OCR::/Vol_089/WLURG39_RTP_19891116/WLURG39_RTP_19891116_001.2.txt I A . 9 1 t 4 I V C‘ Q A 6 V l I. VOLUME 89, NO. 11 VMI holds birthday bonanza By Spain Brumby Staff Reporter Last weekend the nation’s first military college, Virginia Military Institute, celebrated its 150th birthday with activities for alumni, faculty, and cadets. Marking its sesquicentennial year, several VMI cadets buried a time capsule Friday that will be uncovered during VMI’s bicentennial year, 2039. The time capsule, which was buried in front of the Stonewall Jack- son statue at VMI, contained shoulder boards, hop tickets, a private’s belt, an athletic schedule, a Rat Bible, a copy of the VMI Cadet newspaper, a Corps roster with room numbers, a class ring, a special calculator and a list of all the current administration and staff. Following the burial of the time capsule, there was a concert in VMI’s Cameron Hall featuring the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Cho- rus under the direction of Colonel William E. Clark. On Saturday, VMI’s actual birth- day, Dr. Harvey S. Sadow, an alum- nus and member VMI Board of Visi- tors, dedicated VMI's new science building, which was completed in August. The new four-story science facility located adjacent to Mallory Hall contains chemistry and biology labo- ratories, a science information center, a specialized library, faculty offices and supply rooms. The grand finale of the weekend was VMI’s 20-10 victory over its arch rival The Citadel. More than 8,000 people attended the 49th playing of “The Military Classic of the South,” making it the second largest home game crowd in VMI’s football history. WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY 9%‘ Cadets stand at attention on the VMI Grounds Friday afternoon. VMI celebrated its 150th U112 fling-tum {flirt LEXlNGTON,V|RG|NlA ‘ts’JFv,‘~i§6—~+\’; traps * - g _'_;-‘\',:.-'9»: _ .3 34-. '. NOVEMBER 16, 1989 Parade Leiphart. birthday this weekend. Staff photo by Chris FD auditor jumps ship Fowler cites time demands By Stacy Morrison Editor Fancy Dress Auditor Terance Fowler resigned Monday night at the Executive Committee meeting, con- tinuing the personnel problems that have troubled the Student Activities Board since September. “The reason I left is because I didn‘t want to be a martyr for Fancy Dress. I left for myself,” he said. In his letter of resignation he cited both “academic and personal reasons.” Fowler explained that the enor- mous time demand the post has re- quired was a major consideration in his resignation. As auditor, Fowler settled out last year’s outstanding ac- counts, as well as wrote early budgets for this year’s ball. “I felt I was getting nowhere with it all. There was nothing else I could give up except studying, and I wasn’t willing to do that,” said Fow- ler. Fancy Dress Chairman Alex Hitz said, “I’m sorry Terance is going. He can run that computer like nobody else, which is something I can't do.” Hitz said that the accounting work for Fancy Dress has been heavier than before. “The budget we are presenting this year has been difficult because it has been so much more extensive.” Although he doesn't know yet who will replace Fowler, Hitz thinks the auditor’s job is one a student can ‘ ' “I think if a student can organize all the different areas of a ball with the help of other students than certainly a student can handle its finances,” said Hitz. Fowler disagreed, saying the posi- tion requires a “really big commit- merit.” _ “I don't think any student has the time,” he said. “I really respect Charles [Conklin, SAB Chairman] and Alex and Will [Jones, SAB Vice Chairman], and anyone else who is willing to put so much time into one activity. And I agree with Liz Smith: It‘s a thankless job." Fowler said the duties of auditor were not made easier by internal problems within the board. “I can do the actual accounting, but it takes cooperative people who can work together,” he said. Fowler was unwilling to detail any specific conflicts within the board. “I don't want to become a martyr in The Ring-tum Phi, either. I did not leave because of personal conflicts, because if it had been only that, I would have stayed.” Hitz said he thinks the FD Steer- ing Committee has been running smoothly since the new position was created. However, he did say he thinks “people should let everyone do his own job and have the decen- cy to trust others to do their own jobs without there always being a feeling of mistrust." He said the board has had the tendency toward “ automatic accusations.” EC President Willard Dumas said, “It really bothers me that an envir- onment was created that made a good student leave the committee because of the petty bullshit that goes on. “Things are being run from an El Please see FD page 4 Penn assistant named newW&L lacrosse coach Jim Stagnltta ...will coach lacrosse team By Debbie Grove Staff Reporter The search for a new Washington and Lee head lacrosse coach ended Tuesday, when the school armounced that Jim Stagnitta, an assistant at the University of Pennsylvania, had been named to lead the Generals. According to the W&L Sports Information Office, Stagnitta is con- sidered by many to be one of the nation’s top Division I assistant la- crosse coaches. He will take the helm of the men’s lacrosse program on Dec. 1. “I am very excited about the opportunity to come to Washington and Lee and serve as lacrosse Senior EC rep. leaves school By Melinda Conkling Staff Reporter Senior Class Executive Committee Representative Judson Parker has withdrawn from school, citing person- al reasons, and resigned his position on the EC. At the EC’s meeting Monday night, President Willard Dumas an- nounced there will be a special elec- tion in January to fill the vacancy. even though Parker said he will be back for Winter Term. “I will be returning in January,” said Parker. “I've just decided that I’m not ready to spend as much time Seminar By Alisha Johnson Staff Reporter Dr. C.T. Vivian, an international- ly known authority on the problems of human relationships, addressed the