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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (June 17, 1969)
,-0 TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 196 PAGE! SUMMER NEBRASKAN On Sheldon's screen :: O r, OOOGoor ooooooc Shout Have you ever gone out wanting to shout to let yourself free? And just about then the feeling takes hold as you starts grin to break from your mold. And isn't it great to speculate on swinging a limb and flying up high as high as sky and coming back down not touching the ground just floating in space at a merry pace and laughing out loud enjoying the glee that set you free and sent you out wanting to shout. photo and verse by joanell ackerman Coalition takes liberal path by Dan Filler NU School of Journalism At a recent meeting of the Nebraska Democratic Central Committee, State Chairman John Mitchell made a sobering evaluation. "The Nebraska Democratic Party is in danger of slipping from the status of a major party," he said. "This is our first meeting where no Democrat is in power in Nebraska or the White House." Mitchell's observation was accurate. In 1966 the Democrats won just one state office on the Railway Commission. Two years later they were shut out. Indiana was the only state polling a greater percentage of Republican votes for President In 1968 than Nebraska. Editor's note: Dan Piller, a senior in jour nalism, explores the Democratic Coalition's meaning to Nebraska politics. The story was completed as an assignment for the school of journalism's depth reporting class. How the party is to challenge the ruling Republicans is debated today within party circles. If one group, the Democratic Coalition, has its way, the party will shift from its tradi tionally conservative base to a more liberal one based on the ideals of the late Sen. Robert Kennedy and Sen. Eugene McCarthy. The Coalition was born after the turbulence and bickering of the National Democratic Con vention last August. One month alter the con vention some disgruntled ex-Kennedy and McCarthy workers met in Omaha. Among them was State Democratic vice chairman (now Na tional Committeeman) James J. Exon of Lin coln. The discussion centered on how these element could be held within the party In view of the events of Chicago plus the predominance of the regular Demomu'.c organ!, satlon over the Kennedy and McCarthy workers. Exon had good reason for attending the peace council, In Lincoln at that time a group of University of Nebraska students and faculty led by Philip Scrlbner, an assistant professor of philosophy, and 11. Bruce Hamilton, a law student, had formed the "New Party" to lun Hamilton for Congress as an antiwar candidate In the First District which Includes Lincoln. About all of Hamilton's backers were Democrats. And Exon knew that what support Hamilton received In the election would come from normally Democratic voters. The meeting in Omaha resulted In the formation of a loose organization. One week later, In Fremont, plans were laid for a conven tion to be held In Omaha to formally launch the Coalition. 'Disturbed about path' "We were disturbed about the path the Democratic Party was taking, both statewide and nationally," said Coalition leader William Campbell, University of Nebraska physics pro fessor and member of the State Democratic Central Committee. Also Involved In early Coalition activities were Dan Schlltt, Campbell's associate in the NU physics department; Eric Csrlson. NU political science Instructor; Lou Lamberty, chemical engineer for Northern Natural das In Omaha, and Pat and Mary Kay Green, children of the late James Green, longtime Democratic Party leader, who had been involved with the Kennedy campaign. Green had headed the delegation to the Chicago convention In August. The Coalition organized Itself In Omaha dur ing the first week of December. Speakers in eluded Pat Luccy, former Wisconsin lieutenant governor and a figure in the Kennedy and McCarthy campaigns, and chairman Mitchell. Mitchell, who noted that he ha I '-me lo his position six years earlier In a reform move ment, hinted that he was sitting out tins reform attempt. "The John Mitchells come and go." he said, "and I think my time Is nearing." This was Interpreted by many as an in. lieu Uca that Mitchell wouldn't .seek another term as chairman in 1970. Mitchell has rrfnH tn comment on whether he will run again. He also said. "I'm for the Democratic Party, whether it has a peace plank or a war planki or whether its candidate