The Daily Collegian Editorial Opinion A different tune PSU must remember education in its quest for defense contracts A tune popular with some Univer sity administrators and faculty members made its move on the charts this year, up one notch from number five to number four. The song is titled “Defense Con tracts” and the U.S. Department of Defense plays the role of the D.J., deciding how much air time or in this case, how much money each institution receives. The University netted about $54 million in defense money for its research programs during the 1989- 90 academic year, according to defense department figures. That’s about $7 million more than last year, bumping the University up one place on the Top 10 list to fourth nationwide in defense contracts. Although Penn State’s ranking impresses many faculty members and students, it causes others to sing the blues. The University must try to achieve a harmony between both groups by balancing research and academics. Those who question defense research say that an over-emphasis on research can take away from classroom funding and teaching. They also ask if the University’s participation in weapons research is contradictory to its inherent mis sion to better humanity through education. On the other hand, research pro ponents say most defense work at the University is not “top secret” and many projects benefit society, bringing new commercial products to the marketplace and creating more jobs. Some projects have multiple uses, Quotable Quotes Next year at this time, I wouldn't be surprised to count 15 or 20 decisions that would have gone the other way had Brennan still been on the court. Northwestern University law professor Lawrence Marshall on the future of the Supreme Court. It would have been good “Perry Mason” dra ma, “L.A. Law" drama, but I’m not about “Per ry Mason" drama. My spirits are high; my defense is on course. District of Columbia Mayor Marion Barry on why he didn’t testify at his trial. It’s said that if you can’t say something good always in control. Deputy press secretary about a dead person, don’t say it. Well, I cons id- Alixe Glen on President Bush’s weekend sea out er him dead. Supreme Court Justice Thur- ing. Curiouser and curiouser Alice awoke on the grassy banks of a large river. She rubbed her eyes, yawned, and blinked a few times to force things into focus. “It is such a bother when one can’t see properly,” she muttered. “I wonder where. . .oh,goodness! Hello!” Sitting just a few feet from her head and eyeing her in the most peculiar way was a large bird with shockingly blond hair. My Opinion i, Jesse Fox Mayshark “Good morning,” Alice said. “Must you stare? It’s hardly polite, you know.” The bird didn’t say anything, so Alice went on. “I don’t suppose you could tell me where exactly I’ve gotten to I seem to keep losing track. ” Hie bird smiled, showing shiny white teeth; “Why, you’re at the Great White House, .of course. On the banks of the Topomac. . . er, Pomonac, you know. I’m important here.” “Are you quite sure?” Alice asked. “I don’t see a house at all.” “Oh, sure,” the bird said. “Oh, sure. There’s definitely a house here. I’m important here. A proud son of the Quails, you know their pride and joy, their Danny boy.” Alice stood up to get a better view, but still couldn’t see a house. The grass benefiting both the military and the public sector. Meteorological equip ment developed for the navy, for instance, can be used by weather stations. Likewise, laser cladding developed here can be used to refurbish worn train axles. It is true that such research is vital to the University in attracting and keeping qualified faculty on the forefront of emerging technologies. Accepting research contracts also assists the University in fulfilling its dual educational mission offering research opportunities to students while at the same time maintaining its academic prowess. But there is a point at which the University’s hunger for research dollars should not outweigh other concerns. Quality classroom educa tion is essential to undergraduate students, and should not be sacri ficed because professors are devot ing time to research projects. Also, when dealing with the devel opment of military technology, researchers should consider care fully the possible long-term effects of each contract they accept. Perhaps the University should be content with its fourth-place rank ing and begin recording new songs, especially as events in the world may reduce the need for America’s military spending. Obviously, the benefits of research in a university setting can be great. However, Penn State should make sure it is not playing the same song over and over again, at the expense of equally important tunes. good Marshall on President George Bush, in an interview broadcast on ABC’s “Primetime Live.” She complained she was freezing very much last night, so I packed her a couple of pillows and some silk covers and took it in to jail