issue of black/white racial conflict resolution in Washington and Lee ‘ University’s Dupont Hall on Saturday. A 4 1 0 ’¢ 4 A “Racism destroys more people psychologically and physically and has been doing so for a longer amount of time than any other prob- lem in American society," said Vivian. An ordained Baptist minister, Vivian has been involved in African- American issues for 45 years. He has served as a consultant for labor, corporations, students, and the on the EC as it demands. It’s just a personal decision. I just think it's about time I spend more time on my studies.” In a brief announcement at the Monday meeting, Dumas said, “Jud- son Parker withdrew from school and subsequently resigned from the EC. The EC thanks him for two—and-a- half years of service.” In other business at the meeting, the International Club and The Politi- cal Review presented budget reports. Also, the Independent Union and Fencing Club's budgets were frozen because both organizations failed to show up at the meeting to give bud- get reports. explores poor. He was a non-violent civil rights activist and served on the late Dr. Martin Luther Kin;;’s personal executive staff. Vivian became in- volved in the National Directors of Affiliates of Southern Christian Lead- ership Council and participated in non-violent civil rights demonstrations in Birmingham and Selma, Alabama. Vivian discussed the principles he believes are basic to black and white interaction and are necessary in help- ing them understand each other. He said that Americans are taught to believe the myth that we are all the same, yet the simple truth is that in a strongly racist society we are not all the same. When blacks and whites come together, Vivian said, they accomino— date each other and are not open coach,” Stagnitta said. “Washington and Lee is a place with a great aca- demic and athletic history, and it is a great privilege to be a part of that tradition. “The academic strength of Wash- ington and Lee is very attractive, because I like the type of players you can draw,” said Stagnitta. “It should be possible to bring the same kind of players to W&L that we have at Penn. We'll be looking for the ‘fringe’ Ivy players when we recruit: the men that are good athletes and have the grades to get into the Ivy League, but are not quite ready for Division 1. Those are the guys who will turn into great players in their sophomore, junior and senior years." Stagnitta replaces Dennis Daly, Judson Parker ...leaves school, quits EC racism about their feelings. Vivian said blacks and whites use code words without understanding each other, for example, the word justice has a totally different meaning for one who has seen more than 400 years of injustice than for a person who can look back on more than 400 years of acceptance and expecting justice, said Vivian. Vivian said one cannot be fair to blacks until he deals honestly with who they are in America’s society. Vivian encouraged students to take responsibility for their own convic- tions. Vivian said over 90 percent of racism in the U.S. is learned in the homes at a young age. He said passivity is the “greatest determinant for the continuation of racism.” who has been reassigned to other duties within the athletic department. Daly came to W&L in 1983 and compiled a 30-49 record. The first three of Daly’s six seasons as head coach were in Division I. Under Daly, the Generals’ best season was in 1987, when his team was 114 and reached the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Touma- merit. Stagnitta’s appointment was an- nounced by Athletic Director Mike Walsh. “It’s with great enthusiasm that I armounce the selection of Jim Stagnitta as the new head coach of men’s lacrosse at Washington and Lee," said Walsh, who replaced Bill McHenry as athletic director on Oct. 11. “His wealth of experience as both a player and a coach and his experience at an Ivy League institu- tion will serve him well here. He is regarded as one of the finest young lacrosse coaches in the nation, and we look forward to him joining our staf Stagnitta has been at Penn as both a player and a coach, leading the Quakers‘ lacrosse program to its greatest successes ever. As a player, Stagnitta was a three-year letterman and a starting defenseman. He led the Quakers to two Ivy League titles, including the school's first-ever in 1983. The 1984 Penn team was ranked third in the nation. Quakers were 22-5 in Stagnitta’s final two seasons arid compiled a 33-18 record during Stagnitta’s playing The days. _ After his graduation from Penn in 1984, Stagnitta returned to his native Syracuse, NY, and coached at the high school and junior college levels. He joined the staff at Penn in 1987 as the only full-time assistant. Since returning to his alma mater, Stagnitta has helped guide the team to two consecutive NCAA Touma— ment appearances. Penn also won the 1988 Ivy League tournament, and has compiled a 20-9 record during Stag- nitta’s two seasons as an assistant. Junibr midfielder Clark Wight said, “Stagnitta is very enthusiastic, and is just what our program needs. The team is looking forward to start- ing this season with Coach Stagnitta at the helm.” W&L students attend rally By Alisann McGloin and Caroline Davis /Staff Reporters Several Washington and Lee stu- dents and Rockbridge County resi- dents joined hundreds of thousands of pro-choice demonstrators at the rally sponsored by the National Organiza- tion for Women in Washington D.C. Sunday, Nov. 12th. The rally, held at the Lincoln Memorial, was among 1,000 events held in over 150 cities from Maine to Alaska on a day designated by NOW as “Mobilize for Women’s Lives.” Pamela Simpson, an art professor at W&L, is an officer in the local NOW chapter consisting of about 75 members. In preparation for the rally, the chapter placed an advertisement in the local newspaper and posted signs. Simpson helped coordinate rides among interested students and resi- dents. “I think the most positive expe- rience was being surrounded by peo- ple who share your point of view,” Simpson