opinions
editorial opinion
Serving a shot of responsiblity
State College bar and restaurant owners
give more than a dram about being held
responsible for their intoxicated patrons.
Lawmakers, however, believe the owners
should be accountable when an intoxicated
person leaves their establishment. In a
sense, both groups are right.
Tavern owners are upset about
"dramshop laws," an outgrowth of English
common law developed to aid widows and
children of men killed in alcohol-related
accidents. Under the laws, if a person is
served alcohol while intoxicated and later
suffers or causes harm after leaving the
establishment, both the person who served
the alcohol and the establishment can be
held liable.
Unfortunately, the dramshop laws have
raised many questions in the private sector
questions about the gray area that exists
between knowing when patrons have and
haven't had too much to drink. Should it
really be up to a bartender, who is often
serving dozens of less-than-patient patrons,
to make the distinction of when another
drink would mean one too many?
The intent, and the result, of liability laws
for bars and restaurants - has been com
mendable. The law forces bar owners and
bartenders to practice a necessary precau
tion when serving alcohol. The bartender
frequently has the most accurate knowl
edge about how much a patron has been
drinking. In this sense, the bartender should
have an idea, and act on the notion, of when
to refuse to serve that next drink. •
But for every bartender who has the time
to talk with the patrons and who has a good
idea of their patron's limits, there are
bartenders who are too busy to assume
when an individual customer should be shut
reader opinion
The divestiture veto
On Tuesday, April 23, the Undergraduate Student
Government Senate passed a resolution requesting the
University to divest in all companies which do business in
South Africa, as a public statement denouncing the policy
of apartheid. Following our governmental process, the
resolution then came to me for signature or veto. It is my
intention, in keeping with my promise to be up front with
students, to explain all the factors which went into my
decision on the resolution.
Most importantly, we must clarify the issue at hand.
The question is not about apartheid. Students are clearly
opposed to this type of government. Rather, the concern
is whether divestment is the form of protest the students
want to utilize.
In making my decision after numerous conversations
with student representatives, I felt thdre was some debate
over the course of action which would most effectively
convey their constituents' opposition to apartheid, and if,
indeed, divestment was necessary. Consequently, I felt
there was a definite need for greater student input.
This is not merely a question of whether I, as president
of USG, put financial considerations or social obligations
first. Rather it is a question of how much each individual
student ranks his/her priorities. The facts stand that
selling blue chip stock could result in a revenue loss that
might be compensated by a rise in tuition. With the
proposed cuts to aid to education and the insufficient state
appropriations, I felt it was not my role to make a
decision which. could possibly increase the students'
financial responsibility to this institution. It is not my
intention to scare anyone. It is my intention to inform
everyone about all the possible effects of divesture —good
or bad.
It was at this point that I decided that the students had
to be aware of all possible outcomesof divesture and that I
had to determine whether there was, indeed, a concensus
for this form of protest. In addition,l believe it would only
then be appropriate that a piece of legislation is passed
What I would do if I won the lottery
Lotteries seem to be the big thing now and
the . amounts of money which are given
away each week are incredible. At one time,
a million dollars was a big deal; now people
are winning upwards of ten million every
week or so. The more people buying the
tickets, the more prize money available and
the more tickets sold to people hoping to win
the larger amount. It's a vicious, if profita
ble circle at least for the IRS. For those
whci buy tickets every week, hope springs
eternal, but let's take a look at how the
press reports who wins and who doesn't.
You never win if you're a college student,
are younger than 21-years-old or belong to a
fraternity or a sorority. I am painfully
aware that no graduate studentever wins a
lottery. Similarly, very few actors or poli-
off. The problem is complicated by the fact
that many people in social situations can
effectively "act" sober enough to continue
to be served. But these same people behind
the wheel of a car could become dangerous.
Special liability insurance for bar owners
was one initial solution. But increasing
losses in liability cases has driven premium
rates to unattractive amounts and has
forced many insurance companies to dis
continue these policies.
One local bar owner, Christ Papadopou
los, put the debate in an interesting pdrspec
tive by drawing an analogy: Should arms
merchants be responsible for people who
buy guns and then proceed to commit mur
der?
