opinions editorial opinion Today . . . or not at all Qualifications: - Well, there he goes again. -Ron has graced the American public with his extraordinary command of the English language as well as with his continued attempts to persuade us that he does have the country in his best interests. 4:411, t 4 from, I don't know. I also don't know if it Last week he asked Department of Health comes in a jar or box. And I'm not sure if it's and Human Services Secretary Margaret red, like most blood is, although I would guess Heckler to relinquish her post. in this case it might be green. But it's in her. He wasn't the bearer of just bad news, The president said so. though. That's not his style. In fact, Ron never Margaret said she wanted to take a couple comes out and says he has bad news. He just of days before making a decision on the move; masks it in rhetoric and patriotic mumbo- probably to call her mother to find out where jumbo. she got this Irish blood from. Ron had a better and bigger task for Marg: But wait. Just like a commercial for Ron ambassador to Ireland. Wow. co's Vegematic, there's more. In case you might think otherwise, things The headline to top all headlines is that the still aren't too cozy across the Pacific. Their president's pronouncement of Margaret's religious conflicts haven't been discontinued. qualifications has led to a leak of some pri- The only thing that has been discontinued in vate, never-before-disclosed papers regard- Ireland is the news media's attention toward ing his decisions about why he appointed it; and that's why we don't hear anything several other key White House staff mem about it anymore. bers. So asking Marg to become ambassador to Naturally, this reporter sought out the Ireland now is like asking Joe Friday to move source and persuaded the ground hog who off his Los Angeles beat and head down to began this veritable mushroom of an issue to South America to crack down on cocaine turn the papers over to me. My mission was a pushers. success and you are the benefactors of my But to add to the excitement, the president victory. has called the move a promotion. Heckler Needless to say, we'll be marching to Wash takes a $lO,OOO-a-year paycut and loses a ington, D.C. to speak out about these horrify leadership role over 145,000 employees. That's ing series of events. a step up? What's your idea of a demotion, Here goes: • Ron? Caspar Weinberger: selected to head the But even these two blunders weren't the Department of Defense because he shot his e County voter, thanks for caring about the quality of present and fu ture student / community relations. Becoming in volved in Happy Valley pol itics may not directly affect you five years down the road, but that 1990 group of Penn State travelers will appreciate the- care and extra effort put into paving the road they will be on. If you're not registered to vote or are registered, but not in Centre County both today's and tomor row's students need you to become involved "in -deci sions that affect Penn State and State College. Students are eligible to register if Reagan's never-before-released selection process greatest. Blunders always come in threes. Here's the topper. Doesn't it seem a little strange that the person responsible for directing social wel fare programs in the United States would be the most qualified individual for the job of an ambassador to Ireland? Never fear. Our leader does have an absolu tely justifiable, reasonable, and unquestiona ble answer as to why the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services is more than prepared for this job. He said that she is qualified because she has Irish blood in her. That seems like a fair and just method of determining job qualification, doesn't it? Now, exactly where her Irish blood comes nd go to school in State College must be changed not only to help ourselves now but also to benefit future students and the part of their Jives they'll spend in Happy Val ley Devin Malone, coordina tor of the Undergraduat' Student Government's vot• er registration drive, sair students can register ti vote until 4 p.m. today i] the USG office in 203 HUB Apathy and a my-vote. doesn't-matter attitude of• ten stops students from registering and votin, while at college. But it goel without saying that stu• dents' votes do matter, bul right now their registratioi matters more. \ ; \ /gA/6' next door neighbor in the nose with a beebee gun when he was seven years old. George Bush: chosen as running mate in 1980 election because hr's quiet, boring, and nobody knows how stup, he really is just what a vice president should be. Sandra Day O'Connor: appointed supreme court justice, because (what did you expect?), she's a woman. William Casey: director of the Central Intelligence Agency because he's known to have the largest collection of Halloween masks and disguises in the world. George Shultz: Secretary of State because Ron's a big Charlie Brown fan and he thought George was related to the Peanuts creator and could get him to do a private show in the Oval Office when things got slow. Jeanne Kirkpatrick: former ambassador to the United Nations because she has more chins than Ron. Edwin Meese, III: attorney general be cause he once hanged a woman in effigy for having an abortion. (Ron's not fond of physi cal violence but he appreciated Ed's sense of moral responsibility.) James