Seattle University - Aegis Yearbook (Seattle, WA)

Page 27 text:

II

Page 26 text:

democracy in an age of scarcity An interface is an intellectual soul searching with prominent humanists playing priests during discussions probing an issue: Is democracy possible in an age of scarcity? Personal responsibility seemed to be the central solution to all questions. A seven week program was sponsored by the Washington Commission for the Humanities and SU's political science department. The panel included members such as Oregon's ex-governor Tom McCall, Garrett Hardin of life-boat ethics fame, Robert Theobold, futurist consultant, and others from the campus and community. Garrett Hardin, the first interface guest panelist, discussed democracy as a viable form in an age of scarcity on October 31. Unfortunately, he didn't discuss his famous lifeboat ethics which maintain no aid should be given to anyone, including nations in the third world. Such aid, he claims, will only prolong the imbalance now upsetting world ecology via overbreeding. Robert Theobold believed the US could avoid 1984, a totalitarian society depicted in George Orwell's novel, but won't. He cited apathy, unrealistic idealism and a desire to sweep problems under the rug as three responses from people which will hasten the coming of 1984. He offered management viewpoint as the fourth possible response which could thwart 1984. This solution is based on personal honesty and responsibility where each citizen would find some problem to solve and organize others to do the same. Former Oregon governor Tom McCall spoke on November 11 and contended that bureau- cracy is so widespread that the government is no longer responsive to the people. He said land use planning is the most important issue facing America today and cited his state as a world leader in wise land use. McCall called for a sandwich government of local, state and federal governments sharing power and responsibility. This would require grassroots response from the people to take action right where they live. lean Enenon considers a question during her discussion of government needs and the right to privacy. James Parry, John Topel, SI, Doris Pieroth, guest discussant, and Elbert Beamer were panelists for the education forum on November 18. Campion Tower provided the setting for evening sessions of the interface, while a noon program was duplicated for students.

Page 28 text:

hjr-19 The Seattle University Committee for HJR-19 spent long hours this fall registering voters and trying to convince them the measure did not mean an end of church-state separation. They failed. The initiative would have permitted the state legislature to consider giving students in private schools and universities public tax money whthout being in violation of the state constitution. HJR-19 would have changed five words in the state constitution which force the state supreme court to strike down any legislative attempt to give aid to students in private schools. Bob Casey, ASSU first vice president, and several other SU students and faculty members worked to organize the campus committee which joined a state-wide organization attempt to pass the initiative. Attorney John Hempelman, coordinator for the South King County campaign, congratulated the university committee at its victory party on election night for conducting a clean campaign. Edmund Ryan, SJ, former SU president, said that while the failure was discouraging, victory was sure to be won in the near future for across the state private education institutions were joining together to protect their interests. HJR-19 went down to a 60 per cent no vote despite a statewide campaign with which SU worked closely. Edmund Ryan, SJ, former SU president, greets HJR-19 supporters at a victory party at Campion Tower election night. t I 1 24