Bar owners are caught in an additional
dilemma when they are faced with a prob
lem customer. Bouncing an intoxicated
patron can leave a negative impression on
other customers. But while bar owners
recognize the .need for drastic actions at
times, many situations are problematic
long before the bouncer is summoned. Sup
pose a bartender doe s n't recognize how
intoxicated a patron really is until after .a
drink has been served. Should the bartender
take that drink back?
Obviously, the liability question deserves
much more discussion and observation. The
laws, while rightly promoting more respon
sible serving of alcohol, have also placed an
unreasonable burden on bar and tavern
owners. Legislators should be seeking a
compromise that recognizes the fine dis
tinction between the responsibility of serv
ing the alcohol and the responsibility of
holding bar owners and bartenders liable
for the consumption problems of their cus
tomers.
which echoes all student opinion
My veto then, is not a reflection of the administration's
viewpoint. My veto is an action to speak for the best
interests of the student body as a whole. There isn't any
better way to do this than by USG taking an active role
and soliciting students' views on an issue with a local,
national, and international magnitude. Consequently,
USG will be conducting a poll to determine if a majority of
the students, with full knowledge of all facets of the issue,
support divestment. When I attend the Board of Trustees
meeting in May, I will tell the trustees of the students'
concerns and ask them to begin to determine the feasibili
ty of divestment.
This issue cannot wait.
Importance of • human value
In two editorial columns which appeared in the Colle
gian during the week of March 18, two racial issues were
raised; these are the desire of black Americans to know'
their ethnic origins and the ongoing but subtle discrimina
tion against black people in the United States. These two
issues are interrelated, and understanding their
relationship allows a greater understanding of social
injustice in many other instances.
In dealing with the first issue, I would like to point out
that because I am not black, I have relatively little
trouble in tracing my "roots." Thanks to research by my
family into our family history, I now know that the name
Nicholson probably started in Scandinavia (Nic-Olson;
daughter of Olson) and most likely moved its way into
England, Scotland, France, and Germany with the Norse
conquests. In addition, all of the other known family
names seem to be traditional English, Scottish, or Ger
man names.
The trouble with attaching any importance to this
arbitrary conjecture is that any healthy black American
bears at least as much resemblance to my ancient
ticians win, nor do writers, college profes
sors, or anyone with the last name of
Kennedy, Morgan, Ames, or Dupopt. No one
already famous wins.
It's not that these people don't try to win
(you can never Ice too rich). No, it's that
there is a plot against them: my theory is
that when Henry Kissinger or Christie
Brinkley goes in to buy a ticket, outraged
and envious ticket sellers destroy their
stubs after all, who wants to see the rich
and famous get richer and more famous?
Take a look at the way the press reported
past lottery winners. It seems that if you
want to win the lottery, you've got to be
unemployed, retired, or just making do.
You can't have a college education, a ca
reer, or practice a profession. If you are
employed, it should be in a steel mill,
restaurant, a print shop, a gas station, or
the like. You're chances of winning are
significantly improved if you work the 4
p.m. to midnight or midnight to 8 a.m. shift.
Living in a decaying industrial city in the
Northeast typically correlates with the big
wins.
And those that win are different than you
and me. For instance, they honestly believe
that life will be the same after winning;
when they do win, they tell everyone that
David Rosenblatt, president-USG
April 29
they won't quit their jobs and that they'll
keep the old house. Sure, they might buy a
new car, or have the house alumninum
sided, or help their grandchildren go to
college, or buy their parents a retirement
place in Florida. But they won't enjoy the
money like you and I would. Some past
winners are known to be bored.
I would do things a lot differently if I won.
Of course, that is not likely since I spend
more time planning what I would do with
the winnings than I do purchasing lottery
tickets. Of course, being swept up in "lotto
fever" and purchasing the single winning
ticket for a major prize is always a possibili
ty. Nevertheless, if I should someday win,
there are several things that I would try to
do.
