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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 6, 1972)
i ; I C editorial i gal leftovers When working-lawyer William Kunstler came to town, he was greeted with some skepticism. The radical air which clings him, his incursions into and digressions about "the movement", and his often intemperate actions all tend to plant him smack dab in the middle of everyone's stereotype of the Unthinking Radical. Well, after listening to him, the situation is a little more clear. Radical he may be, but hardly unthinking. Theman does have a point. The court system today is clearly in rotten shape. A maze of paperwork hassles, murky division of responsibility, lack of direction total confusion. Where exactly the power of the courts lies is impossible to understand. What exactly the courts can and cannot do is even more questionable. Structurally, the court system is archaic and inept Procedurally, the system which is supposed to dispense justice frequently winds up disDensinq suqarcoated injustice in its place. Law is currently a "rich man only" affair. Lawyers frequently refuse cases, solely on the basis of monetary consideration, with little regard for ethical consideration. The rich only infrequently stand trial, but when they do, they easily escape punishment with the benefit of excellent counsel. On the governmental side of the system, delaying, harassing, silencing and burying opposition are the modes of operation. Straining the law to its limits, government has managed to get constitutionally questionable laws on the books, and use them to their full extent, while the court system sits idly by debating procedure. These laws, most notably those against "conspiracy", have eroded the rights of the individual and brought the United States at least a giant step closer to totalitarianism. Even considering the state of these general areas, legal affairs in Nebraska are worse. Nebraska provides an excellent breeding ground for problems in all three of the above areas, and then some. In Nebraska's corn-fed conservative setup, there are few people who are willing to complain about and improve the system, which leads to no improvement. If America's court system is archaic, Nebraska's is pre-historic. Yes, Mr. Kunstler does, have a point. And especially in Nebraska. And it may just take someone "radical" like him to finally shake up and ultimately better the court system. Jim Gray f u rrTE ra I I VI :. .d .t, h -.and a stands in-the 9 K grr-!. Qtfi. 1372. : . : - " : " outside my umdow is a tree, there only -For me. and it stands in the grey of theory no iime -for pity for -the tree or me. there 5 s a world of pain in the falling rain here on me. IS tWe a reason -for 'today?' ": " do you remember? i can hear aithe cries of the city no tme -for pity for a grouin tree. pannalardicollinfi. Model UN -exercise in international relations 'The real winner is the United Nations," declared United States Ambassador to the UN George Bush after the General Assembly's budget committee approved America's request to reduce its share of dues to the world organization. The US. share of the annual operating budget was reduced from 31.52 percent to 25 per cent. Lincoln Journal, 122721 Actually nothing could be further from the truth. The only winners in this ludicrous and ridiculous battle to lower American assessments will be the Communists and sundry other uncompromising left-wing propagandists. They will be able to claim, with considerable justification, that the United States is a selfish, self-centered paper tiger, caring little for any other people or country, All the countries of the world will be certain loosers. While America's $64 million share of this year's UN budget of $203 million may seem a sizable, even exorbitant sum, it is really a mere pittance for our country, which is by all standard the richest in the world. And althouah this amount, both in nhidutA dollars and percentage contribution Is far and away the largest payment by any single country, a few things must be realized to keep this figure in a proper perspective. Since 1950, more than one-fourth of UN members have regularly contributed larger portions of their Gross National Product to the world organization than does the U.li, IViwi per copita wealth is considered, approximately to Thirds of thr; members assume heavier burdens. Moreover, during the last decade, over 80 per cent of the UN members made larger contributions relative to their military budgets than did America. Finally, rather than assuming a more equal share, the relative position of the United States compared to .other developed nations and to the membership as a whole has been declining since the late 1960's (International Organization, Autumn 1972,). The U.S. position in the world cannot help but be further weakened by this unwise move. But right here on the UNL campus we can do something-now-to show that there are people in the heartland of America who steadfastly support the United Nations and all that it stands for and accomplishes. John vihstadt The vehicle through which we may voice our opinions and backing is the UNL Model United Nations, to be held February 1, 2 and 3, 1973. As the promotional sheet says, this symposium on global politics is a collegiate organization dedicated to the fostering of a functional world community. Designed as a forum for students to tackle some of the most important international issues, the UNL-MUN has a three-fold purpose: first, to promote interest in the United Nations and understanding of its activities; to encourage a greater knowledge of the world and the international community; and to urge investigation into international relations by providing a dynamic interest for such study. The educational organization, led ably this year by Secretary General Pat Olson, is an ideal way for students to develop a sophisticated and accurate international perspective. Four to six students pick a nation of their choice, taking on its identity. Multiple student delegations allow each member to work with an issue he finds particularly interesting-skyjacking, racial equality, Northern Ireland, population control. With hundreds of students representing various national viewpoints mingling (over 80 delegations have formed so far), one can acquire an appreciation for the wide range of interests and views that must be served and accomodated in everyday international relations. By working from a fresh and untried perspective,. each participant gains a wider and more balanced view of the world. The UNL-MUN has four standing committees (political and security, special political, economic and financial, and social humanitarian and cultural) which have varied agendas. Planned discussion items include the continuing problems in the Middle East and Northern Ireland, Apartheid in South Africa, international regulation of dangerous drugs and terrorism and air piracy. Delegations are given comprehensive information packets a month before the conference and an exhaustive resource library staff by Beth Popken is located in room 237 Union. A prominent international figure will deliver the keynote address. No debating ability or prior UN knowledge or experience is assumed or required. It is always easy to step out of committee meetings and the General Assembly to attend classes and engage in other activities. Trophies are awarded to the top five delegations at the close of MUN, and several outstanding delegates will be invited to attend the Midwest Model UN at St. Louis later in February. Show that you care. Become a part of UNL-MUN 1973. Stop in at the Union Program Office, room 128 (472-2456) or contact a staff member: Olson, Popken, or Union Advisor Ed Bowe. Your whole world may depend on it. page 4 daily nebraskan