said. “It‘s reassuring to know that there are that many people out there.” Junior Katy Roggenburk said she was especially interested in the speech given by Iowa’s Lt.Gov. Jo Anne Zimmerman, warning the pro- testers to question the true intentions of candidates claiming to support their cause. Roggenburk said she was con- cerned with politicians claiming to be pro—choice but failing to back their promises once elected. “For women to lead the lives they want, they need control of their 1. A number of Washington and Lee students attended a “Mobilize for Women’s Lives” rally at Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. this past weekend. The pro-choice rally was sponsored by National Organization for Women. Photo by Ashely Harris. bodies,” Roggenburk said. “The state should protect an individual’s rights, not limit them.” “We will not go back!” said Molly Yard president of the N.O.W. Guest speakers at the rally re- stressed what they consider the im- portance of the abortion issue in state-elections as a result of the Su- preme Court’s decision in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services. Many speakers referred to the gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia last Tuesday in which pro-choice candidates were victorious. The participants then took a vow, led by former NOW president Elea- nor Smeal, to support only pro-choice candidates. They were then encour- aged by fonner San Francisco mayor Diane Feinstein to make D Please see RALLY page 4 OCR::/Vol_089/WLURG39_RTP_19891116/WLURG39_RTP_19891116_002.2.txt OPINION .n.....-..~,t ....v._....‘»......—r.-.., Learning for life This afternoon in Northen Auditorium, there was a teleconference about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. We hope you went. What images come to the mind of an average W&L student about AIDS? Some poor, homeless man, wasting his welfare money to shoot up heroin with a dirty needle? Either that or some lowlife homosexual who deserves what he gets because God willed it that way. Dean Buddy Atkins, at the Nov. 6 Interfratemity Council meeting, quoted statistics from the Centers for Disease Control which say that college-age heterosexuals are the fastest-growing age group in terms of the number of AIDS cases. That means us. I According to Atkins, some surveys say as many as three in 1,000 college women have been infected with the AIDS Vll'llS. If those statistics hold true for W&L, then there are one or two women here who have been infected with a disease that allows even minor illnesses to eat away at their bodies and minds for years, at they might not even know it yet. It might even be someone you know. AIDS can happen anywhere anytime, despite our best efforts to ignore it, and the sooner we all understand that, the better off everyone will be. Comedian Sam Kinison once observed that the average person, in his somewhat irreverent view, cannot name one heterosexual who has died of AIDS. We submit that we would like to keep it that way, particularly at W&L. To say that AIDS presents the same threat to W&L students as it does to those groups designated as “high risk” is, of course, ludicrous. Equally ludicrous, however, is the notion that W&L students are, by some miracle, exempt from the disease. Admittedly, the condom machine near the door to the infirmary is, at best, unusual or, at worst, offensive. To say nothing of the condom machine in, of all places, the Gaines laundry room, complete with a small library of AIDS information pamphlets. Call it an “everything you wanted to know about AIDS, but were afraid to ask” literature section. Despite their slightly maudlin, almost comically so, content, such sights have become, by default, a glimpse of a rather grim reality. It is no longer possible for us to blithely ignore the possibility that one of us could die, right here at W&L. It is not solely the university’s responsibility to educate the student body about AIDS. Any such school-sponsored program concerning AIDS would, without doubt, be the subject of scorn and widespread disregard. We, as students, shouldn't have to rely on the university to tell us what we should already know. We applaud the Health Education Committee for its efforts in bringing the teleconference to W&L. It would be a shame for those efforts to have been wasted because n one cared enough to go. - - Quote of the week Law enforcement oflicials do not need reserved parking. They are able to park anywhere in anyone’s lot with assurance that they will probably not be given parking tickets. — Lexington Mayor H.E. “Buddy” Derrick, explaining why police cars will not have reserved parking spots at a proposed city—county combined courthouse facility. Ours and yours Unsigned editorials that appear in this column are the work of The Ring-tum Phi’s editorial board, which consists of the Phi’s editors, associate editors, editorial page editor and senior copy editor. We will occasionally publish editorials that are not supported by the entire board; those pieces carry the initials of their authors. As the editors of a student newspaper, we feel an obligation to publish each and every student-opinion piece we receive, and we encourage students and other members of the W&L community to submit letters or “My Views.” However, we reserve the right to edit any and all submissions for reasons of taste, libel, clarity or length. The Phi is indeed our newspaper, but it is no more ours than it is yours. The quality and diversity of its opinion page is dependent. onyour submissions. The Rlng-tum Phl, November 16, 1989 Legal abortion: its safe and... MY VIEW By Pamela H. Simpson This is in response to Richard Hill's “My View" article in the Nov. 9 issue (“States Should Say No To Abortion”). This gentleman was in his turn responding to an article by Pam Patton and Betsy 'Parkins who were in their turn responding to an article by J. Cameron Hurnphries. So the debate goes on. Since Richard has stated so clearly the anti-abortion argument, I feel the necessity to more fully state the pro—choice position. He is right