First, I would expect that it would change
my life forever. I think it's wise to get used
to the idea because change is inevitable
for good or bad after winning $lO million.
I would hope, at a minimum, that my life
would become more exciting, that I could
pay off my bills, make substantial contribu
tions to PHEAA, and immediately indulge
in perhaps unspeakable hedonistic activ
ities. I would imagine that my Master Card
would melt from rigorous use. Planning
creative ways to spend the money could
day Collegian
Tuesday, April 30, 1985
©1985 Collegian Inc.
Gail L. Johnson Michael A. Meyers
Editor Business Manager
The Daily Collegian's editorial opin
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Board of Editors Managing Edi
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ancestors as I do. Consider this: Black Americans, as
well as my ancestors, seem to be endowed with almost
identical bodily parts (all functioning), but Americans
learn and practice science and philosophy; participate in
the liberating arts; and read and write sometimes many
languages. The same cannot be said for my ancient
ancestors. The thinking of my ancestors was most likely
shrouded in myth and confined by tribal customs.
Americans, however, are much more free to devote
time and effort to subjects of their choosing; to base, their
laws in sound moral judgement; and, in short, to devote
themselves to the specifically human talents (love, will,
and reason) which make our lives worth living and our
minds unique and precious in the universe. If this is the
case, then it would seem that just about any American is
more than a match for the sometimes highly revered
ancient relations of people anywhere on earth. How much
more, then, should the people alive today be revered?
My point in bringing these ideas to the front is not to
tout' America over the rest of the world, but to show that
valuing people from a truly humanist viewpoint leads to
love and respect for what is good in a person. Valuing
people from any other basis leads merely to acceptance of
persons of equal status into some club and to prejudice
and even avarice toward people of a different level (an
arbitrarily decided level, of course). This second kind of
value system, undoubtedly, can lead to two seemingly
friendly black women being turned away from a seem
ingly all-white fraternity party with no just cause. The
reason may not even have been skin color, but I assure
you, it was equally as evil.
I lay these things out for people to consider because
anyone who wants justice (optimum social and personal
relationships) for an ethnic, religious, social, or economic
group must not divorce their passions from the specifical
ly human abilities, otherwise, their cause will deteriorate
into one which does not-enlighten people, but keeps them
in darkness. Therefore, groups which do not operate on
human values only serve to perpetuate prejudice and
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besides change
become a full-time occupation in and of
itself. •
Second, I would plan a rather gala week in
some tropical island for myself and several
close friends. It would be a singularly osten
tatious way to pay back some social obliga
tions which have been plaguing me for some
time. I think a charter flight, several cot
tages overlooking Montego Bay, fabulous
meals, some island cruising, and the like
'would be a fitting way to initiate my life
among the wealthy. Perhaps, depending
upon the size of the jackpot, I could pur
chase a small Carribean island-nation.
Third, I would, as a fitting contribution to
society (and possibly good for my taxes),
provide whatever funds were necessary to
the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and
Virginia to construct public restroom facili
ties in two locations. In Virginia, one set to
be built on Interstate 64 between Richmond
and Charlottesville; and in Pennsylvania a
set to be constructed on US 322 between
Harrisburg and State College. If any of you
have driven either of these routes drinking
too much coffee (or more likely, beer) you
are aware of the desparate need for the
construction of sanitary facilities.
Fourth, I'd get a smart accountant and
tax lawyer. No sense having most of the
The Daily Collegian
Tuesday, April 30, 1985
ager: Bev Sobel; Creative Director
Glorie Cohen.
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ignorance; the historical oppressor of all mankind.
James Nicholson, graduate-physics
April 17
Tell 'em how you feel
Historically the United States has had more upward
class mobility and less obvious class distinction than
many other countries. This has been due, in some part, to
an educational system that attempts to make a quality
education available to a good student with limited finan
cial resources.
Student aid has helped greatly in this respect, giving
those with adequate intellectual ability but limited finan
cial resources a chance to attend a better school than
otherwise would have been possible. Presently, there
exists publically sponsored guaranteed loans and outright
grants made avialable to bright students principally on
their ability to pay. The current federal deficit has lead
the Reagan administration (as everyone knows) to con
sider changes in these programs that would restrict the
availability of these funds to college students. The of
these programs could greatly stratify the educational
system, because students will be forced to choose a
college suitable to their economic means.