so she’s not going to freeze tonight. Zsa Zsa Gabor’s hus band Frederick von Anhalt on the celebrity’s first night in jail. I cannot tell you whether there was any fish caught. Regardless, the president's boat was went on for a few hundred yards, and then stopped at a huge brick wall. Alice was about to ask what was on the other side of the wall, but before she could a high-pitched voice cut her off. “Danny? Danny? You’re not talking to strangers are you?” The voice appar ently was coming from a cluster of large, leafy bushes a few yards away. “You know how we feel about the secu rity thing here.” “Oh, gosh,” the bird said. “No, Uncle George. Gosh, no. I was, um, interrogat ing her.” He hopped across the lawn to the bushes, and whispered something to one of them. Alice, a little confused, stood where she was. The bird came hopping back. “George wants to talk to you,” he said. “Come on, hurry up. He’s impor tant here.” “Oh, all right,” Alice said, “but I hardly see the sense in talking to a bush.” When she reached the well-pruned shrubbery, she curtsied and introduced herself. “Oh, George,” the smaller of the bushes said, “it’s a little girl. Oh, isn’t she sweet?” “Now, Bar,” the second bush replied quickly, “let’s not jump to any kind of conclusions that may or may not be prudent to undertake at this time. We need to approach this situation, as any other, with caution and a certain degree of willingness to accept whatever find ings may be found. “Now,” he said to Alice, “what, uh, what kind of service may we be able to supply you with, although I certainly can’t guarantee anything based on the fact that we don’t currently have much to go on.” “Goodness,” Alice said. “Does that mean you can help me? I seem to have Opinions Reader Opinion Fair coverage Recent events such as the retirement of abor tion-rights Brennan from the Supreme Court and the legislative activities in Louisiana demonstrate that abortion will remain a prominent issue in American politics for quite some time. The media coverage of these and related events has also become an important issue. A comprehensive 18-month study which was recently published in the Los Angeles Times, demonstrated that the major American news media are biased in favor of abortion rights. Reporter David Shaw examined the con tent of network TV news programs, major news papers and news magazines. wm *w.« ewm tmat tars « mtm cam xh*& n&vm cy MBKrn **& J |{jBI«BlWHI HiiSWßft? pgfffe—awhgi.m ts kwo «ssa »s«b Basra man r?\ EPW CSM9 35FJH SWB WPMVSf33B. a «s» *i«k aaai was* fr gotten myself lost again. The bird there said this was a house, but I certainly don’t see one. There doesn’t seem to be much here except that wall, which I can’t see over at all.” “Well, uh, hmm replied “We mortgaged the house, dear,” the smaller bush piped up. “Had to, to pay off Neil’s debts, you know. Of course, there was some squawking about it being public property and all, but what else could we do? ” “Oh, dear,” Alice said. “I’m afraid I really don’t understand, and I must be CB6GCT*IM*® fl9omTB * H,NE daily Collegian Monday, July 30,1990 ©1990 Collegian Inc. Editor Ted M. Sickler Business Manager Ty D. Strohl The Daily Collegian’s editorial opinion is deter mined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor holding final responsibility. Opinions express ed 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 publications, is a separate corporate institution from Penn State. Board of Editors Managing Editor Lori Shontz Opinion Editor Jesse Fox Mayshark Campus Editor Stacy S. Niedecker Town Editor Mark Jones Alice in Washington , D. C. going. Would you know a way around that wall?” The bird, who had been fairly quiet to this point, leaped in agitation. “Around the wall? Oh, you don’t want to go there. We never go there. We’re important here. You shouldn’t go there.” “Yes, do stay,” the smaller bush agreed. “There will be a tea party soon several important people.” “Um,” the larger bush said. “Um, well, now, I don’t think the, um, young lady might be interested in this kind of tea thing, do you Bar? It’s, um, not a question of discrimination or anything ” the bush Shaw found that “the news media consistently use language and images that frame the entire abortion debate in terms that implicitly favor abortion-rights advocates. Abortion-rights advo cates are often quoted more frequently and characterized more favorably than abortion opponents.” The study notes that “events and issues favorable to abortion opponents are some times ignored or given minimal attention by the media. Many news organizations have given more prominent play to stories on rallies and electoral and legislative victories by abortion rights advocates than to stories on rallies and electoral and legislative victories by abortion rights opponents.” Abortion-rights advocates prefer to be known Board of Managers Assistant Business Manager Anne Cunningham Accounting Manager Michele Beccarelli Office Manager Wendy L. Frank Sales Manager Selene M. Yeager Layout Manager Courtney L. Caswell Complaints: News and editorial complaints should be presented to the editor. Business and advertising complaints should be presented 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. Information on fil ing grievances is available from Gerry Lynn Hamilton, executive secretary, Collegian Inc. >•***».'