in contending that the Supreme Court has recently reversed the trend of 16 years of legal decisions and seems bent on giving states greater authority to restrict access to abortion. . While I disagree with his analysis of Roe v. Wade (it was not a “mishap of legal history,” it was an assertion of the constitutional right to privacy), 0 it is nevertheless clear that in the future the debate over abortion will be taken‘ up at the state level. The basic difference between the anti-abortion and the pro-choice positions is summarized in Richard's logical syllogism: (1) A fetus is a human being. (2) Killing a human being is murder. (3) The states outlaw murder; therefore, the states should outlaw all abortions. There it is, simple as one, two, three. The problem is, of course, that there are inherent fallacies in this reasoning. Let's take the first premise that a fetus is a human being. Richard may believe that, but there Let’s consider who is being murdered if abortion becomes unattainable. Before 1973 there were at least 100 deaths for every 1,000 performed. By con- trast, the rate now with safe, legal abortion is only three per 1,000. Legal abor- tion saves lives. is no other clear consensus on this issue among medical authorities, religious leaders, or scholars of moral and ethical studies. No one can clearly say at what “moment" life begins. Fertilization and initial cell division of the zygote takes at least three days. Implantation of the blastocyst begins no sooner than six days and is not complete for another 14 to 21 days. Two out of every three fertilized eggs rniscarry naturally during the first six weeks after fertilization. Is that “murder” by some unseen forces? The problem is that if you make no differentiation between the born and the unborn, if you insist on anthropomorphizing a dividing cell into a human being, then you fall into the kind of simplistic thinking that the anti- abortionists continue to demonstrate. It is not that simple. I heard one local politician assert recently that if a woman was raped and the next day took a morning—after pill that resulted in the abortion of a fertilized egg, then she was guilty of murder. v 6 That is the sort of muddle-headed reasoning that ' the equation of eggs and human life leads to. His second premise is that killing a human being is murder, leading him to equate abortion with murder. Let’s consider who is being murdered if abortion becomes unattainable. Before 1973, illegal abortion was the leading killer.of pregnant women in the United States. There were at least 100 deaths for every 1,000 performed. By contrast, the rate now with safe, legal abortion is only three per 100,000. Legal abortion saves lives. The anti—abortion position would value the potential life of ' a developing zygote over the already established life of a fully developed human being. One argument pro-choice advocates make is that barming abortion legally would not stop abortions at all. It would simply take us back to the pre—l973 position where poor women and vulnerable teenagers risked their lives to obtain abortions, and affluent women flew to foreign countries to get them. Today, safe legal abortions are still relatively available to everyone. The risk of dying in pregnancy is 13 times greater than that of dying in an abortion. Further, matemal mortality has dropped dramatically since the legalization of abortion —- in other words, abortions do save lives, women's lives. Finally, there is the conclusion Richard makes that since the state outlaws murder, it should outlaw all abortions. I can see where his lockstep logic has led him to this extreme position. Most anti-abortionists do at least allow medical 0 Please see SIMPSON page 3 ...it made Doug Wilder governor @112 filing-tttm lfllti THE STUDENT VOICE OF WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY MY VIEW By Brian Root For the last several weeks, the issue of legalized abortion has been discussed to the point of exhaustion in The Ring-tum Phi. Despite this treatment, the newest aspect of the debate on abortion has been over- looked. Virginia Lt. Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, in a political masterstroke, raised it in the recent, somewhat bitter race for governor — and the result appears to have been a narrow victory for the moderate Democrat. Perhaps you saw some of his commercials — the ones that weren’t questioning Marshall Coleman’s man- hood or descent. In particular, I refer to the ad that pictured Wilder at Monticello, with a statue of Thomas Jefferson in the background, complete with the obligatory patriotic music. While that may sound perfectly ordi- nary, the content of that ad has revolutionized how abortion is dis- cussed. Instead of repeating the same old pro-choice argument, Wilder brilliant- ly turned the tables on the Republicans. He said Coleman, who was on record for opposing abortion in virtually all cases, would allow the government to interfere with the people's right to choose. That is a vitally important distinction. By changing the scope of the abortion debate, Wilder shed the traditional view that all Democrats are pro-big government and against individual and state autonomy. By doing so, "he painted Coleman as someone who would take our rights away. And on that ground alone, Wilder won the govemor’s mansion. Almost overnight, the abortion issue went from politically untouch- able to an absolutely essential item that could only be avoided at the candidate's peril. For years, the Democrats have based their pro—choice argument on a tenuous ‘when does life begin’ assor- tion. Now they are in a position to steal the so-called high ground. Ronald Reagan began an entire political revolution with the simple statement: “Let’s get the government off the backs of the people.” But, as Wilder has pointed out, it is in fact the current policy of many Republi- cans to allow the government to intervene — a stigma usually reserved for Democrats. If the GOP is to win the battle of public opinion on abortion, the party must moderate its heretofore