chris Reilly's article of Feb. 9 is just typical of neander thal logic. Rape is "violent aggression" NOT "lust" that can be curbed by lowering testosterone levels! Humans who rape are angry at themselves and the world and must vent that aggression on any victim. You proceeded to tell us that "castration is not a logical solution and that many women would disagree." First of all you assume that Depo-Provera, injectible birth control drugs, and incarceration is the answer, stating that it "has been tested on many rapists in an effort to lower their sexual drive." You are typical in your unresearched logic that rapists attack out of lust and if we only lowered their sex drive they would be alright. Question: Do we keep these lustful creatures on these drugs for the rest of their lives? You have been commercialized into thinking that drugs are the answer to the mental illness that causes the rapist's aggression. Secondly, you assume that many women would feel that castration is the answer. You could not be further from-the truth. You•say that "I could never experience the humiliation and fear that is felt by a rape victim." Sir, you could "definitely" feel the humiliation of rape. Rape to males is on the And, did you ever think that the rising crime rate is due to more men, more women, and more children reporting 'rape and other crimes and that the public is tired of the violence of these humans and not their lust. Sir, we may have a slow penal system, but your assumptions as to why it is ineffective and the ways to cure it are totally wrong. Cynthia J. Ruffner, junior-man-environment relations Feb. 9' students still preferred more conservative people as their friends. And the Catholics, good Lord, (no pun intended) would the Catholics flip over contraceptive ads on television? Being Catholic, myself, I was 16 before I learned that not everyone was a result of immacu late conception. Except for the rhythm method (you all remember that, right?) birth control of any kind is good for a one- way ticket to the pits. I just don't think the Church is going to appreciate contraceptive ads. • The flip side of this argument could say that our children see enough sex on TV (doesn't the antenna get in the way?) so maybe we should see some protective de vices, too. Or hey, if you can't handle such ads, turn the channel. But our society just shows too many conflicts, too much hypocrisy. I really don't think America is ready for boob tube birth control. Sherry Albright is a senior majoring in journalism and a columnist for The Daily Collegian. Her coulumn appears on alter nate Thursdays. opme Creating accessibility within the constraints of the campus By BRENDA G. HAMESITER Physical disabilities can be acquired at ;?any age; either temporarily or permanent - ly. Since disabilitites may affect any of us or our friends and family members, we should - all be concerned with the opportunities that exist for disabled students and employees at Penn State. forum A national profile in the "Chronicle of Higher. Education" (Feb. 1 1984) estimated that 6 percent of students entering college during Fall Semester, 1983, were disabled. If'this figure is accurate, we can estimate that about 3,800 of Penn State's 55,200 stu- Good luck Last semester I was confronted with a situation which I considered to be most educational because it helped to increase my awareness of some of the problems encountered by the handicapped individuals of the Penn State community. I do not propose that the short weekend I spent confined to a wheel chair as part of a class assignment opened my eyes to all the obstacles in the lives of these people, but I did come to recognize those that could be eliminated• through the concerned, cooperative efforts of caring people. In my . mind, one such effort has already been proposed by those who are working toward a barrier-free Penn State. I believe one of the most striking problems I encountered dur ing my "wheelchair" weekend was manuevering myself from one side walk to another. There are many corners which are not leveled to pro vide easier access for the hand icapped individual. Also, I am aware that some of the older buildings on campus are not equipped with ramps which would facilitate entrance for the hand icapped. In my opinion, architectural barriers, including elevated curbs, stairs and very heavy doors should be eliminated to assist the handicapped individual in his or her travels through the University Park campus. Unadapted restroom facilities also After some improvements now is not the time for complacency 1 By HAROLD HOOVER I myself am handicapped and have proven to be a major benefit, The Shields-Intramural Building the bathrooms need to be made stage. She talked to the appropriate from my own experiences and those but again there are problems with area could also use curb cuts. How- accessible, and even for a drink of people in hopes of alleviating any At one time or another, most peo- which have been related to me by them as well. For those on crutches, ever, curb cuts do cause some trou- water, the wheelchair users must future problems. The response that ple have had to rely on the use of others, I have compiled a list of the doors really are a benefit. And ble for the visually impaired, though first procure a glass to refresh them- she received left her bewildered and crutches or canes. Probably a large barriers. These may not exist for all even for those who have good upper again, I look for help in alleviating selves. frustrated. They told her to sit closer number of students have walked out people, but to some they are major body mobility, they are a blessing. this problem. Parking for those who need to to the stage next time so that she of a concert unable to hear because problems that could and should be But for those that really need them In buildings that have elevators drive to class can also be a major could lip read. With available audio of the noise that was generated dealt with. wheelchair users with limited which are key operated, trying to challenge. First, obtaining a special technology making great advance there. How many of you fear being in For the handicapped who have arm mobility many push-buttons track down the key can be a delay