is Hubert Humphrey, Lyndon Johnson or Eugene McCarthy," That statement sums up the disagreement between Mitchell and the Coalition mavericks. "We're interested more in ideology than the regular party," Campbell said. "Mitchell is a regular party man. He would back anyone. We reserve the right to back or not to back can didates." Because of his position on the Democratic Central Committee and leadership in the Coali tion, Campbell forms a bridge between the two groups. A native Oklahoman, he worked last year In the McCarthy effort. Vietnam a factor "The Vietnam War was the main factor In bringing us together," he said while fingering one of the many pipes he keeps on his desk In Beylen Physics Lab on the NU campus. "But In addition to the war, it has become clear that the party must pay more attention to its Ideals, and make itself more responsive to public opinion," he said. He emphasized that the Coalition is a part of the regular party. It will not be a breakaway movement like the ill-fated New Party. "We want to work for change from the in side," he explained. "We have promised that we won't oppose regular candidates In elections, but we could withold support. Also, we will work to nominate candidates in the primaries." The Coalition is a group of about 200 former Kennedy and McCarthy workers. It is governed by a 30-member executive commitlee which meets monthly to discuss slate legislation and to plan for 1970. Offering candidate The group hopes to offer candidates In the Democratic primaries next year. Campbell said the candidates could be members of the Coalition or outsiders aided by the Coalition. "You have to start early on this," Campbell said. "If we want to have a man ready for the 1970 primaries, we should start building him up about now." The Coalition will aid any candidate by rais ing funds, writing speeches and giving staff assistance, and by doing some of the other mun dane work that is part of American politics. The Important thing Is that to receive Coali tion 8uport, a candidate must be more than Just a good Democrat. Campbell made II clear that the Coalition Is Interested In liberals. "I think a good liberal could do much better In Nebraska than people think." he declared. "We've been so scared of this state's supposed conservatism that we've never really tried." Not hippy group The Coalition Is not a group of hippies or radicals. Campbell, Lamberty and Carlson all affect the close-cropped Midwestern hair style. Green's appearance belles more his Irish an cestry than any social unorthodoxy. Schlltt's beard Is a reflection of his Quaker faith. Executive committee meetings are held in private homos or motels, either In Omaha or Lincoln. Following a promise made at Omaha, they are open to the press. "We aren't interested in becoming kingmakers or smoke-fllled-room operators," Campbell said. "There's been too much of that already." One Item on the Democrats' agenda Is how to dislodge Gov. Norbert Tlemann should he try for a second term In 1970. Tiemann has pre-empted much former Democratic terrl'ory with his liberal spending programs and new tax systems. "1 definitely feel that the Democrats should offer a candidate at least as liberal as Tlemann. and certainly not one running on a reactionary anti-spendlng platform." Campbell said. Trying to expand , Until 197U, ine uialition will occupy itself by trying to expand beyond ts Omaha-Lincoln base, by adding blacks and labor union members, and working to develop cohesion and strength through fund-raising and monthly newsletters. One of the men responsible for getting the Coalition together, James Exon, has been men tioned as a candidate for governor next year. Nebraskans know him as the man primarily responsible for the successful legal battle over congressional reapportionment In the state. Exon, a Lincoln office supply dealer, discussed Nebraska politics while sitting In his office, decorated with , pictures of Lyndon Johnson, former Governor Frank Morrison, former Congressman Clair Callan and a bronze bust of John F. Kennedy. "We will beat Tlemann, regardless of who runs," he declared, "But we won't have to appeal to the far right reactionary elements to do it." He said the Democrats should focus on Tiemann's "dictatorial tactics," particularly regarding personnel changes in state agencies. Exon pays dues Exon, who said he considers himself a liberal, pointed out that he was a dues-paying member of the Coalition. "It's a good safety valve," he said. "The Coalition