extreme position, much as the Democrats must moderate many of their positions if they are to reclaim the White House. Recently, two Republican gover- nors, Thomas Kean of New Jersey and James Thompson of Illinois, said the GOP must either moderate its stance on abortion or simply leave the decision about the issue to the individual candidates. With the Supreme Court's recent Webster decision giving some control over abortion back to the states, the issue will soon become one of, if not the, biggest issues in state and local politics for the next decade. The key for either party to cap- ture public opinion on this rather emotionally—charged issue is modera- tion. Both sides must control the extreme ends of their membership. Most opinion polls agree that the public’s ideas on abortion lie sorne— where between the Pat Robertsons and the Jesse Jacksons of the world. " For now however, the ball is in the Republicans’ court. If their strict overall view of abortion is not some- how modified and moderated, they risk losing touch with much of their constituency, particularly women. Founded September 18, 1897 Editors Gregory Euston, Stacy Morrison Associate Editors ................................... ...Jarnes Lake, Genienne Mongno Assignment Editor ........................................................ ..Pat Lopes Editorial Page Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Tina Vandersteel Entertainment Editor ........................................................... ..Pamela Kelley Sports Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Jay Plotkin Senior Copy Editor ................................................................... ..Brian Root Editorial Cartoonist .................................................. ..Jeff Woodland Business Manager .................................................................. ..Arme Dysart Advertising Manager .............................................................. ..Jason'Kelley (Circulation Manager .................................... ..Alan Litvak, Clint Robinson The Ring—tum Phi is published Thursdays during the undergraduate school year at Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia. Funding for The Ring-tum Phi comes primarily from advertising, but also from a portion of the student activities fee. The Washington and Lee Publications Board elects the chief editors and business manager, but The Ring-tum Phi is otherwise independent. Letters and other submissions must be in The Ring—lum Phi office, Room 208 of the University Center, by noon on Tuesday to appear in that week’s edition. The Ring-tum Phi observes current court definitions of libel and obscenity. The Ring-tum Phi Post Office Box 899 Lexington, Virginia 24450 F LETTERS Writers give thanks for seven days I am writing in response to the proposal in last week's Phi to do a way with the week-long Thanksgiving break in favor of two shorter breaks. This proposal is ludicrous. At a school like Washington and Lee where more than half of the students come from outside Virginia, the trek home can often be both arduous and expensive. Driving long distances to go home for a week is trying enough, much less making the same trip twice within a month to stay for only a few days. And for those who fly, correct me if I’m wrong, two plane tickets cost more than one. It is also necessary to consider those who aren’t on their parents’ monthly payroll. Those students who work during their breaks in order to make ends meet at school will tell you it is easier to find a job over the week-long Thanksgiving break than it would be to work over two long weekends. Work is easier to find and the pay is generally better over Thanksgiving break because more employees are left to fill voids created by vacationing employees. I really don’t think the argument that this first long stretch of classes makes students so homesick and stressed out that they have to go home before Thanksgiving is a valid one. If some students can't spend a little over two months without seeing their parents, then perhaps W&L should set up a babysitting service for them. For those who do get homesick, I’ve heard the phone can work wonders, and for those who get too stressed over work, try blowing off Friday classes and having a few beers. Sincerely, Chris Owen, ’92 I am strongly opposed to changing the present system of vacations. One of the great aspects of our Thanksgiving break is its length. Having nine days off allows time to actually do something for the holiday. While students with three or four-day holidays barely have time to visit the nearest big city, W&L students have time to go on short trips or, more importantly, go home. Even those from the West Coast have enough time to warrant a trip home, a privilege I find important on such a farnily—oriented holiday. Yes, the first ten weeks is a long haul, but it is worth the wait. Besides, we have Parents’ Weekend to help us through the term. If we split the vacation, we would have two short breaks barely giving us the time to leave campus: I would rather have time to go home. In short, leave our vacations alone! Sincerely, Harley Walsh, ’91 OCR::/Vol_089/WLURG39_RTP_19891116/WLURG39_RTP_19891116_003.2.txt M ii fr § . 4 E’ l V 4.