.ar*'#a©s mi*t&azxaß& lX237* •?>J '.'■: *•s£ iwitfi? ■■X7-OSI' r-' ! iSXfi * News Editor Linda D. Wahowski Copy/Wire Editors Laura A. Ward, Chino Wilson, LisaZollars Sports Editor Tom Esterly Assistant Sports Editor Laura Eckert Arts Editor Caryn Brooks Photo Editor Mike Orazzi Assistant Photo Editor Chris Gaydosh Art Department Art Director Amy Ft. Glass of the kind, but there is this kind of pri vacy thing, and, urn...” Alice, whose memories of her last tea party were none too fond anyway, said “It’s quite all right, really. If you could just direct me past that wall, I really would appreciate it. ” “Good, good,” the larger bush said. “Danny, could, um, you escort this very prudent little girl to, um, the door? ” The bird, obviously unpleased, hopped across the lawn, muttering, “Danny, do this, Danny, do that. Danny, go visit an oil spill, that’s a good boy. One day, he’ll see I’m important.” Monday, July 30, 1990 JWY REFORM W SKIHH? IT VKCm. DOW IT? as “pro-choice,” and abortion-rights opponents prefer to be known as “pro-life.” While the term “pro-choice” is commonly used by the media, the term “pro-life” is rarely seen in print. In order to provide balanced reporting and fairness, the media should either utilize both terms or neither term. Perhaps the opposing sides could be described as “abortion-rights advocates” and “abortion-rights opponents.” It is hoped that our local media, including the Centre Daily Times and The Daily Collegian, can rise to the challenge and provide fair, bal anced and accurate coverage of the abortion issue. Letters Policy: The Daily Collegian encourages com ments on news coverage, editorial policy and Univer sity affairs. Letters must be typewritten, double spaced and no longer than one arid one-half pages. Forums must also be typewritten, double-spaced and no longer than three pages. • •'. Students' letters should include semester stand- 1 ing, major and campus of the writer. Letters from alumni should include the major and year of gradua tion of the writer. All writers should provide their address and phone number for verification of the let ter. Letters should be signed by no more than two people. Names may be withheld on request.. ■ 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 number of letters received, the Collegian cannot guarantee publication of all the letters it receives. Letters may also be selected for publication in The Weekly Collegian. All letters received become the property of Collegian Inc. Letters and forums from University Park and State College: Please deliver any submissions in person at the office of The Daily Collegian; 123 S. Burrowes St. All authors must be present with picture identi fication either University ID or photo driver's license when presenting the letter or forum. Mail other letters to: The Daily Collegian; 123 S. Burrowes St.; University Park, Pa. 16801-3882. About the Collegian: The Daily Collegian and The Weekly Collegian are published by Collegian Inc., an independent, non-profit corporation. Alice grabbed a watercress sandwich from a tray obviously meant for the party, and followed. The bird led Alice to a small door and began to open its several large, threat ening locks. “Excuse me,” Alice said, “but would you mind terribly telling me what is on the other side? It is so much easier to adjust to a situation if one knows what to expect.” “Oh, sure,” the bird said, “this is where we keep the people.” “The who?” Alice asked. “You know, the people,” the bird replied. “The ‘of the, by the, for the’ people. Now be careful they’re dan gerous.” He swung the door open, shov ed Alice through it, and then slammed it shut behind her. Alice gasped. She was in the middle of a huge crowd of ragged beggars, all asking each other for food, though it was obvious none had any. One of them, who had seen her come through the wall, staggered over. “So,” he said, “you were visiting my servants, eh?” “Your servants?” Alice asked. “I don’t think so; I mean, they had a clean lawn and. . .” “Oh, sure,” he said, “they’re my ser vants. They’re public servants, ya see.” “But look,” Alice said, “if they’re your servants. .. I mean, they’re hav ing a party and you, um, not to be impo lite, don’t even have clean clothes. That’s not very logical, is it?” “Nope,” the tramp replied. “It’s democracy. Were you going to eat that sandwich?” Jesse Fox May shark, a senior major ing in journalism, is opinions editor for The Daily Collegian. .-"■’sd Michael Cawley graduate-psychology
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