permit, and then finding a place to ments, that response was archaic the dark? Not being able to see the mobility problems like myself, steps are out of their reach. .. that is unnecessary. Why can't there park can be an experience that I and inappropriate. surroundings causes anxiety for are a major inconvenience. For aes- The buttons are placed in illogical be one key for all elevators? I have would not wish on my worst ene- It is very easy to criticize and I most people. For the majority thetic purposes, some railings have positions. Take the one at the rear of three keys for the elevators in the mies. have done my fair share in this though, these are temporary incon- either been removed or placed in Carnegie Building for example. The buildings I frequently use. I was told that I could not receive a forum. But the blame does not lie veniences. What about the people awkward positions. The steps lead- bushOs around the button make it Another area of concern is Beaver blanket pass (permission to park upon the shoulders of the adminis who must live their lives with one of ing to Chambers building are a difficult to get close enough to oper- Stadium. It has been pointed out that anywhere on campus) because this tration alone. Students and others these inconveniences? How well prime example of this thoughtless ate the mechanism. Other areas there is a section exclusively for would displace someone from a can become involved. does Penn State take care of their placement. Other areas that have no have similar placement problems, wheelchairs. True there is a wheel- parking spot. The fact that the peo- The apathy of handicapped stu needs? railings whatsoever are a hazard, including steep ramps leading to the chair section, but it holds only 28 ple in charge of parking have no idea dents themselves has been demon especially during the brutal winters buttons and ditches that make easy persons and the rest of the' wheel- of what days or what time I would be strated at the Association for here in Happy Valley. button access impossible. Why chair users are placed in the end- using a parking lot must not matter Barrier Free Living Environment One experience that I have had in wasn't a person in a' wheelchair zone at field level. Not the best seats, to them. I really don't believe they and Design meetings, where maybe forum trying to get railings placed on steps consulted before it was too late? but worse yet, we are at the opposite would take a parking permit from six or seven people usually show up. shows how inefficient working The new fire escape code needs to end of the stadium from the other someone else without knowing when Even when President Jordan ap through the system can be. When I be re-thought too. The code states students. Why not another section I would need the spot. peared at a meeting (140 invitations . Depending on whom you talk to, requested the railings in September, that any person who needs assis- closer to our friends? For the visually impaired, it has were sent out) only about 40 people the answer varies greatly. The Uni- I was led to believe that they would tance in leaving a building should sit Access to Rec Hall can also pre- been suggested that a tactile map attended. versity has made progress in recent be in place by November at the in the stairwell until trained person- sent problems. The doors that are would be of great use and is under We must join together tp realize years, and I keep hearingtow it has latest. But because of red tape and nel can get to them. I don't know accessible by wheelchairs are consideration. How about tactile ex- improvements. They will not happen made itself accessible to the dis- other problems, it i s a l r eady Feb- a bout others, but I really don't relish locked. I assume it's to keep people hibits at Pattee, the art museum or overnight, but we can lay the abled. There have been some im- ruary, and the railings have not the idea of being engulfed in a stam- from sneaking into an event. I was any other exibit area? Have there groundwork for future generations. provements, but now is not the time appeared. . pede during a panic situation. I can't told that I need only to knock on the been any? Are there plans for any? If you can become involved it to become complacent and live off This wouldn't have frustrated me suggest an alternative, but there has door and I'd be admitted. Well, it did Concerning the hearing impaired, would be greatly appreciated. And the accolades that so easily flow as much if I hadn't explained my got to be a better solution. not work. Maybe because I was a I've heard there are good programs you don't have to be handicapped to from the lips of officials and others. dilemma to an architect who works Curb cuts are beneficial to those in little late for the event. Regardless, in operation. Note takers, "signers" be involved. All that is needed is a While it is obvious that some natu- at the University. I asked him r wheelchairs, those pushing car- a better system should be worked and the like have been appreciated desire to purge archaic ideas about rally occurring obstacles such as . " What would happen if someone riages or dollies, and yes, even for out. by those with hearing difficulties. the handicapped and a desire to snow, ice, rain, etc. are unavoidable, would fall and get injured on the cyclists. There have been a number The HUB is another area that However one problem has me mysti- remove man-made obstacles. it is equally evident that 'some of steps?" His reply was, "The railings of curb cuts placed around campus, needs drastic changes. I have been fied. Penn State's basic facilities could be would probably be placed the next but more are needed. The intersec- 'informed that in two years the HUB At a performance in Schwab Audi- Harold Hoover is a sophomore ma significantly modified to better fa- day." Let's here it for the system. tion at Pollock and Burrowes Road should be accessible. The doors are torium, a young lady had a problem joring in recreation and parks and a cilitate the handicapped. The push button powered doors is a prime example. extremely heavy as anyone can tell, following what was being said on member of A.B.L.E.D. dents system-wide have disabilities. • Some