‘ MY VIEW i By J. Cameron Humphries A couple of weeks ago at dimer, a friend was reading one of my articles in The Ring—tum Phi when he turned to me and said, “This is all ;- fine and good, but you have to realize that morality is passé.” Although my friend probably did 7, not realize how profound his state- : ment was, or the implications it ? carried, I was nevertheless impressed :_ with his conclusion. Not because I . agreed with him, but because, unlike most people these days, his statement at least indicated that he recognized ‘ that morality either exists absolutely or it does not exist at all. Unlike me, however, he chose to believe that it does not exist. But that leaves him light years ahead of most of the other people sitting at our table. They claimed that my friend was a fool. According to these other people, of course morality exists. Each person must determine is a losing The War on Drugs MY VIEW By Tina Vandersteel In yet one more unreasonable attempt to try to justify itself, the government has picked a highly- publicized societal “problem" and has declared “war” on it. Today’s “war" is on drugs, and with “Drug Czar” William Bennett in the general’s seat, the government _ has pledged to conquer the “problem.” So, like everything else involv- ing govemment action, someone is going to have to pay for it. In this case, however, we’ll pay with more than money — we'll pay with our freedom. I ' A recent Washington Post-ABC ,News poll showed a" few things people would give up to support the war on drugs. Seventy-one percent would make it against the law to show the use of illegal drugs in entertainment movies. Fifty-two percent would allow police to search without a court order the houses of people suspected of sell- ing drugs, even if friends’ houses were sometimes searched by mis- take. Eight—seven percent would allow ‘officials to search student lockers for drugs, even those not strongly suspected of drug use. All this, to win the war on drugs. However, the war on drugs, like the war on poverty, is destined to be unwinnable because there is no official enemy. Perhaps this will turn into the “drug conflict" in much the same way that Vietnam War became the “Vietnam con- flict." Without soldiers clearly identifiable as North Vietnamese, it was difficult to shoot and hit the right person. The war was hope- less, and so we gave it up. Hope- fully Bush will give this up, too. what is true for himself. Just about then another person returned to our table from the salad bar. As he sat down he noticed that his drink was missing. “Hey,” he said, “Who took my drink?" At about this moment, he looked across the table to see yet another person finishing off the last of his Dr. Pepper. “You,” he yelled across the table, “go get me another." It seemed his deep voice was not con- vincing, so he threw a roll at him. “Why should I," returned the voice from within the glass. I found myself in absolute agreement with voice in the glass. Perhaps it was his morality to take others’ drinks. So what if he violated a social norm or his parents’ upbringing. Isn't being true to one’s morality more important than upbringing or social norm? Yet the rest of the table did not agree with the voice in the glass, or with me for that matter, and they all insisted that the voice in the glass should go get his friend another Dr. Pepper. I did not remember the table establishing any rules for eating there, and I sure did not remember seeing any rules posted outside the dining battle Or, take the “war on poverty.” Two things remain from that war: poverty, and a huge government bu- reaucracy with numerous people whose jobs depend on there existing impoverished people. So, if the government could eliminate all of America's poor people tomorrow, they'd be out of a job. Uh oh. The catch is — the thing that makes it all “work” — is that “victory" is never defined. If it were, so too would be the budgets to accomplish it. So, by declaring people’s own freedom to act a public scandal, the government can pretend to justify it's attempt to do the impossible — and then ask that very society to give up money and freedom to accomplish it. Note, too, who the enemies are: drug users, dealers, etc. This gives way to the logistics problem of trying to catch them ‘all. It worked’ World War II to drop the bomb, but it did not work in Vietnam to send too few soldiers.-It either will work, or it won’t. Then, if the government could catch all the dealers, the regular users, the casual users, the first time users — in other words, any- one who has ever used any con- trolled substance — then, what would be the penalties? Surely the government would not advocate the same more-than-useless penalty that our “Drug Czar” recently sug- gested for dealers, that is: public decapitation. The government could not afford to jail all of the people who would be arrested. Stiff fines? Fines would not deter users greatly, and the fines’ collection would still not cover the cost of catching the people and imposing the fine. Unless we recognize soon that the problem is not drugs but the laws that make them illegal, soon we’ll have more to deal with than paying for those useless signs that say “Drug Free School Zone.” What By Merrill Watson Richard Tompkins, ‘90, Gal- Iatin, Tenn. -— “Unfortunately, ‘ some people are too damn sel- fish." Justin Walker, ‘90, Boston, Mass. “It depends on what day of the week it is and on what time of the semester it is." The Ring-tum Phi, hall. Hmmm, I thought to myself. It must be some common instinct within these people telling the voice in the glass to replace the Dr. Pepper. The common consensus had something to do with the right thing to do. Now as I finished my own drink (mine was a Sprite), I found two instincts within myself. The first was to get up and get myself another one. Yet, I must admit, I also felt the impulse to take ‘my friend’s right there next to me. How on the merit of these two independent impulses could I make up my decision? It seemed to me that there was also a third impulse. It didn't tell me what to do; it told me what I ought to do. This seemed to be the gist of the entire evening’s discussion. My friend who said that “morality is passé” believed that this third instinct was an understood set of rules which one must follow if society is to sur- vive. He, if he really believed what he said he believed, did not see one option as any better than any other. There was no such thing as right or wrong, just rules that man invented as he developed to keep him from destroying himself. November 16, 1989 Fighting friends over morality I, on the other hand, believed that this third instinct was not due to a set of survival rules, but a universal moral code under which right and wrong really did exist. There was definitely an action which one should take in a given circumstance, and an action which one should not take. These were not determined by utility, but by what was right. Meanwhile, the others at the table fought it out. The voice in the glass claimed that there was nothing wrong with taking someone else's drink. Each tried to justify why his position was correct, but it was all in vain. If one could really determine his own morality, why weren't both sides correct? Quickly the table got into such a big fight that everyone left except me and my friend who claimed morality was passé. And as I sat there review- ing all that happened, in a way I could not help but agree with him. I would much rather live with people who agree that man must live by certain rules, and disagree about the nature of their source, than in a society that claims there is a source, but disagrees as to whether one should follow the rules. AT TH6 DI5l7AT:l-l/ THE M032 FA/fiy ucvék-’-"- ;_‘.V,_.