If one accepts the premise that more expensive schools
are better schools, this leads to the obvious result that the
quality of one's education would then tend to be based
more on wealth than on intellectual capacity. Thus, those
not financially well-off could face reduced professional
opportunites. The student aid cuts would be perpetuated
and would encourage distinct social stratification in the
United States. Individuals who are concerned about a
quality education being available to qualified students
should consider the proposed cuts in student aid carefully
and make their feelings known to their elected officials.
Meg Hughes, freshman-business administration
April 15
money disappear in taxes when it could go
for delightful tax dodges such as real estate
on the Maine coast, dummy corporations,
and extravagent "business" trips to Eu
rope. The possibilities are limitless.
Fifth, I would buy Ronald Reagan some
shirts that fit his neck (what can I say, I am
overly generous). I am tired of seeing the
folds of his flesh between chin and shirt. I
am certain that with the attention given to
Nancy's clothes, little time or money is left
over to replace Ronnie's shirts --- certainly
left over from the "Bonzo" days.
Sixth, if there was enough money left
over, I would move State College a little
closer to either Pittsburgh or Philadelphia.
This could be quite expensive, but in doing
so, I would hope to save some money negat
ing the need for a set of bathrooms along
Route 322.
But then again, we'll all be leaving Happy
Valley soon. Maybe the money could be
better spent on Porta-Johns at the beach or
sun tan oil or Jams or reflector glasses . . .
.
Peter H. Garland is a graduate student in
higher education and is a columnist for The
Daily Collegian. His column appears on
alternate Tuesdays.
GAVVIS'aviSMIVS ,
opinions
The Philippines .
•
. As the players set the stage, tragedy is sure to be a prop
Last week, this column investigated omi- military bases just north of Manila, on the mist, "the way things are going, the guerrillas cos, who in turn supports Reagan and the
nous political stirrings inside Mexico. Fore- Island of Luzon. could achieve military parity with the govern- continued presence of American military
sight, at the risk of alarmism, was the angle Severe political and economic problems, ment's forces within five years." - bases. That, however, has set Filipinos
taken. What events or trends could transform giving rise to a growing Communist insurgen- The Communist Party was outlawed in the against the United States. If the United States
Mexico into a global trouble-spot years down cy, threaten to plunge the Philippines into Philippines, but it remains active throughout. wants to keep its bases in the Philippines, and
the road? Unfortunately, unlike hindsight, turmoil. There is good reason to believe that a Notably, the NPA receives no foreign support. also prevent a takeover of the country by the
foresight is not 20/20. crisis in the Philippines could become Ameri- It operates in roughly 85 percent of the coun- Communists, then support for Marcos must
ca's biggest foreign policy puzzle in the very try's provinces, with its "home area" in the continue, at least in the short term.
near future. slums of Davao, a southern city on the island
Ideally, Marcos should be encouraged to
On the political side, President Ferdinand of Mindanao. allow more freedom and democracy in his
t f '' .•4l " *. 4 ,
1 1 , 4 0 . Marcos' corrupt, repressive and ineffectual Political and economic problems are fuel troubled country, enabling a disaffected pop
regime has disaffected a g(eat number of for the spreading Communist fire. U.S. News
ulation .to seek redress through peaceful,
i.. 1.: , igi
r- Filipinos. At 67, President , Marcos shows and World Report states, "(The Philippines ')
signs of ill-health. But as he enters his 21st many problems not only send to the NPA new legitimate political means. But after 20 years
in office, can such a transition be expected?
(Something about teaching an old dog?) As
a . '':' I s i .. A year of rule, he is becoming more entrenched recruits who normally would not accept Com
\ if 1I I
, r , in the face of increasing discontent. Marcos' monist ideology but also have turned masses
&\,\\ I ( .
