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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (April 15, 1993)
‘If They Totally Get Their Way. . r Future global history turns liberal, abandons Eurocentricity This is part one of a two-part fiction story Dec. 24,2043—The red minivan pulled into my driveway at exactly 5 p.m. As it slopped, I could see the four bright shining faces beaming at me. I was looking forward to my family’s arrival lor one reason: I wanted to see my grandsons. My son, I could put up with, but not as much since he married Hillary Clinton’s look-alike. But he (and she) were worth it tosec the kids— whose minds I hoped to salvage this year. As I opened the door, my grand sons ran into the room. “Hello, you little monsters,” I said. “How are things with you guys?" “They’re fine," said the older, Ron. “School is tough, though.” “American history gelling you, huh?” “Don’t be silly, grandpa,” said the younger, Sam. "They don’t teach that Yur — Yuri —” “Eurocentric,” Ron said. “They don’t teach that Eurocentric stuff anymore. That wouldn’t be cultur ally sensitive. No, Sam hcrcissludy ingglobal history.” “I’m doing real good, too,” he said. “We’re learning about famous people and events and stuff.” “I remember doing just that,” I said. “We learned about the Decla ration of Independence and Co lumbus’ landing in 1492, and about the Pilgrims coming in 1620—” "Oh, no,” Sam said. "Those are under the bad events. Just a little number of people forced their be liefs on a big number of people. We study things like the introduction of welfare in the 1930s or Roc vs. Wade in the 1970s.” “Doyou know what those were? Welfare made everyone lazy and Roe vs. Wade made it legal to murder children.” “Don’t get mad at Sammy,” Ron said. “He’s just telling the truth. You’re too far stuck in the past. Everyone knows abortion is a per fectly normal thing.” “You haven’t been telling me much about yourself, youngster," I said. “What have you been doing?” “Well, I’m starting to reach pu berty and there’s this guy in my math class that I think likes me ." Ron didn’t get to finish his sen tence because I was drinking cof fee at the time, and I let the sip I had just taken fly across the room in a spray that caught there for a mo ment the sun’s spectrum. "Arc you OK, grandpa?” he said. “Did (cough) did you just say a guy? I mean, it’s his business and all, but you?. . ‘Sure. It’s perfectly normal, you know. Mr. Strocanoff said so in Human Growth. You know, most of the population will supposedly go both ways. You might even be one of us.” “By God, if you weren’t only 12. . . .” 1 said under my breath. “So what else arc you doing?” “Well, we’re studying govern ments. I swear, grandpa, those Rus sians arc so backward." “Well, 1 used to think so when I was your age.” “No, you don’t get it. They’re all a bunch of pure capitalists. They’re exploiting each other. I mean, they don’t even have a national health care plan, sincethcirConslitutional Court ruled that was best left to private business. And look at all the rich people there are.” “Well, if you were rich, you’d feel differently now.” “No, I don’t think so. I’d want things to be like they arc. Aren’t you nappy, anyway? You have So cial Security and all that.” “Yes. For a few years, I had to depend on it. They fired me from my columnist’s post for being loo conservative. Butnow I write books, and boy, do they sell.” “Yeah, my teacher says it’s ‘feed ing off people’s fear.’" “Well, let me tell you something. That ‘fear’ paid for your new bike this year, I’ll tell you.” “Ron!” My son called from the other room. “You know better than to talk to your grandfather about these things. Go play outside or something.” “You know, 1 think I’ll play, too,” I said. “How about a game of base ball?” Jan Calinger is a freshman news editorial major and a Diversions contribu tor. Brian Sheilito/DN At State Pail fro >m Dance 'w^SyssSsas® Advanced Tickt. available at City and East Union, The Fort, and Gateway Western. Is There A Place? Is there a place for me to rest, near your heart where love is best’ Will you be there when I shed my tears? Can you hold me to prevent all fear? As time goes by will we ever be together, without having problems or changes like the weather. Can 1 share my feelings without a doubt, in hopes that we can work them out? Will you save me a place where no one’s there, to show how much you truly care? When things come down can I depend on you to always be there and sec me through? I care for you this is no lie, you are to me a sweet and special guy. As time goes on there are Kroblems that we must face ut 1 hope near your heart I hold a special place. Linda Kay .Morgan is a junior broadcast ing major and a Diversions contributor. Will It Be You? I sil here wondering whether I’ll find, someone who's willing to be all mine. Someone who will hold and squeeze me light. Someone who will always treat me right. Someone whose feelings and laughter I can share. Someone who will always be there. Until I find someone for me, I’ll sit and wait so patiently. I’ll sit here for however long it takes, because I believe good things come to those who wail. I’ll sit here hoping the next person’s true. I can’t help but wonder, will it be you? -Kimberly Spurlock Together Times are different and people’s feelings often change, but my feelings for you will remain. We were once together, but although we’re apart, you’ll always have a special place in my heart. We’re still young, yes, us two, but I know what I had was love for you. Maybe one day we can start once more and be together like we were before. Maybe someday we will both sec that our love for one another was meant to be. - Kimberly Spurlock • Don't Touch Me lJon t touch my body cuz you might touch my heart instead a girl must be careful where she lays her head * to sleep at night on a pillow of shame to awake in the mornin’ lo awake lo the rain * lo awake from a nighi of deep cciasy to find whai was iwo... might now be THREE three made from TWO ycl TWO becomes ONE when ONE slays ai home.... and ONE’S on ihc run so, ONE stands alone while ONE. goes free now there wouldn’t be three, cuz this shouldn’t be if she could foresee and say DON’T TOUCH. .. ME. -April Patrick