\., .. .._.1_..,- .» ..~.r r.- .-we‘. ¢«‘a‘a‘I-‘FF H A’ Wesley Goings, ‘90, Birming- ham, Ala. — “Since I know everybody on campus, I say ‘Hey’ to everyone I see.” - Clint Robinson, ‘90, Carrollton, Ga. — “Those uppity Yankees have ruined a good Southern tradition." ‘inst $1.51 ‘Q-sstuenscqqqi ftitijfi, us 0 can 'w¢'o'¢‘¢ 3'4‘-'-6'4‘ =r‘4'¢ ‘--‘Sn ’»9'res*=nt°cl by iuniszr ‘ Jay and sophomore Mona! Gowin. ‘Jay was named 10* first team All-ODAC while { Gowinwas named to the i The football team was resented 11 times on H teams. On the first team action in Bob Martin at quarterback The Ring-tum Phi Juniors Craig Irons (split DAG in receptions and Vards. and" Roberton was PROGRESSIVE CLOTHING FOR MEN FOR MEN FOR MEN FOR MEN TOM TAILOR, PART TWO, MATINIQUE, GIRBAUD, CAVA, CAFE, GOOUCH, ZODIAC, WILLI/WEAR, WILLI/SMITH. £o_r__w9_mea_arid_llIan; Tanglewood Mall, Roanoke Barracks Road‘North, Charlottesville fiqr flgmgn: Valley View Mall, Roanoke OCR::/Vol_089/WLURG39_RTP_19891116/WLURG39_RTP_19891116_008.2.txt BACK PAGE The Ring-tum Phi, November 16, 1989 ‘Look Who’s Talking’ Movie fails to meet hopes T By Todd Peppers I Staff Reporter _ “Look Whose Talking,” the new _John Travolta-Kirstie Alley movie, is ‘a classic example of a film that did ‘not, or more precisely could not, live ;up to its hype. The hype did not spring from f gaudy press releases or tantalizing f sneak previews, but was instead in- fflated by word of mouth. For the last Iweek I have heard the same question fover, and over, and over again: I “Have you seen the new movie ‘Look Whose Talking’? It is-----.” (You can fill in .the blank, the popular word choices are “awesome, wonderful, hysterical, or amazing”) I went into the movie expecting to see something that would reduce me to tears of laughter. The movie didn‘t. To be honest I don't know how, after the build-up my friends gave the movie, my reaction could have been anything but a sense of disappoint- ment--there was no way for the film to overcome my false expectations. The word “awesome” didn’t come to mind as the final credits rolled. I left the theater grumbling and depressed. I wanted to see a movie that would forever change society's definition of ‘ ‘entertainment. ’ ’ After further reflection, I came to the conclusion that my initial assess- ment of “Look Whose Talking” was "biased. The film is amusing. It won’t change your life by providing a deep philosophical message, but .most people--myself included--don’t usually go to the State Theater in search of life’s answers. The film is cute. Not clever. Not droll. Not revolutionary. Not uproarious. The perfect word is “cute.” “Look Whose Talking” is not only a “feel good movie,” but it might even make some party-hard undergrads start pining for their own little babies. I said might. Various movie critics have written that “Look Whose Talking” signals John Travolta’s triumphant return to the big screen. I agree. Travolta, who first burst onto the Hollywood scene with “Saturday Night Fever,” “Grease,” and “Urban Cowboy,” has recently earned the title of box office poison. His last film, “Perfect,” was lam- basted by both film reviewers and moviegoers. “Look Whose Talking” will silence those Hollywood doubters who claim that John Travolta’s career is dead. Teamed with John Travolta is “Cheers" actress Kirstie Alley. I must want you that my feelings to- ward Miss Alley are not unlike my approach to this film: I unfortunately have some preconceived notions about her. I don't think that Alley is untal- ented. But she doesn't really stretch her dramatic skills in “Look Whose Talking.” Once again she plays a fiercely independent, career—oriented women that initially butts heads with an opinionated and/or strong leading man. Eventually, Alley’s character will mellow and discover that she was too cruel to her boss, or her boyfriend, or her lover. I am not supporting this stereo- type, but rather growing irritated by it. If you think I’m exaggerating, then rent “Star Trek II” and watch Al- ley’s performance as a fiercely inde- pendent Romulan. Or see the movie “Shoot to Kill" in which Alley places a rough and capable mountain guide. Or watch “Cheers” and notice how each week Ted Danson and Alley exchange endless verbal abuse. They might all be believable characters, however the word “origi- nal” is not the most appropriate word to describe Alley’s career. Kirstie Alley is cast in the role of Mollie, a C.P.A. who is having an affair with her married client. Veter- an actor George Segal plays the role of the weak-willed Albert. He keeps promising Mollie that divorce is around the comer as soon as his wife makes it through therapy. The only problem: Albert’s wife is in her sev- enteenth year of therapy. When Alley becomes pregnant, Albert cannot offer her support be- cause he is going through a “selfish phase.” The plot thickens when Mollie suddenly goes into labor while shop- ping. She is alone and is forced to hail a taxi. Enter John Travolta. He It’s So Easy To... Midnight Madness 11:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Fridays Music, games and prizes Come see our new bar and lounge with an extended menu, billiards and darts! Rt. 11 North on Left 1 Mile from Intersection