is made up of people interested in , improving the lot of all. We can't afford to disregard their work pr advice." But he took Issue with the Coalition's con. tention that Ideology should supersede party loyalty. "They're trying to have their cake and eat it too," he said. "If you're going to take official positions in the party, then you must assume' the responsibility of maintaining party unity." As a top official In the Nebraska Democratic Party, Exon said he saw his role as one of keeping all the elements in the party together. "We do have those who would oppose Tiemann for his spending programs, just like reactionary Republicans," he said. "And there are also the Coalition members. So we have quite a diverse element in the party." Keep dissident Above all, he said, the established parties should do everything in their power to keep all dissident elements in the two-party system, to maintain political stability In the country. "That's what I'm trying to do by encouraging the Coalition," he said. Chairman Mitchell said he has a "wait and see" policy toward the Coalition. "They have about 200 members, which makes them a very tiny minority within the Nebraska Democratic Party," he stated. It was encouraging that many Coalition members, such as Campbell, were active In the regular party, he said, adding that he thought their actions so far have been excellent. Hut he disputed the Coalition's semantics, saying It was mistaken to wrap Itself In the cloak of liberalism. "Too many people associate the term 'liberalism' with big spending," he said. "Rut there is room for fiscal responsibility within the Democratic Party. We haven't had fiscal responsibility from Gov. Tlemann." Mitchell made it clear that if he Is still around in 1970, Tiemann's spending programs definitely will be an Issue. "Tiemann Is doing essentially what we called for In our 16 platform, " he said, "So if you want to call Tiemann a liberal, then I guess the Democrats can be called liberals as well. "But the governor has gone far beyond what e thought was necessary for the programs of the state." Mitchell declined to say whether he would seek another term as chairman. And he did not speculate on the Identity of gubernatorial candidates In the 1970 election. Wary of coalition "The important factor Is that we can't have fragmentation In the party," he explained. "That's what makes me wary of ihe Coalition. We're a minority party In this state as It Is. so we can't afford Ihe luxury oi splinter groups continued on puge 3 Audience musin and a kinetic taste by Mike Raglin Personal taste is regulated today as it never has been before. Each phase of life, the arts in particular, Is praised or panned by an ever in creasing group of people called critics. No special qualifications are necessary for the job. All that is needed is at least a semblance of taste, faith in your own judgment and a big mouth. Some help in establishing personal tastes is needed. But, too many critics spoil the crowd. Some sincere observers may be created. But, more often, critics help the social phony by telling him when to say "yea" or "nay" at the appropriate times. Editor's note: Mike Raglin, a junior advertising major and business man ager for tii! Summer Nebraskan, de cided to expound on the philosophy of an audience after attending the Kine tic Art films at Sheldon Gallery last Tuesday. A fellow student sitting in front of him fell asleep during the showing and another student with whom he talked after the program expressed her unfavorable opinion of the films Perhaps in Nebraska, critics have been somewhat overlooked. Many of us "natives" retain the conservative tastes that this geographical area seems to breed. Maybe this is why we tend to avoid the occasionally wonderful (or awful, depending upon how you look at it) cultural happen ings that are brought, here for us to enjoy and to pass judgment on. That is why it was so refreshing to learn that many persons were not avoiding the three-part Kinetic Art film showing which began last Tues day at the Sheldon Memorial Gallery. To handle the overflow crowd, the film shorts were shown three times instead of the two showings scheduled for afternoon and evening. According to Norman Geske. direc tor of the gallery, this was the bisgest turn out for any film that has b-en shown there. One reason for the in terest, he felt, was the display ad vertising which ran in the campus and Lincoln papers. Usually, films shown at Sheldon are not advertised. Perhaps