Baker: former White House chief of staff and current secretary of the Department of the Treasury for no apparent reason. Donald Regan: former secretary of the Department of the Treasury and current White House chief of staff because Ron really got off on how similar their names are. William Bennett: secretary of the Depart ment of Education because he disowned his son for not divesting his stereo and Spring vacation in Fort Lauderdale (another moral victory in Ron's book). Malcolm Baldridge: secretary of the De partment of Commerce because it's a no where job and it needs a nobody to run it. Patrick Buchanan: White House commu nications director because he's right-wing, right-ward, right-handed, and right-on. James Watt: Environmental Protection Agency director during Reagan's first term reader opinion Responsibility On Friday, Sept. 13, an advertise ment appeared in The Daily Colle gian for the pornographic film "Insatiable." The ad carried the usual picture of . star Marilyn Cham bers, topless and barely bottomed, beckoning seductively to the reader. This particular ad even had an invita tion stating: "HOW WELL AN X RATED MOVIE GOES OVER AT PENN STATE DEPENDS EN TIRELY UPON AUDIENCE PAR TICIPATION. FEEL FREE TO SCREAM, YELL AND BARK AS MUCH AS YOU DESIRE." Has cheering for campus porn be come as much a part of the Penn State tradition as cheering for foot ball? The issue of pornography is com plex and extremely controversial. First, what is pornography? It is not easy to define and one can get tangled in trying to differentiate "offensive" porn from "nonoffensive" erotica. Few would argue that porn is an artistic expression one need only look at the pointless "plots" and poor production. In essence, pornography is supplied sexual fantasy. It is bla tant and robotic rather than creative and humanistic. It is physical fantasy removed from the context which se perates human beings from animals the context of intelligence and sensitivity. Outside of this context, sex is degrading. Those who disagree should consider how they would feel if, instead of some anonymous body on the screen, it were their mother or sister. We need also to consider the statement made by the fact that the pornography is being shown on cam pus in classrooms. The administra tion normally takes responsibility for what goes on in its classrooms. Excel lence in the classroom is a source of pride; the administration readily ac cepts applause for this. Does it simi larly accept the screaming, yelling and barking for pornography? The porn _films shown on campus are sponsored by the Penn State Movie Co-op. This is a facade behind which hide two major campus organi zations. The "co-op" is in actuality the Association for Residence Hall Students (60 percent) and the Under graduate Student Government (40 percent). ARHS and USG sponsor pornography. As co-director of USG's Departmemt of Women's Concerns this appalls me. What does it mean when the same organization that es tablishes a department to deal with issues of sexism sponsors pornogra phy which degrades women and men to the level of screaming, yelling, barking animals? What does it mean? A dichotomy exists in the American mind between "belief" and "action." There are cultures where this isn't the case, where there is but one word to express two ideas, where they are because he sold the property where his own mother lives to be strip-mined (one more moral imperative Ron had to reward). John Block: secretary of the Department of Agriculture because only a farmer could send his fellow farmers into bankruptcy and de fault and still make the President appear blameless. Elizabeth Dole: transportation secretary because O'Conner was tired of going to the ladies room alone. Robert McFarlane: National Security Ad viser because Nancy thinks he's cute. Larry Speakes: White House spokesman because Ron thought his name would be kind of funny for this position. The list went on for several pages but these were the key people. The president had made some comments under some piople's names. Nothing important, just stuff like,"leave it to Deaver," refering to a note he sent to his assistant, Michael Deaver, asking him to do something. Despite the outlandishness of these com ments, several of Reagan's appointments have met with fierce opposition on Capital Hill when it came time for Congress to approve his appointment. Congress spent months investi gating Edwin Meese's background before approving him for the attorney general's post. During the 18th century in this country, a president appointed his cabinet members baied on a system known as patronage —how friendly the president and the potential ap pointee were. Fortunately, we moved away from that system and toward a system based on merit. Some of Reagan's appointments give the impression the system has changed back to the old ways. The march will begin at dawn. Michael Kutner is a senior majoring in finance and a columnist for The Daily Colle gian. His column appears every Monday. The Daily Collegian Monday, Oct. 7, 1985 inseparable. It is one thing to claim belief in something, but it's quite another to act on that belief. The University, through the administra tion and USG, tells us it believes in a nonsexist environment, but its ac tions belie this. An analogy is the issue of apartheid. The University "believes" it is wrong, but when it comes time to act on that