of Routes 11 and 64 464-2695 plays James, a New York cabby and part-time flying instructor. When Travolta walked onto the screen I was prepared to accuse him, along with Alley, of simply playing another variation of the same tired character. My pen was poised to scribble “ty- pe-casting” across my notepad. I never had the chance. Absent are the “sweat-hogs,” the greased hair, 01- ivia Newton-John, and the white suit. Travolta’s portrayal of James is believable and, at times, touching. Granted director Amy Heckering manages to sneak in the mandatory Travolta dance scene, yet even cynics will enjoy both Travolta’s new dance steps AND his young dance partner. Alley and Travolta make it to the hospital, and we are introduced to the character that carries the film-- Mollie’s baby Mikey. The baby is played by a variety of child actors that all enchant the audience with their cuteness. But the credit goes to actor Bruce Willis who is baby Mikey's “voice.” Whether you loved “Moon1ighting” or hated “Die Har ,” you will be a Bruce Willis fan before the film is over. Every line that Willis utters is pure magic. But even more telling, Mikey’s reaction to the confusing adult world does strike some chords. Mikey is absolutely right when he remarks that being born is the “weirdest thing” that can happen to a person. When Mikey’s Grandmother leans over and begins to jabber in that horribly annoying baby talk, (a sin we are allguilty of doing) Mikey stares in disbelief and remarks “On yeah, she’s gone.” I wish that we heard more from Mikey and less from the frantic Mollie. The movie's plot centers around Mollie’s determination to find a prop- er daddy for Mikey. You can guess who that daddy will ultimately be. Mollie’s search culminates in what I think is the film's most poignant scene. James is forced to say good- bye (permanently?) to Mikey. As he stands over the crib, James offers Mikey advice for the future and talks about his father. “I could have been a good father” he tells Mikey, but instead the shallow and thoughtless Albert appears destined to assume that role. Travolta’s restrained, yet emotion- ally-charged, acting in this scene convinced me that he has certainly matured as an actor. The film is supported by an im- pressive array of character actors. Oscar—winner Olympia Dukakis is cast as Kirstie Alley’s mother, Rosie. Dukakis is a busy lady, she also appears in the new movie “Dad" and the upcoming movie “Steel Magno- lias.” Rosie thinks that love is some- thing one can walk out in the street and find. Rosie married her husband because he looked good in his army uniform. There are several funny scenes between Dukakis and Alley-- due mainly to Dukakis’ remarkable ability to become her characters. And Abe Vigoda, who was the stoic “Fis- h" on “Barney Miller," proves that he is alive and well as he plays James’ senile Grandfather. Where has Vigoda been for the last ten years? And, as mentioned before, George Segal is the philandering Albert. Segal is well-cast as the immoral executive who thinks a perpetual mid- life crisis, and a good therapist, can explain away any indiscretions. As I mentioned in the outset of he article, I was disappointed in the film. But that was more the fault of ny listening to hype than any flaw in he movie. John Travolta puts in a "me performance, Kirstie Alley does rer usual steady but unoriginal job, and Bruce Willis was, in a word, priceless. When you are home over Thanks- giving and start tiring of Mom's turkey sandwiches, then grab your coat, pull your little brother away from the television, and go see “Look Whose Talking.” Peppers grades it a B+. You can earn the title of “honorary movie reviewer" if you figure out which actress plays the voice of Mikey’s little sister. She only has one line, so listen carefully. “Look Whose Talking” is rated “P.G.-13” for rough language and mild sexual content. It is currently 4 playing at the State Theater. W &L Weekly Calendar November 17 to December 5 Thanbgivihg holiday begins. All Day SWIMMING (MAW): Division III Dual Meet Champit'.l1ship.‘l\\'ombl)' Pool. 7:30 pm. BASKETBALL: Tip-Oil Toum-uncut’ Gcncrals vs. Methodist. Warner Calla. s : ' ' I All Day SWIMMING (Ml.-W): Division III Dual Meet Chlnpimship. Twombly Pool. 2 p.m. BASK.E‘I'BA1.I.:Tip0l‘lTotm:t-ncnt: Methodist vs. Salisbury Suu-.\\'am:1 Centa. gm.“ 1. : mt!" ER]! All Day SWIMMING (M&W): Division III Dual Meet Championship. Twombly Pool. 2 pm. BA§KE‘l‘BAl..L: Ti;»0ll‘I’ounumcnt; Generals vx Salisbury Stair. Wztrncr Center. I ' ' ' K .. AWAY ATl>lLETIC EVENT: BASKETBALL: Emory University. J Thanlzgiving Day. \ N‘ * ' ' Thanksgis-mg holiday aids. Cures resume. I s 4:30 pm. GLASGOW ENDOWMBH’ PROGRAM: A vuding by David Huddle. Ilfiltf of poetry Ind fictim. Ncnhcn Audiluiurn, University Public invited. AWAY ATI-I1.E‘I"IC Evzmz BASKETBALL Hznpdcn-Sydney. \' 7 pm. POLITICS FILMFEST: King Rat (USA. I965). Room 203, Reid Hall. 7:30 pm. LECTURE: “Feminist Ethics.“ Rosemarie Tong. hvidson College. Lu Oupel. Public invited. I"! ,BQn ! 1. !Q1.E“aER In 7 pm. CDAP PRESENTATION: “An Overview of Invcsut-tent Barking.‘ Bob Berlin '87 and Mike Forrester ‘S9. Dun Winn Reynolds. Inc. Room 327. Cornmcru School. 7 p.m. POLITICS FILMI-‘EST: King Ra! (USA. 1965). Room 203. Reid Hall. 7:30 pm. BASKETBA1..l..: Generals vs Randolph-Macon. Warner Center. mJ bw Clsscs end. 7 pm. MEN'S SWIMMING: Gatauls vs. William A Mary. Twombly Pool. 8 run. FAIR CHRISTMAS CONQRT: “Glun'a," by John Rutter. Rockbndgt Chcrus utd Fair Chamber Singers. Jncbon Memorial Hall. V.M.I. B p.m. FILM SOCIETY: Darlt Eye: (Italy. I987). Grssrotxn “A." Lewis Hall. 8 pm. PLAY: Aladdin. an English C‘ ' pamornime. University have. For reservations. all that: office. 463-8637. AWAY ATHLETIC EVENT: WRESTLING: Lebanon Valley Tournamatt. ~ 1 law School Reading Days begin. 2 p.In. & I pxn. PLAY: Aladdin. Univcniiy Thcture. 7:30 pm. BASKETIIALL: Gcrtcruls vs. Lynchburg College. Wztmer Center. I pm. FILM SOCIETY: Dull Eye: (Italy, I987). Cl.-rssroom "A." Lewis Hall. AWAY A1 IILETIC EVENTS: SWIMMING (W): Swwt Briur; WI