faculty members still believe that they have never had a disabled student in one of their classes. In fact, each instructor has undoubtedly taught many students with invisible disabilities such as hearing loss, learning disability or epilepsy. These stu dents either believed that their disability did not require classroom accommodation or simply chose not to mention the disability to their instructor. The challenge at Penn State has been to create physically accessible campuses given the constraints of historic buildings with few elevators and elaborate stairways, large hilly campuses and . severe winters. While tackling these physical barriers, we must also address attitudinal barriers that pervade our society beliefs that disabled persons are helpless and should be pitied„ and are incapable of self-support or of create another barrier problem for the handicapped and should be im proved. Should anyone choose to challenge the integrity of my argument which provides the rationale for removing these barriers, I propose that you attempt for just a day to ride around campus in a wheelchair without as sistance. My final word to you would be good luck because you are going to need it. Linda A. Porter, senior-individual and family studies Feb. 8 Get involved I believe the community of disabled students can exercise more influence at the University than it does now. We need to get together and use group strength to accomplish our objectives of living normal lives as students at Penn State. Specific objectives appropriate for a university such as Penn State in clude accessability for classrooms, living areas and other buildings on and off campus. Specific examples are the front doors at the HUB, which are extremely heavy, narrow and dangerous because of the lack of visibility; and Eisenhower Auditori um, where wheelchairs are consigned to the back row because there are no accessible exits in the front. Accessability can also apply to a barriers-free Penn State entrance into all majors and courses. Another objective is to promote a health awareness of disabled individ uals so that we can be truly consid ered a normal and equal part of society in attitude as well as physical access. Keep in mind that the term "disabled" can include individuals with unseen disabilities, so the awareness issue is not as clear cut as it may seem in regard to obvious disabilities. I could go on, but the intent of this letter is to let •students know that there is a student organization that exists for the purpose of promoting objectives such as the ones men tioned above. We are the Association for Barrier-free Living, Environment and Design (A.8.L.E.D.). We want you to be involved, whether you are disabled or have an interest in the concerns of the disabled. On Tuesday, Feb. 28, we are having our bi-weekly meeting at 7:30 p.m in 205 Boucke. Please let A.B.L.E.D. know your needs and priorities and consider working with us in seeking to accomplish them. For more information, call me at 865-9791 or Francis Dollinger, 865- 9450. A.B.L.E.D. shares an office in 203 HUB if you wish to see someone about our organization. Our current office hours are Tuesday and Thurs day from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Thank you. Keith L. Klaus, president A.B.L.E.D Feb. 7 competing academically with able-bodied students. Sothe or all of these myths are held by University employees, members of the student body and even by some disabled persons. We should all realize that there are more similarities than differences between dis abled and able-bodied students. Disabled students are also concerned about choosing an academic major, earning good grades, finding friends and sexual partners and participating in social activities at Penn State. The University's approach has been to provide services for disabled students with in existing programs whenever possible. This means, for example, that orientation programs should be held in accessible loca tions and that Career Development staff should be prepared to handle employment questions related to disability issues. Since Penn State's financial resources are limited, we try to solve access problems with creative and inexpensive solutions. A $78,000 elevator will not be built to the second floor of a builiding,•for example, if the class can be rescheduled to a ground floor location. Some services at Penn State, such as adaptive physical education and library accommodations, are among the best in the nation. Other very important, but lesser known, services are Penn State's housing accommodations, specific scholarships for disabled persons, an adapted transportation system at University Park, and support for notetakers and interpreters for deaf stu dents. In my four years in this position, I have been very pleased with the high level of support and interest shown by able-bodied The Daily Collegian Thursday, Feb. 16, 1984 Penn State students. The typical student question is, "Is Penn State doing enough for disabled students?" Likewise, the adminis tration has been very supportive of funding for accessibility projects and on-going serv ices. Penn State has much to be proud of in disabled services. However, we still have problems to solve, such as locating qualified interpreters, creating interest house acces sibility at University Park, and improving physical accessibilty at the branch cam puses. Anyone interested in helping in this effort can contact me at 135 Boucke, 863- 2020, or attend the Feb. 28 A.B.L.E.D. meet ing. Brenda G. Hameister is the University's coordinator for the Disabled Academic As sistance Program Barriers While the University has made some improvements in creating a barrier-free environment at Penn State, there are still some glaring problems. The intersection of Pol lock Road and Burrowes Street (left) doesn't have a wheelchair ramp on any one of its four corners. Also, many buildings have automat ic door openers, but some of them are so blocked or hard to reach (above at the rear of Carnegie Build• ing), it makes them just as inacces sible as the building itself. The button in the photo is partially blocked by the archway to the door and a large planter containing shrubs.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers