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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 12, 1985)
editorial Right-wing senators are violating a trust The right-wing of the Republican Party is at it again. It was announced earlier this week that three conservative, Republican senators — Jeremiah Denton, R-Ala.; Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; and John East, R-N.C. — recently sent a ques tionnaire to a nominee for a federal judgeship. The can didate, Joseph P. Rodriguez of New Jersey, was asked to state his opinion on 22 issues, including the death penalty, school prayer, the right to bear arms, the equal rights amendment, affirmative action and busing. Rodriguez was also asked to list his membership in political organizations as well as itemize all political contributions he has made during the past 10 years. The three senators, who are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee — the committee that initially ap proves appointments to the federal judicial system — plan to use Rodriguez’s reponses as a litmus test, by which they will determine his qualifications for the federal appointment. The questionnaire comes at a time when there are 115 vacant federal judgeships. Although senators have in the past tried to determine the political orientation of potential federal judicial ap pointees, there has rarely ever been such a blatant attempt to appoint judges who espouse a specific political philosophy. A judge should be both flexible and impartial in interpreting legal questions. But the Republican triumvirate wishes to ensure that no federal judge will be appointed who strays from the tenets of the 1980 and 1984 Republican Party Platforms. Denton and East made a similar attempt in 1981 to establish a litmus for a judicial appointment, during Sandra Day O’Connor’s confirmation hearings for her appointment to the Supreme Court. But rather than respond to their ques tioning she said, “Such a statement by me as to how I might resolve a particular issue or what I might do in a future court action might make it necessary for me to disqualify myself.” If the sanctity of the judicial system is to be preserved, efforts such as that being undertaken by the three Republican senators should be rejected by their colleagues. The qualifications of a judge should not be determined by his or her club memberships or political affiliations. Rather, the quality of a judge should be determined by his or her knowledge of legal precedent, current law, judicial pro cedure, and the ability to fairly hear cases with far reaching implications. A judgeship should not be a political appoint ment, but instead it should be an appointment that is based solely on merit. New frat policy is a plus for the Eugene community In response to a number of incidences involving frater nity members, the University’s Greek system will initiate a new program this weekend. The program will require University students to show identification before they will be admitted to Greek functions. Anyone who wishes to at tend a function will be required to register on a guest list. The Greek policy is an attempt by members of the Interfrater nity Council to acknowledge the responsibility that frater nities have for the actions of guests who attend their parties. Fraternity and sorority members should be applauded for their acceptance of this social responsibility. As members of the Eugene community they should continue to ensure that their members and guests will obey the law and protect the rights of those who live within their neighborhoods. Oregon doily emerald The Oregon Daily Emerald is published Monday through Friday except during exam week and vacations by the Oregon Daily Emerald Publishing Co., at the University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, 97403. The Emerald operates independently of the Universi ty with offices on the third floor of the Erb Memorial Union and is a member of the Associated Press. General Staff Advertising Director Production Manager Classified Advertising Controller Susan Thelen Russell Steele Vince Adams Jean Ownbey Advertising Sales: Laura Buckley, Tim Clevenger, Jen nifer Fox, Marcia Leonard, Rick Martz, Nancy Nielsen, Brett Pickman, Tim Swillinger, David Wood. Production: Kelly Cornyn, Stonmi Dykes, Julie Freeman, Kathy Gallagher, Dean Guernsey, Susan Hawkins, Grant Keltner, Rob Kraft, Ross Martin, Karin McKercher, Lauri Neely, Kelly Neff, Kara Oberst, Curt Penrod, Michele Ross, Alyson Simmons, Peg Solonika, Tim Swillinger, Colleen Tremaine, Hank Trotter. Editor Managing Editor News Editor Editorial Page Editor Photo Editor Sports Editor Sidelines Editor Friday Edition Editor Entertainment Editor Night Editor Associate Editors Administration Higher Education Politics ASUO Student Activities Community Features Michele Matassa Mike Sims Michael Kulaga Costas Christ, Dave Berns Brian Erb Brent De La Paz Sheila Landry Kim Carlson Michael Duncan Michael Clapp Jolayne Houtz Scott McFetridge Paul Ertelt Julie Shippen Diana Elliott Cynthia Whitfield Lori Steinhauer Reporters: Sean Axmaker, Kirsten Bolin, Michelle Brence, Dave Carlson, Robert Collias, Thomas Henderson, Robin Joannides, Allan Lazo, Capi Lynn. Photographers: Dean Guernsey, Kirk Hirota, Jim Marks, Ross Martin, Karen Stallwood, Hank Trotter. News and Editorial 686-5511 Display Advertising and Business 666-3712 Classified Advertising 886-4343 Production 686-4381 Circulation 686-5511 Cut 'OK, ills OFFICIAL, FOLKS' JENNIE KiRKFWKICK HNS JOINED THE REPUBLICAN PARTY-LETS HAVE A &6 MMDRJRTHEUTTIE LADY, FOLKS! C'fAON, LET'S HEAR IT R)R JEWE, A GREATGALf YEAAA.' letters For Munion When Edmund Burke said “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing,’’ I doubt he was specifically referring to the University campus elections. But even so, it is gratifying to see good men running for of fices in our own little government. In particular, I am pleased to see Ron Munion throwing his hat in the ring for a position on SUAB. Having known Ron pretty well the past year, I can attest to his leadership and organiza tional abilities. Whenever something needs to be done, Ron is always there to create order from chaos and unity from strife. He subscribes to the theory of leadership that says “don’t just give orders — real leaders have to work harder than anyone else”. He is always the first one on a job and the last one off. A well-rounded person, Ron has the insight and ability need ed to work with people from every background. He listens and understands problems and suggests solutions without be ing judgmental. In short, I think he’s the kind of man we need to have on SUAB. When election day comes and it is your turn to vote, remember the words of Edmund Burke and cast your ballot for Ron Munion — he can do the job. Clint Raster Journalism For Bilyeu I am writing this letter to draw attention to an error made somewhere in the ASUO elec tions publicity. My name is Becky Bilyeu and I am not only running for a posi tion on ASPAC, 1 am also runn ing as an SPA endorsed, write in for the journalism seat on SUAB. My name has only ap peared once in the Emerald, and it was under the ASPAC list. However, I am most definitely interested in the SUAB posi tion. and would like to draw the attention of my journalism peers to no. 6 on the ballot, (note I am running as a write in). At the moment, SUAB (Stu dent University Advisory Board) has a low self-concept and often talks about abolishing itself. This move is unnecessary and very harmful to the students here at the University. I feel SUAB has definite potential and power that shouldn’t be wasted. With the right people who are willing to push and work hard, SUAB can accomplish a lot. Some major issues I’m con cerned with are campus safety, a need for more creative cluster options — such as women’s and minority studies, and basic physical needs of the campus — such as more bike racks and ramps on the sidewalks. I know as a pre-journalism major I still have a lot to learn about the School of Journalism, but on the whole I feel I have a lot to offer the students at the University, if I am elected. Becky Bilyeu Pre-Journalism Outrageous I am outraged that Ron Mun ion would lie to the students in his letter (ODE April 11). Ron alleges that I appear in a photo at a military protest. 1 was not at the rally and have never attend ed any of these protests. Ron either did not care to get his facts correct in his attempt to slander me or does not know what I look like (which seems odd since we have had classes together). I must say that I am disappointed in Ron for his lack of concern for proper information. I had previously given him credit for having some integrity and political intelligence, but 1 see that was a mistake. In his at tempt to slander me and spout off his rendition of my lack of concern for students’ rights to alternative lifestyles, Ron clear ly demonstrates his desire to convey information to suit his needs, not the students. I believe this demonstration of deception and ignorance on Ron’s part is clearly an indica tion of the type of SUAB representative he would be. By feeding false information to students cloaked in his pseudo humanitarian concerns is very indicative of Ron’s style. I believe his concern for students and alternative lifestyles runs about as deep as a creek in the summer. I challenge Ron to a discus sion on alternative lifestyles and general student rights for the campus to see, allowing them to make their choice in determining who is the real stu dent representative. Donna Lawrence Candidate for SUAB no. 4 Letters Policy The Emerald will attempt to print all letters con taining fair comment on topics of interest to the University community. Letters to the editor must be limited to 250 words, typed, signed and the identification of the writer must be verified when the letter is turned in. The Emerald reserves the right to edit any letter for length or style. Letters to the editor should be turned into the Emerald office, Suite 300, EMU.