1 i 1 1 1 11 suming Marcos stays in office, confrontation
,1 / 4 ).‘ ~1„1 •tii I . ) unpopularity is fueled by the widespread, and of peasants away from the government and seems likely.
well-founded notion that he was involved in toward support for the guerrillas." From a rather un-American (read un
the 'murder of opposition leader Benigno Aqui- The situation transpiring in the Philippines
biased, perhaps?) perspective, The Econo-
One needs an angle to stay uniquely inter- no shortly after Aquino returned from self- resembles too closely that of El Salvador. Can
mist reports: "The Philippines is important to
esting. (That should be a footnote to every- imposed exile in 1983. a full-scale civil war be avoided? As of now,
the Americans, and the United States has a
one's diploma.) Consequently, avoiding On the economic side, the Philippines is in there is little reason to be positive. defense pact with its former colony which
predictions while expounding upon the future its worst nosedive since World War II vpopula- President Marcos appears likely to run
might be interpreted as giving legitimacy to
has been this writer's underlying theme. tion growth soars while GNP limps along, and again ( there must be a presidential election
an American intervention designed to prevent
It must be noted that the writer has had high inflation persists. Twenty-six billion dol-' by May 1987), and he will probably win. His
a Communist victory. But having to fight for
little difficulty choosing topical issues: inter- lars of external debt isn't helping matters. party, the New Society Movement, has consid
the Philippines . . . would be an American
national crises are not rare occurrences. Economic disarray and political strife contin- erable national influence. As long as he is in
However, in keeping with the heretofore tradi- ue to feed on one another, and Filipinos are power, there is little likelihood for democratic tragedy."
tion of pinpointing potential global hotspots, becoming more and more restless. change. Should he choose not to run, a bitter Indeed, that is why the writer has saved a
there is one topic which until now has been Like a deadly contagion festered by unheal- power struggle could ensue involving his wife, column on the Philippines for his last. It could
purposely avoided .. . thy living conditions, support for a Commu- Imelda, the military, and increasingly left- be the most important.
• • . nist guerrilla movement is sweeping through wing, anti-American opposition forces, in-
The Philippines holds an.important place in the nation. In ten years time, the Maoist New eluding the NPA. In short, a none-too-attrac-
American history. A former U.S. colony, this People's Army, NPA, has swelled to nearly tive list of alternatives. David Sanderson is a graduating senior ma-
East Asian country of 54 million is an histori- 12,000, doubling in size since 1981. According The United States is already caught be- joring in foreign service and is a columnist for
cal American ally. Its strategic 'option pro- to Richard Armitage, Assistant Secretary of tween a rock and a hard place over the The Daily Collegian. His column appeared
vides justification for two huge American Defense, as reported in the March. 23 Econo- Philippines. President Reagan supports Mar- every Tuesday.
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The Daily Collegian Tuesday, April 30, 1985-9
Unrealistic limit
After doing some research regard
ing noise levels, I came to the conclu
sion that an upper limit of 55 or 62
decibels was unrealistic. There are
too many commonplace occurrences
that exceed that level and are not
considered troublesome. By the same
token, a higher decibel level a good
ordinance does not make.
The fact is that many students
assume that the issue is strictly stu
dents vs. townsfolk. I have to differ
with that notion. I live on West Col
lege, and I am occasionally bothered
by loud vehicles without mufflers or
intact exhaust systems. However, I
am frequently and regularly dis
turbed by the loud music and scream
ing that eminates from , nearby
housesand apartments. I like to party
just as much as the next guy, but
there is no need to allow a party to
become an annoyance to your neigh
bors. I'm sure that music at a lower
volume could still contribute to the
atmosphere of a party. Perhaps then
all the screaming would not be necce
sary.
I believe that R. Thomas Berner
could be right. A noise ordinance such
as he proposed would require com
mon sense and cooperation in State
College. In other words, it would
encourage getting along. Similarly, I
believe that the. State College Police
would effectively enforce the ordi
nance with discretion.
. With this type of ordinance, people
may become more aware of their
neighbors and more sensitive to their
needs.
Kevin A. Kowalski, junior-microbio
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