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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.
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