cultural happenings just need the huzzas that the Madison Avenue boys can generate. Clever . . . moving To most of the audience at the evening showing of Program One which I attended, the film shorts were clever, often moving, and just plain exciting entertainment. Here t wholeheartedly agree. The 11 films featured during i- two-hour program are divers' origin and in content. All fascinating. From two light-hear. . animated shorts to several frighteni- black and white films, each ha own message. These are not the !ci i of films that you leave at the b of the theatre as you walk out. T symbolism becomes clearer after i have carried the films around in you mind for a few days. It is impossible to describe eac:t film. The color visuals in the fir film, "Phenomena" by Jordan Bels of San Francisco, outdo 2001. Th is the life-in-a-tin can existence c animated character in the film Vita" by Bruno Bozzetto of Mi'au This short seemed to be the one th the audience enjoyed the most an it received the most applause. Other languages The voice speaking in English froi the opaque container in "Why r You Kiss Me Awake?" by Helln; Costard of Hamburg offers a sur v' film joke. With the exception of d film and "La Pomme" by .Cha Matton of Paris which has En 'li subtitles, the other films are in o'h languages. However, the visual artistry oi t films overcomes this deficiency verbal communication. No langu' is needed to appreciate the creatr film techniques, the photography ? the fresh animations. For me. '' spell of the kinetic art was real. Those that saw the films and disappointed, hopefully only a s i minority, should not think that tnc time was wasted. The fict tlia. did go is In their favor. A m;i u person cannot fuly like or d' ' something unless he has tried i' glad that your tastes are yrur . Disagreement with fie critic's ': or dislikes Is a matter of diff "'ir opinions. Try a,;aiii or for 'el it As far as the Klntic Art Is co cerned, you can either try agai : i forget it. You may change your r " Even the critics do as they :' with "Bonnie and Clyde." for e v. pie. If you liked Program One, Hu go and see Prouram Two either h afternoon or tonight. If you missed the films last 1 ee' but have had your curiosity arouse1 go. Maybe you'll love them M-'l you'll hate them. But you will beconn involved, whether you nre in for Teat treat or for a good nap. fi s n r f ' All lit) . The above two figures are from "Et Cetera' by Jan Svankmajer of Prague. The film short is one of the 26 from nine countries included in the Kinetic Art. Program Two is showing today at 2:30, 7:30 and 9:30 in the Sheldon Gallery. Kinetic film is scheduled for three shoivings today Because of the Intercut shown in the Kinetic Art film program which began June 10 at the Sheldon Art Gallery, three showings are scheduled for today. Program Two of the three part series will be shown at 2:3(1 this af ternoon and at 7:30 and 9:30 this evening. Admission Is one dollar for adults and SO cents for children. The program includes six film shorts as follows: "Et Cetera" by Jan Svunkmujer. Prague. Variations on the games of some doomed players, In three methods of animation never used before brief sequences of film graphics "Miracle" by lstvan Vent 11 1 a Budapest. Using .Image and music as a composition of film form evoking places and presences, generating some deeply-felt impressions "fcl"gla" by Jan !lusartt. director and J;not Toth, cameraman and editor. Budapest. A disqule.ing. hallucinatory analogy between the fate of horses an.l m -n. crushed nn;le: hisii ry's Iron reel. ' Uiint Do You Think"'" bv Yoji Kmi, Tokyo. A wild mix.ui-e oi animation and live action; the ir. cessant beat of outrageous ens unlikely reality leaves no doub flower power flourishes In Tokyo "Paris Mai 196(1" produced bv '' Film Cooperative of Paris Th" f;" film on the Student Revolution w" seized the Sorbonne and rocke- French government. It emerg a lyric cry trom the streets, the refrain, "This Is only the bi nlng continue he fight I" "Tonight Let's All Mjke Lov. London" by Peter Whitehead, 1 on Pleasure is the theme of Whitehc; i rambles through the night Mo from the mock heroic tone of "" Fall of the British Empire" to art, Michael Calne discusses his approach to seduction. Julie Ch talks about film acting, mid a b painter demonstrates ills kiukv Mick Jagger and The Itoillnt S explore some Intutitlons re present. Eric Burdon bh:1 Animals sing (heir wa i i World War fjotae and d...i iln. i the psychedelic curtain.