belief, "fiduciary responsibility" gets in the way. Pornography makes a large profit for ARHS and USG. Once again, fiduciary responsibility wins out over social responsibility. I suggest that the administration, ARHS and USG take a critical look at the image they are projecting. Put the "Movie Co-Op" mask aside. Two very influential groups are sponsor ing pornography at Penn State while the administration sits back and says nothing. I do not advocate censorship. I am not so naive as to think anyone is going to bring an end to pornography. As long as there are those desperate enough to participate behind the cam era and in front of the screen it is going to exist. But I do advocate thinking about the issue and the image it fosters of men and women and of the people and organizations who sponsor it. If pornography is acceptable enough to be shown on campus, then it is acceptable enough for people to accept the responsibility for showing it. Don't hide behind the Movie Co-Op. Patty Martin, president of ARHS, David Rosenblatt, presi dent of USG, and Dr. Bryce Jordan, University President: are you willing to accept responsibility for pornogra phy at Penn State? Susan Sturgis, senior-social work Carol J. Gilmore, co-director USG Dept. or ‘Vomen's Concerns Sept. 19 Cure it It is surprising that with all of the recommendations the University President's Task Force on Alcohol released last week that all of them were designed to cure the symptoms, and not the cause, of the problem. Anyone can get alcohol if he or she wants it, so no matter what the policy of the University is, students will have it. Instead of cracking down on fraternities and tailgate parties, the University should spend some time on an alcohol awareness program. One of the simplest and most effec tive ways to get many people to hear your point of view is to announce it on the radio and in the papers. Creating more regulations against alcohol will only worsen the problems. Only with the cooperation of its students will Penn State reduce the problems re lated to alcohol. Robert C. Rogers, freshman-electrical engineering Sept. 25 dn; Collegian Monday, Oct. 7, 1985 ©1985 Collegian Inc. Gall L. Johnson Michael A. Meyers Editor Business Manager The Daily Collegian's editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor holding final responsibility. Opinions ex pressed on the editorial pages are not necessarily those of The Daily Collegian, Collegian Inc. or The Pennsylvania State University. Collegian Inc., publishers of The Daily Collegian and related publi cations, is a separate corporate Institution from Penn State. Board of Editors Managing Editor: Mark DiAntonio; Opinion Editor: Terry Mutchler; Assistant Opinion Editor: Doug Popovich; News Editors: Patrick Collier, Bill Ferrell, Anita Katz; Copy/Wire Edi tors: Bob King, Anita Yesho, Phil Galewitz, Sue Graffius, Colleen Barry, Ron Yeany, Lori Goldbach; Town Editor: Peter Baratta; Assis tant Town Editor: Megan O'Matz; Campus Editor: Anita Huslin; As sistant Campus Editor: Kim Bow er; Sports Editor:• Chris Lindsley; Assistant Sports Editors: Mark Ashenfelter, Chris Loder, Chris Raymond; Arts Editor: Jeff Bliss; Assistant Arts Editor: Pat Grand jean; Features Editor: Amy Fellin; Science Editor: Nan Arens; Graph ics Editor: Tony Ciccarelli; Photo Editor: Jeff Bustraan; Assistant Photo Editors: Dan Oleski, Gregg Zelkin; Business Page Coordina tor: Rich Douma. Complaints: News and editorial complaints should be presented to the editor. Business and adver tising complaints should be pre sented to the business manager. If a complaint is not satisfactorily resolved, grievances may be filed with the Accuracy and Fair Play Committee of Collegian Inc. Infor mation on filing • grievances is available from Gerry Lynn Hamil ton, executive secretary, Colle gian Inc. 1:11111:1 opinions Reality: Once upon a candy cane . . . Search for truth To: Everyone From: Me RE: National Anti-Apartheid Day On Oct. 11, this Friday, at noon there will be a rally in front of Old Main. From 4 to 8 p.m. there will be a concert on the HUB Lawn. Its purpose is to protest continued PSU investment in South Africa. If you can make it, please do. Schools across the country will be making similar protests. Young Hans Boswell lived in the Land of Whimsy where the GNP grew by 5 percent a year, and the interest rates were equal to inflation at 1 percent a year. Like others of the leading Whimsical Party, he believed in the Gospel of Supply Side. His father had worked hard and, saving all the candy canes he had made at the Everlast ing Gobstopper Factory, had managed to send young Hans to the University of Flight and Fancy where he majored in engineering. He had no intention of being a mere gobstopper maker! And then one day, there was a recruiting drive by the National Secrecy Agency (NSA, for short). The man spoke of a great tennis ball factory that produced foreign intelligence and kept the Land of Whimsy's communications safe. Hans realized that the "tennis ball factory" was a euphemism, for the lecturer's nose grew by three inches, every time he said it. The lecturer told him of the great benefits of the NSA. "Shop, dine and sightsee in fashiona- The New York Times is made available to students and staff of Penn State at reduced rates Mon. thru Fri. The daily rate of .25 is 50% below newsstand. Fall subscriptions will start on the date you indicate and end on Dec. 10th. Subscription information is sent and begins two days after receipt of order. Make check payable to JORDAN ASSOCIATES and mail to P.O. Box 1307, State College, PA 16804. Further details 234-1788. Daily pick-up location (circle one): Bookstore Kern Entrance desk Findlay (east) Oct. 7-Dec. 10: $11.25 Oct. 14-Dec. 10: $lO.OO Oct. 21-Dec. 10: $8.75 Oct. 28-Dec. 10: $7.50 ATA-XO-ATA-M-ATA-XO-ATA-M-ATA-XO-ATA-XO-ATA-XQ a H a a H a A . D , -3 D 0103 i>' /'lr~< \~l~ in the Land of Whimsy Whimsy, who will?" "Must you lie and cheat to save the Land of Whimsy?" "Verily I say, if we do not, then the Cookie Monsters will devour our chocolate chips and Fig Newtons. They will lay waste to our Christmas Trees!" Liberal fixed him with a stare. "Are you not the same as the Cookie Monsters if you act the same? Will you not be as evil?" "No!" Hans shouted. His nose reached the magic carpet stop, a block away. Liberal said nothing. "Well, maybe a little," Hans amended. His nose shrank, a little. About a micron. Liberal shook his head and his face held an expression Hans did not recognize. We will call it sadness. "If you don't," he said, "then the Wizard will summon demons or impose slav ery. Already your women must be barefoot and pregnant . . ." "But they are attractive . . ." "To you," Liberal answered. "But they like it . . ." "Of course they're brainwashed!" Hans fell silent. Clearly this person was citing things that were distorting his world view. Clearly, what he said was truthful, yet it could not be really, verily true, or else the Land of Whimsy, guided by the Wizard would not have allowed things to be as they were. Just then a demon appeared next to Liberal. "You're under arrest," it grated, breathing sulfurous Dorito fumes. Liberal was teleported away undoubtedly to the old Gone With The Wind sets where political prisoners were held for reeducation. Hans shook his head and walked on. The NSA couldn't be all that bad, he thought. But he kept his mouth shut, and his nose could not betray him. John Orr is a sophomore majoring in English and a columnist for The Daily Collegian. His column appears every Monday. *PI , Steinmetz was one of solutions to some of the the few geniuses concerned world's toughest problems with the practical aspects in electronics. of electrical engineering. E-Systems is recog- His pragmatic analytical nized as one of the world's approach led to the de- leading problem-solving velopment of efficient companies in the design electrical power grids as and production of com we know them today. munications, data, antenna, Scientists and en- intelligence and recon gineers at E-Systems are naissance systems that are carrying on in his tradition. often•the first-of-a-kind in. Through the combination of the world. sophisticated analytical and For information on simulation techniques, they career opportunities with are evolving optimal system .j...-- k, -,, .. k. .0: : '-' ' / • - . ..„- . - --z.:, , ~.. - ._-_,--- , -,2. , ' • ,-. Charies Proteus Steinmetz 1665.1923 "" -- —l_ .... • _...-_ - -J / .0 1 • := - .7 . - -- r- - - - .<;"•' ' ,4" 7 ..7 --- - - - , : , • 6/, ' 4 - ---- - .- - - .. I.' " :.- - • ", • . , "But if no one volunteers . . ." 4011 1 .1. 111 TEZZa • I*Whole wheat dough available Try This Special On For Size ... RE E Pizza 1r T-S H 1 RT The Daily Collegian Monday, Oct. 7, 1985-7 Face facts I would like to offer my opinion on the proposed alcohol policies. Let's face facts: The majority of college students drink alcoholic bev erages, at least on an occasional basis. Most have learned their limita tions and know when to stop drinking. Parties give us a place to relax and let dowh our hair a little. They help us to become more social creatures and shrug off the pressures of school for a while. True, some people have trouble coping with the responsibilities that go along with alcohol use. However, these people represent the exception rather than the rule. The idea that the new policies are meant for every one's benefit is absurd. These regula tions will effectively ban most alcohol-related parties by introduc ing more legal loopholes to close them down. Students will not stop drinking alcohol because of these regulations. Those who still wish to drink will only be forced off-campus to private apartments and houses to drink beer. The acceptance of the policies rec ommended by the President's Task Force on Alcohol would be like decid ing to cure a broken finger by cutting off the entire hand. It does more harm than good. We must show the administration that we will not lie down and let the University further restrict our personal freedom. The creators of these new alcohol restrictions are trying to deny us our basic human right to the pursuit of happiness. The end result will be the further alienation of the students from the University. If anyone read ing this believes what I am saying to be true, then you should make sure that your voice is heard. Otherwise, you will have no right to complain when your freedom is taken away. Put down that beer Big Brother is watching you. E-Systems in Florida, Indiana, Texas, Utah or Virginia contact your Place ment Director or write: E-Systems, Inc., College Relations, Post Office Box 660248, Dallas, Texas 75266-0248. WeE-SYSTEMS We The problem solvers An equal opportunny employer trl F. H. V Daniel DiPaolo, senior-biology Sept, 24